Best Online Colleges in Mississippi

Discover the top online colleges in Mississippi and the benefits they offer. From affordable tuition to high-paying job opportunities, find your perfect fit.
Danika Miller
By
Edited by
Updated July 2, 2024
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Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.


In recent years, online education has transformed the landscape of higher education, offering flexibility, convenience, and a wide range of degree options. In Mississippi, several top-tier colleges and universities offer accredited online programs, providing students with the opportunity to pursue their educational goals from the comfort of their homes.

We’ll take a closer look at the top online colleges in Mississippi and the benefits they offer to students. From affordable tuition costs to high-paying job opportunities, here’s how these online programs can help you achieve your academic and career goals.

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Best Online Colleges in Mississippi

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
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How We Rank Schools

#1

University of Mississippi

  • University, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Enrolling in Ole Miss Online lets you choose from over 20 fully online degree programs, such as a bachelor's in business administration or a master's in criminal justice. Other master's programs include early childhood education and marketing communication. Degrees feature accelerated tracks for motivated learners, asynchronous learning, and many annual start dates.

Graduate admission requirements include the online application, undergraduate transcripts, and GRE or GMAT scores. Other application materials vary by program. Institutional financial aid exists for Missouri residents and out-of-state degree-seekers. 

59%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,072

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

88%

Retention Rate

$26,292

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
24,043
Institution Type
Public
#2

Mississippi State University

  • Mississippi State, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Out-of-state degree-seekers in an MS State online program pay the in-state tuition rate. Other advantages include asynchronous education and access to the same student support services on-campus learners receive. You can choose from many online bachelor's programs, such as applied science, business administration, and electrical engineering. 

Prospective first-year degree-seekers must hold a high school diploma reflecting a minimum GPA of 2.0. MS State does not require but recommends ACT or SAT scores. New students can check their myState online account to research and apply for the latest institutional grants and scholarships.

45%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,248

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

83%

Retention Rate

$25,294

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
22,657
Institution Type
Public
#3

University of Southern Mississippi

  • Hattiesburg, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Consider USM's online programs if you want a cheaper-than-average education and a generous transfer credit policy. Popular undergraduate degrees include business administration and construction management. Graduate degree-seekers prepare for a leadership position in their organization by earning a master's in library and information science or higher education administration. 

USM waives out-of-state tuition, making it a great choice for prospective students outside the Magnolia State. Undergraduate admission requirements include a high school or GED diploma, standardized test scores, and a non-refundable fee. Graduate programs may use an undergraduate GPA cutoff but do not require GMAT or GRE scores.

77%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

71%

Retention Rate

$11,256

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
99%
Students Enrolled
13,110
Institution Type
Public

Cost of College in Mississippi

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of attending a public college in Mississippi for the academic year 2022-23 was $9,120 for in-state students.

However, this number doesn’t include other expenses such as room, board, and additional costs, which can vary depending on the institution and the student’s circumstances.

Tuition costs can also vary depending on the type of institution, with four-year public institutions charging an average of $9,120 for in-state students and $21,531 for out-of-state students. Private four-year institutions charge an average tuition of $20,042.

Cost of College in Mississippi in 2022-2023
Institution TypeAverage Tuition & Required Fees
Public Four-Year (In-State)$9,120
Public Four-Year (Out-of-State)$21,531
Private Four-Year$20,042
Public Two-Year (In-State)$3,688
Public Two-Year (Out-of-State)$6,233
Source: NCES

The 10 Fastest Growing High-Paying Jobs in Mississippi

Mississippi is experiencing significant growth in a variety of high-paying jobs, according to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.

The healthcare sector, in particular, is booming, with 8 of the top 10 projected fastest-growing high-paying jobs for the period of 2022-2032. Nurse practitioners, physical therapy assistants, and medical and health service managers are among the top-ranking jobs.

The median annual salary for these top ten occupations is more than double the state’s median annual salary, indicating high earning potential. Nurse practitioners have a particularly high concentration in Mississippi, second only to Tennessee. These jobs offer substantial opportunities in terms of job stability, growth potential, and average salaries.

10 Fast Growing Jobs in Mississippi
JobJob Growth 2022-2032Median Annual Wage 2022
Nurse Practitioners97.2%$108,920
Conservation Scientists53.3%$72,820
Physical Therapist Assistants41.8%$61,600
Medical and Health Services Managers37.4%$80,950
Industrial Machinery Mechanics27.6%$52,930
Speech-Language Pathologists23.9%$51,840
Respiratory Therapists21.2%$51,840
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary20%$63,620
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary16.7%$109,290
Physical Therapists16.2%$97,750
Source: Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Mississippi

Some of the cheapest online colleges in Mississippi include Mississippi University for Women and Delta State University, both with tuition rates around $8,000. The cheapest program for you could vary depending on the financial aid and scholarship offers you receive from colleges in Mississippi.

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