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2025 Best UUÖ±²¥s in Mississippi

Written by Liz Heintz • Edited by Bailey Fletcher • Updated 6/10/2024

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The best online degrees in Mississippi offer flexible and accessible education options, with institutions like the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University providing diverse programs. The virtual format accommodates various schedules, making education attainable for working professionals and remote learners. 

Key Takeaways: 

  • Schools on our list with high Salary Scores have median earnings ranging from $66,000 to $75,405.
  • The most affordable schools in Mississippi are below $10,000 in tuition costs.
  • Our "Best by Student Reviews" online colleges in Mississippi have a recommendation rate of 87% or higher.

Additionally, we feature online schools in our "Honorable Mentions" section at the bottom. These institutions have strong support systems for online students, with each serving hundreds of remote learners. Discover more about our selection criteria on our methodology page.

Want an online degree that's:

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  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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Best by Salary Score

By highlighting online schools in Mississippi where alumni achieve outstanding post-graduation success, we aim to guide prospective students toward choices that ensure professional growth. Discover the top schools in Mississippi that promise exceptional value for your future career, with A+ Salary Scores and median earnings as high as $75,405.

William Carey University

Key Metrics:

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earning: $75,405

Why We Like Them:

WCU stands out for its exceptional median earnings of $75,405, placing it in the top 11% nationwide for this metric. This suggests that graduates of WCU's graduates are among the highest earners, demonstrating the institution's strong return on investment. Complementing this is a strong financial support system, with 100% of students receiving financial aid and an average package of $13,331. WCU offers a multitude of online degree programs, designed to be flexible and adapt to the needs of remote learners. You can choose from bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across diverse disciplines such as business, education, and health sciences.

What Students Say:

"My experience at William Carey University was fantastic. It was the best decision I made for my college experience... William Carey had the perfect balance of a small college with a close community while providing a top value education. Even now, I still chat with some of my professors every now and then through social media."

Albert Galeas, Graduated 2012

University of Mississippi

Key Metrics:

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earning: $66,969

Why We Like Them:

Ole Miss excels in terms of median earnings for graduates, with an impressive figure of $66,969. This positions the university in the top 20% when compared to similar institutions, indicating significant post-graduation success. Another indicator of success on your educational journey is the university's retention rate of 89%, placing it among the top 9% of institutions. This metric suggests a high level of satisfaction and engagement among students, who are extremely likely to return after their first year. Ole Miss Online offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including business, education, general studies, and nursing.

What Students Say:

"The University of Mississippi is more than just a world-class education. The level of diversity in and out of the classroom truly makes Ole Miss the ideal university choice...I would make the connections and the friends that will last me a lifetime, while gaining an education that has prepared me well for my future."

Keavy Noblin, Graduated 2017

Best by Affordability

Our curated list showcases online institutions in the state that provide top-notch education without the hefty price tag. These schools, with tuition rates as low as $8,092, offer some of the most affordable online degrees in Mississippi. 

Mississippi University for Women

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $8,092

Why We Like Them:

MUW has an incredibly affordable tuition of $8,092, making it one of the best options for budget-conscious individuals seeking quality education. This tuition rate positions MUW among the top 100th percentile of universities for affordability across the U.S. Another compelling factor is the high percentage of students receiving financial aid, at 99%. Offering a range of online degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and even doctorate degrees across disciplines such as education, healthcare, leadership and management, and nursing, MUW's diverse options cater to various career aspirations.

University of Southern Mississippi

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $9,618

Why We Like Them:

USM has a highly affordable annual tuition of $9,618, placing it in the top 18% for affordability. With 92% of enrollees receiving financial aid, it's evident that USM prioritizes making higher education accessible. The appeal is further enhanced by the online enrollment of 2,222 distance learners, situating USM as a fairly large online school. USM offers a wide array of online programs, including undergraduate degrees in business administration, construction management, and industrial engineering technology, along with graduate degrees like the MLIS in Library and Information Science and EdD in Higher Education Administration, among others.

What Students Say:

"The University of Southern University was a school of diversity, networking, and great professors. Before and after graduation, my professors made sure that I was set up for success. They wrote recommendations, introduced me to people at different companies as well as checked my resume for accuracy. USM is a great place to be because your professors care!"

Jessieca Green, Graduated 2014

Highest Rated by Students

Selecting the right school should involve the evaluation of firsthand experiences. You can learn a lot about a school's values by looking at the genuine experiences of those who have been there. These online Mississippi schools excel in fostering student happiness and perceived value. 

Mississippi State University

Key Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: 3.79/5
  • Number of Reviews: 46
  • Recommend Rate: 87%

Why We Like Them:

MSU's outstanding overall review rating of 3.82 out of 5 underscores the satisfaction among students here. This sense of fulfillment is complemented by a notable graduation rate of 63%, placing MSU in the top 25% for this metric, indicating the school's support system and dedication to student success. Adding to this appeal is MSU's significant online enrollment of 3,686 students, situating it among the top 21% of the most popular online schools. Moreover, MSU offers a variety of online degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, and specialist degrees, as well as online certificates across various disciplines.

What Students Say:

"I enjoyed my time there immensely. The people are great. The professors cared. The classrooms and technology were continually being upgraded in my time there."

Anonymous, Graduated 2008

Mississippi College

Key Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: 3.74/5
  • Number of Reviews: 43
  • Recommend Rate: 88%

Why We Like Them:

MC has overall review rating of 3.74 (out of 5) indirectly highlights strong student satisfaction. Additionally, a median earnings figure of $53,209 suggests a favorable return on investment for graduates. If you consider the average financial aid package of $16,904, coupled with the fact that 100% of students receive financial aid, the financial support at MC is also commendable. Furthermore, MC offers a dynamic range of online degree programs, catering to both undergraduate and graduate levels across various disciplines. From business to education, students can access flexible learning opportunities designed to accommodate their professional and personal commitments.

What Students Say:

"I really enjoyed my time at Mississippi College. If you want a Christian experience along with academics this is the place to go. They professors were very helpful. I still use my books in my grad school. They have great tutorial services when times get rough. My time at this school was great!"

Roz Neal, Graduated 2013

Honorable Mention

Each institution we highlight below delivers a holistic educational experience. Whether your priority is to receive plenty of individual attention or joining a popular online school, these colleges in Mississippi offer a perfect blend of qualities to fulfill your aspirations.

Jackson State University

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 2,865

Why We Like Them:

JSU has 2,865 students studying remotely, placing it among the top 26% of institutions nationwide for the most popular online school. This substantial online presence indicates a well-established infrastructure capable of supporting a vast number of distance learners. Additionally, the overall review rating of 3.65 out of 5 showcases positive feedback from students, underscoring the quality of its online offerings. JSU provides a diverse array of online classes through platforms like Zoom and Canvas, offering both synchronous and asynchronous learning modes. Notably, the online courses at JSU reflect the same curriculum and coursework as traditional, in-person classes, ensuring you receive a comprehensive education in a flexible format.

What Students Say:

"Jackson State University is a great institution to attend for a Bachelors, Masters, Specialist or Doctorate Program... I had an overwhelming amount of support when applying for the Specialist in Education program. My advisor helped me through each step of the program. I couldn't be part of a better program."

Sharron Williams, Graduated 2014

Belhaven University

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 2,158

Why We Like Them:

Belhaven boasts 2,158 students engaged in distance learning, putting it just outside the top 33% of popular online schools in the U.S. We also appreciate that its impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 stands in the top 12% nationally, ensuring you receive personalized attention and support throughout your online journey. What further enhances this school's appeal is the variety of online programs available. Belhaven offers online degrees across multiple levels including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in diverse fields such as business administration, data science, and health administration. With flexible 7-week courses that are 100% online, Belhaven makes it convenient.

What Students Say:

"Belhaven is a small school with a very large alumni base. Belhaven incorporated Christian values in every class assignment."

Jonathan Allen, Graduated 2013

Delta State University

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 776

Why We Like Them:

Delta State currently has 776 students enrolled online. Coupled with a favorable student-faculty ratio of 10:1, you can expect personalized attention and support throughout your online studies. We also appreciate that the earnings median for graduates at Delta State is $53,911, which ranks the school in the top 40% for earning potential. This demonstrates a solid return on investment for your education. Moreover, DSU provides various flexible and affordable online programs, including undergraduate degrees, such as business and nursing, as well as graduate degrees such as an MBA and Master of Professional Accountancy. This range of programs ensures you can find a degree that aligns with your career goals.

What Students Say:

"Delta State is a great school. The professors are knowledgeable and give practical information. You learn something you can take to a job. Delta State is a tough school... it has one of the lowest tuition rates. It's small, affordable, and always looking to improve opportunities for students."

Gregory Braggs Jr., Graduated 2019

Alcorn State University

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 599

Why We Like Them:

ASU has hundreds of online students, reflecting a commitment to distance learning. ASU's financial support is also commendable, with 100% of online students receiving financial aid. From a broader perspective, the university's retention rate of 81% places it in the top 19%, signifying significant student satisfaction and effective support systems for keeping students engaged. We also like to see that the median earnings for ASU graduates are high at $59,216, indicating strong career outcomes post-graduation. You can explore a diverse array of online degrees at ASU, such as undergraduate programs in criminal justice and child development, and graduate programs including workforce education leadership, nurse educator, and an online Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Higher Education in Mississippi

Mississippi is one of the country's most important agricultural states, but it is also heavily invested in manufacturing, aerospace, natural resources, logistics, and other . Among the state's are Nissan, McKesson, McLane, La-Z-Boy, and Sanderson Farms.

Mississippi residents have many options when it comes to preparing to join the state's workforce with a college degree. Public schools include the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, Delta State University, Hinds Community Colleges, East Mississippi Community Colleges, and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Colleges. Private institutions in the state include Mississippi College, Millsaps College, and Belhaven University.

If you're thinking of pursuing a bachelor's or graduate degree through distance learning, there are a number of four-year online colleges in Mississippi, including the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University. Most Mississippi two-year colleges also offer online classes, and several offer fully online associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Some of the most common fields of study include business administration, health sciences, accounting, and English.

Accreditation

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an online college in Mississippi — in addition to cost and program offerings — is accreditation. All of the schools on our list of the best online colleges in Mississippi are accredited, usually by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges () or the Distance Education Accreditation Commission ().

Enrollment in an accredited online college is required to receive financial aid and to transfer credits between colleges. A college degree from an accredited institution may also be needed to enroll in a graduate program or to obtain a state-issued license to practice certain professions, such as a teaching credential. 

If you're looking for specific online programs in Mississippi, you may find them on our Online Nursing Programs in Mississippi and Online MSW Programs in Mississippi pages. 

FAQs About UUÖ±²¥s in Mississippi

How Many Colleges Are in Mississippi?


The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator lists of higher education in Mississippi. About half of them are state universities, community colleges, and other public institutions. The other half are private for-profit and nonprofit schools.

What Are the Best Colleges in Mississippi?


Many notable colleges can be found in Mississippi, perhaps the most familiar being the University of Mississippi in University, often referred to as Ole Miss. Other well-known colleges in the state include Mississippi State University, Mississippi College, the University of Southern Mississippi, Jackson State University, and Alcorn State University.

How Much Is Mississippi College Tuition?


According to provided by the NCES, Mississippi's college tuition and fees are lower than the national average in nearly every category, from public universities' in-state tuition rate to private universities. However, earning a college degree can still be a significant investment, so you might consider some of the following ways to minimize your expenses:

  • Enroll in a Mississippi college online degree program. Some schools set lower tuition rates for their online degree programs than for their traditional, on-campus programs. 
  • Complete your general education coursework at an affordable online community college in Mississippi. You can then transfer your credits to a four-year university where you can earn an in-person or online bachelor's degree. 
  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid. After completing this form, you'll be considered for federal aid as well as such as the Higher Ed Legislative Plan, the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant, and the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant.

Are There Any Historically Black Colleges in Mississippi?


Yes, Mississippi is home to seven HBCUs — five 4-year universities and two community colleges. Jackson State University in Jackson and Alcorn State University in Alcorn are the two largest HBCUs in the state, both offering a full array of on-campus and online degree programs. The remaining HBCUs are Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Rust College in Holly Spring, Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, and Hinds Community College in Utica.

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