Best Online Colleges in Mississippi
Mississippi’s lower-than-average higher education costs make the state an appealing destination for online learning. Lower tuition rates make it easier to reduce debt while you earn valuable academic credentials at an accredited school.
This guide highlights some of the best online colleges in Mississippi for students seeking accredited learning opportunities. Connect with quality schools, compare programs, and identify promising career paths to pursue as a Mississippi college graduate.
Mississippi at a Glance
- According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are 18 nonprofit four-year institutions in Mississippi.
- Per the U.S. Census Bureau, 27% of adults in the state hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- In fall 2023, about 59% of students at Mississippi institutions were enrolled in online courses, per NCES.
- According to NCES, in fall 2023, there were over 37,000 students aged 25 and older enrolled at Mississippi colleges.
Best Online Colleges in Mississippi
Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Located in the city of Mississippi State, Mississippi State University offers 396 total programs. The institution's graduation rate is 60%, and its student-to-faculty ratio is 17-to-1, providing ample opportunities for individual attention. Additionally, 87 degree programs are available online, accounting for roughly 22% of all programs offered by the school.
When it comes to financial aid, 97% of students receive aid. At MSU, the average amount of aid awarded is $9,318. This lowers the average cost after aid to $16,175. In addition, 42% of students receive loans, with an average loan award amount of $6,813.
Key Points:
- Avg. Cost per Credit: Not Available
- Avg. Annual Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,318
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
- Number of Programs Available Online: 87
43%
$ 9,110
81%
$24,790
- Acceptance Rate
- 76%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,086
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Southern Mississippi
- Hattiesburg, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The University of Southern Mississippi, based in Hattiesburg, offers an extensive selection of 174 programs. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16-to-1, ensuring you're not just another face in the crowd.
Financial aid is a vital part of the Southern Miss experience for many learners. The average amount of aid awarded is $9,210, with 93% of students receiving some form of aid. In terms of flexible studies, the university offers 36 online degree programs, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
Key Points:
- Avg. Cost per Credit: Not Available
- Avg. Annual Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,210
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
- Number of Programs Available Online: 36
68%
$ 9,094
70%
$11,094
- Acceptance Rate
- 96%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,146
- Institution Type
- Public
Jackson State University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Jackson State University, found in the city of Jackson, offers a total of 90 academic programs. The student-to-faculty ratio is a balanced 15-to-1, meaning you'll have easy access to your professors. What's more, 40% of the school's programs are offered online, making it a good choice if you prefer remote learning.
At JSU, 99% of students receive some form of financial aid, with the average amount awarded being $9,636. If you need to take out loans, the average amount in loans awarded is $8,551.
Key Points:
- Avg. Cost per Credit: Not Available
- Avg. Annual Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,636
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
- Number of Programs Available Online: 36
90%
$8,270
77%
$8,270
- Acceptance Rate
- 62%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,080
- Institution Type
- Public
Belhaven University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Belhaven University, based in Jackson, provides 85 programs for you to choose from. With an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 10-to-1, you can expect personalized attention in your classes.
When it comes to financial support, Belhaven has a solid track record. All students receive some form of aid, lessening the burden of tuition. And if you're considering an online degree, Belhaven offers 28 degree programs online, accounting for about one-third of its programs.
Key Points:
- Avg. Cost per Credit: Not Available
- Avg. Annual Amount of Aid Awarded: Not Available
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
- Number of Programs Available Online: 28
69%
$27,450
68%
$27,450
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,278
- Institution Type
- Private
Who Accredits Online Colleges in Mississippi?
Accreditation verifies that a school meets certain standards of academic quality. Accreditation matters when you are choosing an online college. By attending an accredited online college, you can qualify for federal student aid programs, such as the Pell Grant. Your credits are also more likely to transfer to other institutions.
In Mississippi, agencies that confer institutional accreditation include the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Some programs — like nursing, psychology, and education — may also be awarded programmatic accreditation, which evaluates how well a specific course of study prepares students for jobs in the field.
How Much Does College Cost in Mississippi?
Mississippi’s higher education costs fall well below national averages. Savings opportunities are strongest in the state’s private college network, where undergraduate and graduate tuition rates are 34% and 36% lower, respectively, than the national average costs.
Despite a clear path to savings, costs remain high, and you may need help meeting them. The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid offers several initiatives that can help:
- HELP Program: This need-based grant could cover up to the full cost of your tuition.
- MTAG Program: The Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant provides $500-$1,000 in direct aid to eligible undergraduates.
- MESG Program: The merit-based Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant offers up to $2,500 in funding to high-achieving students.
You can also qualify for savings at Mississippi public colleges if you come from one of the 14 other participating states in the Academic Common Market (ACM). The ACM is a tuition reciprocity program run by the Southern Regional Education Board.
Career Opportunities in Mississippi
$39,070
Median annual wage in MS (May 2024)
+6.1%
Projected job growth in MS (2022-2032)
+3.9%
Unemployment rate in MS (August 2025)
Mississippi has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States, boosting its appeal for college graduates who tend to earn significantly higher wages than workers who do not have a degree. You can position yourself for even greater success by training for a high-growth, high-demand career path.
High-growth roles in the state that you can pursue with only an associate degree include physical therapist assistant, respiratory therapist, and diagnostic medical sonographer. The fastest-growing bachelor’s degree careers include conservation scientist and medical and health services manager.
Popular Cities for Recent Grads
Jackson
- Mississippi’s state capital employs a large number of government workers.
- Jackson County has strong manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and hospitality industries.
- In 2023, Jackson County’s economic growth rate (+6%) doubled the statewide figure (+3%).
Madison
- Madison’s municipal government describes the city of about 28,000 residents as “Mississippi’s most successful city.”
- In the city, 68% of adults have at least a bachelor’s degree.
- At nearly $120,000 per year, the median household income is very high for the state.
Olive Branch
- This city of about 47,000 people is within easy commuting distance of Memphis.
- The city was highlighted in 2023 by Fortune as one of the best places in the United States to raise a family.
- Olive Branch is relatively young, with a 2023 median age of 37.6 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2022-2023, NCES recognized 33 degree-granting institutions in Mississippi. Of those schools, 23 were public institutions, 15 were two-year public schools, and eight were four-year public colleges. Nine of 10 recognized private institutions were nonprofit.
