Best Colleges in Mississippi

Mississippi College is the second-oldest Baptist-affiliated college in the U.S. and the oldest college in Mississippi. As the largest private institution in the state, MC enrolls more than 5,000 students each year at its 320-acre campus in Clinton. Online undergraduates at MC can pursue bachelor's degrees in eight disciplines. Four of these available majors -- accounting, business administration, communication, and finance -- offer both a bachelor of science and a bachelor of arts to accommodate professional and academic plans. Graduate students can choose from 20 master's and education specialist degrees or a doctorate in professional counseling. The 30-credit MBA is offered in an accelerated format with eight-week classes. Undergraduate admission requires official transcripts and test scores. Graduate admission requirements vary by program. Out-of-state online students pay in-state tuition rates.

The University of Southern Mississippi features a main campus in Hattiesburg; a second campus in Long Beach; and five additional sites across the state, including the John C. Stennis Space Center and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. On campus and online, Southern Miss serves approximately 14,000 students each year. Online students can choose from 49 online programs, including undergraduate and graduate certificates and bachelor's, master's, and education specialist degrees. Additional postgraduate options include two doctorates of education and a Ph.D. in nursing leadership. A majority of online courses at Southern Miss are asynchronous, though individual professors may require synchronous meetings hosted via webcam or chat. Online undergraduate core courses are offered in partnership with the Mississippi Virtual Community College. Undergraduate admission requires a minimum 2.0 high school GPA and qualifying test scores. Graduate admission is competitive and requirements vary by program. Out-of-state online students pay in-state tuition rates.

Mississippi State University is a public, land-grant research university located in Starkville. More than 21,000 students attend classes on the main campus, making MSU the largest campus by enrollment in the state. Over 40 online programs are available at MSU, including six certificates and seven bachelor's, 22 master's, and seven doctoral degrees in the arts, sciences, business, education, and technology fields. MSU offers a wide selection of engineering degrees to graduate students, with options in aerospace, civil, computational, industrial, mechanical, and electrical and computer disciplines. Other scientific areas of study available online include geosciences, food science, forestry, and biology. Prospective undergraduates must supply official transcripts. Graduate admission requirements vary by program. Online learners pay the same tuition, regardless of where they live.

William Carey University is a Christian liberal arts college affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. With campuses in Hattiesburg and Biloxi, the school also offers a selection of hybrid and fully online programs, making it one of the best online colleges in Mississippi. Students seeking a mix of online and on-campus courses can pursue one of William Carey University's three hybrid programs, including an elementary education bachelor's designed for working teacher assistants and doctoral tracks in nursing education and nursing administration. For additional flexibility, the school offers three bachelor's and 14 master's programs in a fully online format in disciplines such as business, criminal justice, nursing, music and ministry studies, and education. First-year students must supply a completed application, transcripts, and test scores. Prospective graduate and postgraduate students must meet program-specific requirements. Online tuition rates are not impacted by state residency.

Chartered by the Mississippi Legislature in 1844, the University of Mississippi was the state's first and only public higher education institution for more than two decades. Today, this research university enrolls more than 20,000 students each year across multiple campuses, and is one of the best online colleges in Mississippi. Ole Miss offers dozens of online undergraduate courses designed to supplement an on-campus curriculum. Undergraduates can also complete 10 minors in an online format, while graduate students can choose from 14 fully online certificates and degrees. Notable graduate options include a master's degree in air and space law and an education specialist degree in counselor education with a play therapy track. To apply to an online graduate program, prospective students must apply to the graduate school and meet program specific requirements; these may include a minimum GPA, work experience, licensure, and/or prerequisites.

Although affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Millsaps College's academic programs do not require or emphasize Christian teachings. The school offers dozens of undergraduate degrees and one master's degree, attracting prospective students with a wide variety of academic interests and career goals. The school's many academic minors also help learners customize their degrees. To promote academic success, Millsaps implemented the Compass Curriculum in 2015. In this program, first-year students take specialized courses that hone writing and research skills. At the same time, degree-seekers explore different majors through Explorations Courses, which provide a broad overview of many academic topics. Prospective students must submit a high school diploma or GED certificate, as well as ACT or SAT scores. Transfer students with a minimum 3.2 GPA qualify for up to $15,000 in scholarships and a housing allowance. Other scholarship opportunities at this Mississippi college consider an applicant's high school GPA and standardized test scores.

Blue Mountain College is a liberal arts college affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. Founded as a women's college in 1873, BMC became fully coeducational in 2005 and now enrolls approximately 600 students each year. Small class sizes, personal attention, flexibility, and value help make BMC one of the best online colleges in Mississippi. Undergraduate students can choose from three program options in psychology or business administration, available as a bachelor of arts or science degree. Business administration students can further customize their curriculum with a concentration in marketing or management. BMC offers six annual start dates and courses last eight weeks. BMC does not charge an application fee. Undergraduate admission decisions are based upon prospective students' high school and/or college academic records and test scores. All online learners pay the same tuition rates, regardless of state residency.

Established in 1884, the Mississippi University for Women was the first public women's college established in the country. It became fully coeducational in 1982. Today, the university serves more than 2,500 learners each year online and from its campus in Columbus. Community college graduates can transfer to MUW to complete a bachelor's degree online. Programs are available in a variety of disciplines, including general business, public health education, and human resources management. MUW also offers four online master's degrees related to business administration, education, or public health. A final, notable online offering is a 15-credit executive certificate in general business, which promotes professional skills and knowledge without requiring the commitment of a full degree plan. Undergraduate transfer applicants must possess a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in prior college courses. Prospective graduate students must submit applicable test scores, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.

Many degree-seekers choose Delta State University for the university's popular nursing, education, and business programs. This Mississippi university also features traditional liberal arts programs, offered through its College of Arts and Sciences. Undergraduates can select from more than 40 majors, and students benefit from small class sizes and faculty who promote ethical and intellectual development. The Honors Program at Delta State attracts motivated degree-seekers who want an enhanced educational experience; application requirements include studying full time, a minimum 3.5 GPA, and at least a 26 on the ACT. Honors students benefit from priority registration and exclusive academic opportunities. Delta State accepts GED and HiSET scores. Other application requirements for prospective first-year students include ACT or SAT scores. Out-of-state students do not pay a higher tuition rate, and the university allows university-funded scholarships to stack. Applicants need only submit one scholarship application to apply for all institutional awards.

A historically black college, Tougaloo College prepares students for leadership positions in medicine, law, and education. The college's academic divisions feature undergraduate majors in child development, health and recreation, and economics. Degree-seekers in Tougaloo's Honors Program enjoy smaller class sizes and participate in community service projects. Tougaloo promotes learners' academic success in many ways. The college participates in the federal TRiO program to provide first-generation college students with additional educational resources at no extra cost. Also, the school's student success center offers individual tutoring sessions and workshops. Additionally, the college's SLAM Workshops provide local high school students with college-preparation services, including math and science tutoring. Application requirements include a high school diploma or GED certificate, as well as ACT or SAT scores. Homeschooled students submit a unique application that features an essay and an academic portfolio. Academic scholarships at Tougaloo require two recommendation letters and a minimum 3.0 high school GPA.