Best Value Social Work Colleges in Mississippi

Mississippi's social work programs deliver remarkable affordability with Rust College leading at just $8,751 net cost, while Mississippi State University graduates earn the highest median salary of $28,417. The 11 programs span from $8,751 to $22,078 in net costs, creating accessible pathways into a field where Mississippi faces critical workforce shortages. With the state's expanding healthcare systems like UMMC and ongoing rural community needs, social work graduates find strong placement opportunities. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with six schools offering net costs below $16,000 annually.

Programs

$8,751 – $22,078

Net Price Range

$24,320

Avg. Program Earnings

45.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, Mississippi	$14,224	$28,236	$9,618	50.6%	98.8%
2	Mississippi State University Mississippi State, Mississippi	$15,501	$28,417	$9,815	62.9%	75.2%
3	University of Mississippi University, Mississippi	$13,164	$22,420	$9,412	68.5%	97.4%
4	Mississippi Valley State University Itta Bena, Mississippi	$11,812	$17,334	$7,912	22.1%	64.8%
5	Jackson State University Jackson, Mississippi	$20,191	$25,194	$9,090	32.2%	88.6%
6	Alcorn State University Alcorn State, Mississippi	$14,040		$8,549	46.2%	29.9%
7	Belhaven University Jackson, Mississippi	$22,078		$29,195	51.1%	42.6%
8	Delta State University Cleveland, Mississippi	$13,778		$8,605	46.9%	98.6%
9	Mississippi College Clinton, Mississippi	$20,911		$21,698	62.8%	40.0%
10	Rust College Holly Springs, Mississippi	$8,751		$13,840	27.0%	78.8%
11	Tougaloo College Tougaloo, Mississippi	$15,663		$11,398	32.3%	49.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rust College's social work program such an strong value?

Rust College offers the lowest net cost at $8,751 among all Mississippi social work programs, making it nearly half the price of the next most affordable option. The historically black college provides significant financial aid packages that bring total costs well below the sticker price of $13,840.

How do graduation rates compare across Mississippi's social work programs?

The University of Mississippi leads with a 68.5% graduation rate, followed closely by Mississippi State at 62.9% and Mississippi College at 62.8%. In contrast, Mississippi Valley State University shows a concerning 22.1% graduation rate, indicating significant completion challenges despite low costs.

Is there a significant earnings gap between different Mississippi social work programs?

Yes, graduates from Mississippi State University earn a median of $28,417, which is $11,083 more than University of Mississippi graduates who earn $22,420. Mississippi Valley State University graduates face the lowest earning potential at $17,334 annually.

Does attending a private versus public university affect costs significantly for social work students?

Private universities like Belhaven ($22,078) and Mississippi College ($20,911) cost substantially more than most public options. However, Rust College breaks this pattern as a private institution with the lowest net cost statewide at $8,751.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.