Cheapest Biology Colleges in Mississippi

Rust College offers Mississippi's most affordable biology program at just $8,751 net cost, though graduates earn $17,595 annually compared to Mississippi State's $30,119 for biology majors. The $16,540 cost gap between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects Mississippi's mix of historically black colleges, regional universities, and private institutions. Public universities like Ole Miss ($13,164) and Southern Miss ($14,224) provide middle-ground pricing with stronger graduation rates of 68.5% and 50.6% respectively. Mississippi's healthcare sector, anchored by the University of Mississippi Medical Center and regional health systems, creates steady demand for biology graduates entering pre-health tracks or laboratory science roles. The state's low cost of living helps offset lower starting salaries, making even modest earnings stretch further than in higher-cost regions.

Programs

$8,751 – $25,291

Net Price Range

$23,581

Avg. Program Earnings

45.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Rust College Holly Springs, Mississippi	$8,751	$13,840	27.0%	78.8%
2	Mississippi Valley State University Itta Bena, Mississippi	$11,812	$7,912	22.1%	64.8%
3	University of Mississippi University, Mississippi	$13,164	$9,412	68.5%	97.4%
4	Mississippi University for Women Columbus, Mississippi	$13,198	$8,092	37.8%	99.1%
5	Delta State University Cleveland, Mississippi	$13,778	$8,605	46.9%	98.6%
6	Alcorn State University Alcorn State, Mississippi	$14,040	$8,549	46.2%	29.9%
7	University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, Mississippi	$14,224	$9,618	50.6%	98.8%
8	Mississippi State University Mississippi State, Mississippi	$15,501	$9,815	62.9%	75.2%
9	Tougaloo College Tougaloo, Mississippi	$15,663	$11,398	32.3%	49.3%
10	William Carey University Hattiesburg, Mississippi	$17,052	$14,685	40.8%	53.6%
11	Blue Mountain Christian University Blue Mountain, Mississippi	$18,062	$19,280	51.2%	95.7%
12	Jackson State University Jackson, Mississippi	$20,191	$9,090	32.2%	88.6%
13	Mississippi College Clinton, Mississippi	$20,911	$21,698	62.8%	40.0%
14	Belhaven University Jackson, Mississippi	$22,078	$29,195	51.1%	42.6%
15	Millsaps College Jackson, Mississippi	$25,291	$43,815	55.5%	67.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings gap between biology programs in Mississippi?

Mississippi State biology graduates earn $30,119 annually while Rust College graduates average $17,595, a $12,524 difference. Mississippi State's research university status and stronger industry connections likely contribute to higher placement rates in laboratory and healthcare roles. The 62.9% graduation rate at Mississippi State compared to 27% at Rust College also suggests different student preparation levels and career outcomes.

How do public university biology costs compare across Mississippi?

Public biology programs range from $11,812 at Mississippi Valley State to $20,191 at Jackson State University. Ole Miss ($13,164) and Mississippi University for Women ($13,198) offer nearly identical net costs despite different campus locations. These public options cost significantly less than most private alternatives, with even the highest-priced public program costing less than 10 of the 15 schools surveyed.

Does graduation rate correlate with biology program cost in Mississippi?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, though exceptions exist. Ole Miss achieves a 68.5% graduation rate at $13,164 net cost, while Blue Mountain Christian ($18,062) reaches 51.2%. The lowest-cost option, Rust College at $8,751, has a 27% graduation rate, suggesting that extremely low prices may indicate resource constraints affecting student success.

Where can Mississippi biology students minimize debt while maximizing earnings potential?

Ole Miss offers the best balance with $25,194 graduate earnings, $21,082 average debt, and $13,164 net cost. Mississippi State provides the highest earnings at $30,119 but costs $15,501 annually with $22,296 debt. Southern Miss represents another solid option with $27,476 graduate earnings and moderate debt of $20,548, making it competitive for students prioritizing return on investment.

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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.