Cheapest Music Colleges in Mississippi

Rust College stands out as Mississippi's most affordable music program at just $8,751 net price, while Millsaps College costs nearly three times more at $25,291. The state's 15 music programs span a wide cost spectrum, with public universities averaging around $14,000 compared to private institutions that can reach $25,000 annually. Mississippi's rich musical heritage creates unique opportunities for graduates, from blues tourism in the Delta region to performance venues in Jackson and the Gulf Coast casino entertainment industry. The University of Mississippi offers strong value with a 68.50% graduation rate and $13,164 net cost, while acceptance rates vary dramatically from Alcorn State's selective 29.93% to Mississippi University for Women's open 99.11%. Students benefit from the state's low cost of living, making their education dollars stretch further than in most other states.

Programs

$8,751 – $25,291

Net Price Range

45.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Music 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 makes Rust College the cheapest music program option in Mississippi?

Rust College offers the lowest net price at $8,751 for music students, significantly below the state average of $15,900. As a private historically black college, it provides substantial financial aid packages that bring costs down from the $13,840 sticker price. The college maintains a 78.76% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. However, students should note the 27.00% graduation rate when considering this budget-friendly option.

How do public university music programs compare to private colleges in Mississippi?

Public universities in Mississippi average around $14,000 in net costs, with schools like University of Mississippi at $13,164 and Mississippi State at $15,501. Private institutions show much wider variation, from Rust College's $8,751 to Millsaps College's $25,291. Public schools generally offer better graduation rates, with University of Mississippi at 68.50% and Mississippi State at 62.90%. The University of Southern Mississippi provides strong value at $14,224 with a 50.60% graduation rate.

Is financial aid availability different between Mississippi's music programs?

Financial aid varies significantly across Mississippi's music programs, with some schools offering substantial discounts from sticker prices. Mississippi University for Women reduces costs from $8,092 to $13,198 net price, while Belhaven University shows a large gap from $29,195 sticker to $22,078 net. The state's Eminent Scholars Grant provides full tuition coverage for high-achieving students. Schools with lower acceptance rates like Alcorn State (29.93%) and Mississippi College (39.99%) tend to be more selective with merit aid.

Where can music graduates find employment opportunities in Mississippi?

Mississippi's music industry includes blues tourism throughout the Delta region, casino entertainment along the Gulf Coast, and performance venues in Jackson and other metropolitan areas. The state's low cost of living allows music professionals to maintain a higher standard of living on modest incomes. Teacher shortages create strong placement opportunities for music education graduates in public schools statewide. Many graduates also find work in the growing healthcare sector, using music therapy skills at major employers like the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

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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.