About University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi draws 18,995 students to a small college town atmosphere where Southern literary tradition runs deep. This public research university produced Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner and bestselling novelist John Grisham, cementing its reputation for strong journalism and liberal arts programs. The school accepts 97% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1125, making it accessible to students seeking a full university experience. Students come from across the country, with 57% arriving from out of state.
The financial picture works in students' favor. After aid, the average net price drops to $13,164 annually, while graduates earn a median of $50,994 ten years later. Students typically leave with $20,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $212. Low-income families pay just $8,030 net price, making this education remarkably affordable. The 68% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's commitment to student success.
Ole Miss competes in the SEC as the Rebels, fielding 14 varsity sports with $11.3 million in athletic scholarships. The student body is 78% white with growing diversity. Campus housing accommodates 5,690 students in a close-knit community where 88% of freshmen return for sophomore year.
The financial picture works in students' favor. After aid, the average net price drops to $13,164 annually, while graduates earn a median of $50,994 ten years later. Students typically leave with $20,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $212. Low-income families pay just $8,030 net price, making this education remarkably affordable. The 68% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's commitment to student success.
Ole Miss competes in the SEC as the Rebels, fielding 14 varsity sports with $11.3 million in athletic scholarships. The student body is 78% white with growing diversity. Campus housing accommodates 5,690 students in a close-knit community where 88% of freshmen return for sophomore year.
Academics & Faculty
Ole Miss operates as a public research university with nationally recognized programs in journalism, business, and liberal arts. The school's journalism program consistently ranks among the top in the South, while the business school attracts students from across the region. With a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, students receive reasonable access to professors despite the university's size. The 68.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing academics with the intense social culture. Ole Miss particularly excels in English and Southern literature studies, building on its connection to Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner and the rich literary tradition of Mississippi. The university's research opportunities span multiple disciplines, though academic rigor varies by program.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 86.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.5%
- Retention Rate
- 87.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,994
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,309 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $112,488 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $88,614 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,015 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $67,324 |
| Engineering Science. | Master | $64,990 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,417 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,447 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $57,318 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $56,415 |
Campus Life
Ole Miss sits in a college town 75 miles southeast of Memphis, where 57% of students are women and the campus buzzes with SEC energy. The Grove becomes the epicenter of campus life during football season, hosting legendary tailgating parties that draw alumni from across the South. With housing capacity for 5,690 students out of 18,995 total enrollment, about 30% live on campus in a mix of traditional dorms and newer residential colleges.
The humid subtropical climate means you'll need shorts and sunscreen more than winter coats, though occasional cold snaps require layers. Students spend weekends at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium cheering on the Rebels or exploring Oxford's active Square, home to independent bookstores and restaurants that reflect the town's literary heritage. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for mentorship, especially in the acclaimed journalism school. Greek life dominates the social scene, while the university's connection to authors like William Faulkner and John Grisham infuses campus with Southern literary tradition.
The humid subtropical climate means you'll need shorts and sunscreen more than winter coats, though occasional cold snaps require layers. Students spend weekends at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium cheering on the Rebels or exploring Oxford's active Square, home to independent bookstores and restaurants that reflect the town's literary heritage. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for mentorship, especially in the acclaimed journalism school. Greek life dominates the social scene, while the university's connection to authors like William Faulkner and John Grisham infuses campus with Southern literary tradition.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 5,690 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1848
Campus Safety (2023)
122 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 24 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 29°–51°F
- July Avg
- 70°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 59.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.2"
Student Demographics
Ole Miss draws students from across the Deep South, with 57% out-of-state enrollment reflecting its strong regional reputation beyond Mississippi borders. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, drawn to the university's acclaimed journalism and liberal arts programs. The student body remains predominantly white at 78%, reflecting both Mississippi's demographics and the school's traditional Southern identity. With only 22% receiving Pell Grants, Ole Miss tends to attract middle and upper-middle class families who value its SEC athletics, Greek life culture, and strong alumni network throughout the region.
- Men
- 43.0%
- Women
- 57.0%
- White
- 78.3%
- Black
- 9.7%
- Hispanic
- 5.3%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 43.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.4%
Location
University sits in Oxford, Mississippi, about 75 miles southeast of Memphis, Tennessee. The 18,995-student campus anchors this quintessential college town in the rolling hills of north-central Mississippi. Oxford blends Southern charm with literary heritage as the hometown of William Faulkner and the setting for many of his novels. The Square downtown buzzes with bookstores, restaurants, and shops that cater to the university community. With 43% of students coming from in-state, the campus maintains strong Mississippi roots while drawing students from across the South. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare University of Mississippi with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- University, Mississippi 38677-1848
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,994
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,853
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $212/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Mississippi?
University of Mississippi accepts 97.38% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1125. Ole Miss offers access to quality higher education in the heart of the South, making it relatively easy for qualified students to gain admission to this SEC institution.
How much does University of Mississippi cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $13,164 annually, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,030. The median debt load of $20,000 keeps graduates financially manageable compared to many universities.
What is University of Mississippi known for academically?
Ole Miss has built a strong reputation in journalism, business, and liberal arts with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The university maintains deep connections to Southern literature and has produced notable writers including Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner.
What are the career outcomes for University of Mississippi graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $50,994 ten years after graduation, with a 95.6% employment rate. The 68.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, though those who complete their degrees find solid career prospects.
Where is University of Mississippi located and what's campus life like?
The campus sits in University, Mississippi, a remote college town setting with housing for 5,690 students. With 18,995 total enrollment and 14 varsity sports in the SEC, Ole Miss offers the classic Southern college experience centered around Rebel athletics.
Does University of Mississippi have famous alumni?
The university has produced NFL quarterbacks Eli and Archie Manning, bestselling author John Grisham, and journalist Shepard Smith. This 1848-founded institution continues its legacy of graduating influential figures in sports, literature, and media.
