About University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi stands out for its polymer science program, one of the nation's most respected research centers in materials engineering. The school serves 9,899 students in Hattiesburg and has built a strong reputation in music education and teacher preparation. NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre represents the university's athletic tradition as its most famous alumnus. With a 98.84% acceptance rate, Southern Miss welcomes nearly all qualified applicants.
Students pay an average net price of $14,224 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options for a research university education. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,140 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at $22,500. The monthly loan payment averages $239, which represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students.
Women make up 63.79% of the student body, creating a female-majority campus environment. The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 15 sports with a $5.67 million athletic scholarship budget. Only 51.08% of students graduate within four years, suggesting that many take longer to complete their degrees while balancing work and family responsibilities common in this region.
Students pay an average net price of $14,224 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options for a research university education. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,140 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at $22,500. The monthly loan payment averages $239, which represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students.
Women make up 63.79% of the student body, creating a female-majority campus environment. The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 15 sports with a $5.67 million athletic scholarship budget. Only 51.08% of students graduate within four years, suggesting that many take longer to complete their degrees while balancing work and family responsibilities common in this region.
Academics & Faculty
Southern Mississippi operates as a public research university with notable strengths in polymer science, music, and teacher education. The school maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to professors for its 9,899 students. However, the 51% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete their degrees. The university's polymer science program has earned national recognition, while the music school attracts students from across the region. Teacher education remains a cornerstone program, reflecting the university's historical mission. With a 71% retention rate, about three in ten students transfer or leave after their first year, indicating mixed levels of student satisfaction and academic preparedness.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.6%
- Retention Rate
- 70.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,140
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $156,846 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,073 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $67,660 |
| Public Health. | Master | $61,516 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,254 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,358 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $52,464 |
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $48,432 |
| Data Processing. | Bachelor | $47,846 |
Campus Life
Hattiesburg sits 90 minutes north of New Orleans and two hours south of Jackson, putting you in the heart of the Mississippi pine belt. The humid subtropical climate means you'll need more sunscreen than sweaters, with summers that stretch into October. Only about 36% of the 9,899 students live in campus housing, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere during weekdays.
The Golden Eagles dominate weekend conversations, especially during football season when students pack M.M. Roberts Stadium. With 63.79% women, the campus has a female-heavy student body that shapes the social active. Greek life provides structure for many students, while the historic downtown district offers coffee shops and local restaurants within walking distance. The university's strong music program means you'll hear everything from jazz ensembles to marching band practice echoing across the quad. Students often head to nearby De Soto National Forest for outdoor recreation or make the drive to the Gulf Coast beaches. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for mentorship, particularly valuable given the 50.60% six-year graduation rate that reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face here.
The Golden Eagles dominate weekend conversations, especially during football season when students pack M.M. Roberts Stadium. With 63.79% women, the campus has a female-heavy student body that shapes the social active. Greek life provides structure for many students, while the historic downtown district offers coffee shops and local restaurants within walking distance. The university's strong music program means you'll hear everything from jazz ensembles to marching band practice echoing across the quad. Students often head to nearby De Soto National Forest for outdoor recreation or make the drive to the Gulf Coast beaches. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for mentorship, particularly valuable given the 50.60% six-year graduation rate that reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face here.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 3,539 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1910
Campus Safety (2023)
16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–59°F
- July Avg
- 71°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 64.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.9"
Student Demographics
Southern Miss draws students who want quality education without breaking the bank, with nearly half receiving Pell Grants and 68% coming from Mississippi. The student body is about two-thirds women, reflecting the university's strength in education, nursing, and social work programs that traditionally attract more female students. The campus brings together a diverse mix, with 57% white and 28% Black students creating one of the more integrated student bodies in the region. Most students stay close to home, drawn by strong teacher preparation programs and the university's reputation as an accessible path to the middle class.
- Men
- 36.2%
- Women
- 63.8%
- White
- 57.3%
- Black
- 28.3%
- Hispanic
- 4.7%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 68.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 46.6%
Location
The University of Southern Mississippi sits in Hattiesburg, a college town of about 48,000 people in south-central Mississippi. The campus lies roughly 100 miles northeast of New Orleans and 85 miles southeast of Jackson, Mississippi's capital. This pine belt region combines small-city amenities with Southern charm, anchored by the university's presence since 1910. Nearly 70% of students come from within Mississippi, creating a strong local connection. Hattiesburg offers affordable living with the median net price at $14,224 annually. The area features rolling hills covered in longleaf pine forests, providing a quint Southern college experience. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare University of Southern Mississippi with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,140
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,681
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Southern Mississippi?
University of Southern Mississippi admits 98.84% of applicants with an average ACT score of 24. This open admissions policy makes USM accessible to most high school graduates seeking a research university education in Mississippi.
How much does University of Southern Mississippi cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,224 annually at University of Southern Mississippi. Nearly half of students receive financial aid, with low-income families paying as little as $11,574 per year after grants and scholarships.
What is University of Southern Mississippi known for academically?
University of Southern Mississippi operates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its diverse programs. The school has built strong reputations in polymer science, music education, and teacher preparation programs that serve the region.
What are the graduation rates at University of Southern Mississippi?
About 51% of students graduate within four years at University of Southern Mississippi, with the six-year rate reaching 50.60%. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,140 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the practical career preparation the university provides.
Where is University of Southern Mississippi located and what is campus life like?
University of Southern Mississippi sits in Hattiesburg, a small city setting with 9,899 total students. The campus houses 3,539 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community feel with women comprising nearly 64% of the student body.
Does University of Southern Mississippi have notable alumni?
University of Southern Mississippi counts NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre among its most famous graduates, along with actor Reed Oliver and choreographer Susan Marshall. The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 368 student-athletes across 15 varsity sports in the Sun Belt Conference.
