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Urban Colleges in Mississippi

7 schools in Mississippi. See our methodology.

Mississippi's urban colleges operate in the nation's most affordable state, with net prices ranging from just $14,224 at the University of Southern Mississippi to $25,291 at Millsaps College. Jackson serves as the educational center, hosting four institutions including Belhaven University, which maintains the lowest acceptance rate at 42.6% while producing graduates earning $46,440 annually. The earnings gap between schools is substantial, with Millsaps College graduates earning $53,848 compared to $34,724 at Tougaloo College. These urban campuses benefit from Mississippi's Eminent Scholars Grant program and proximity to major employers like the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Ingalls Shipbuilding. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Millsaps College's 55.5% to just 32.2% at Tougaloo College, reflecting the different student populations these institutions serve across Mississippi's urban centers.
7
Schools
$19,083
Avg. Net Price
$43,056
Avg. Earnings
43.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Mississippi

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Midsize 1,370 $22,078 51.1%
2 City-Small 1,818 $17,052 40.8%
3 City-Midsize 681 $15,663 32.3%
4 City-Small 9,899 $14,224 50.6%
5 City-Midsize 580 $25,291 55.5%
6 City-Midsize 4,769 $20,191 32.2%
7 City-Midsize 400

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Mississippi urban colleges so affordable compared to other states?

Mississippi's status as the lowest cost-of-living state in America allows urban colleges to maintain remarkably low net prices. The University of Southern Mississippi costs just $14,224 annually, while even private Millsaps College at $25,291 remains below national averages for similar institutions.

How do acceptance rates vary among Mississippi's urban colleges?

Acceptance rates span from highly selective Belhaven University at 42.6% to the University of Southern Mississippi's open-access policy at 98.8%. Most institutions maintain moderate selectivity, with William Carey University accepting 53.6% and Tougaloo College admitting 49.3% of applicants.

Is Jackson the primary center for urban higher education in Mississippi?

Jackson hosts four of the seven urban colleges, including Belhaven University, Millsaps College, Jackson State University, and Strayer University. This concentration provides students access to the University of Mississippi Medical Center and state government internships while maintaining affordable living costs.

Does graduate earning potential justify the cost differences between schools?

Millsaps College graduates earn $53,848 annually despite the highest net price of $25,291, while University of Southern Mississippi graduates earn $44,140 with costs of just $14,224. The return on investment varies significantly, with private colleges generally producing higher-earning graduates.

Where do Mississippi urban college graduates find employment opportunities?

Graduates benefit from Mississippi's teacher shortage crisis, creating immediate job opportunities in education. Major employers include the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Ingalls Shipbuilding, and state government agencies concentrated in Jackson, providing career paths aligned with local economic needs.

Related

Urban Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Mississippi Cheapest Programs in Mississippi

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.