1. University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
Overview
Location: Oxford, Mississippi
Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, is the state’s flagship public research university. It is known for its programs in law, business, engineering, and medicine. The university’s School of Law is highly regarded, as is the University of Mississippi Medical Center, which is the only academic health sciences center in the state. Ole Miss is also famous for its rich traditions and vibrant campus life, including its highly successful Rebels sports teams.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #151 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 21,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Average SAT Score: 1050-1280
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Ole Miss Rebels Athletics
- Greek life
- Student government and leadership programs
- The Ole Miss Student Media Center (newspaper, radio, and TV)
- Volunteer and service organizations
Famous Alumni
- John Grisham – Best-selling author
- Eli Manning – NFL quarterback and Super Bowl MVP
- William Faulkner – Nobel Prize-winning author
- Shepard Smith – Journalist and TV news anchor
- Archie Manning – NFL quarterback
Top Employers
- North Mississippi Health Services
- University of Mississippi Medical Center
- FedEx
- Entergy
- C Spire
2. Mississippi State University
Overview
Location: Starkville, Mississippi
Mississippi State University (MSU), founded in 1878, is a public research university known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and business. The university is home to one of the nation’s top agricultural research programs and the Bagley College of Engineering. MSU is also known for its commitment to aerospace engineering and cyber security research. The university’s emphasis on hands-on learning and research engagement prepares students for careers in STEM fields.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #212 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 22,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Average SAT Score: 1050-1280
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- MSU Bulldogs Athletics
- Greek life
- Student Government Association (SGA)
- Agricultural and engineering research clubs
- Campus ministry and service groups
Famous Alumni
- John C. Stennis – U.S. Senator
- Dak Prescott – NFL quarterback
- Jimmy Buffett – Musician
- Earl W. Bascom – Rodeo Hall of Famer
- Fannie Lou Hamer – Civil rights activist
Top Employers
- Nissan North America
- Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation
- Raytheon Technologies
- Ingalls Shipbuilding
- Sanderson Farms
3. Jackson State University
Overview
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Founded in 1877, Jackson State University (JSU) is a historically black university (HBCU) and a public research institution. JSU is known for its programs in education, public health, business, and STEM fields. The university has a strong commitment to research, particularly in the areas of public health and environmental science. JSU also has a rich cultural history and a vibrant campus life, with notable contributions to music through its marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #331-440 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 7,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Average SAT Score: 960-1130
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Sonic Boom of the South (marching band)
- JSU Tigers Athletics
- Greek life and fraternities/sororities
- Student government and leadership programs
- Volunteer and community service clubs
Famous Alumni
- Walter Payton – NFL Hall of Famer
- Rod Paige – Former U.S. Secretary of Education
- Robert Brazile – NFL Hall of Famer
- Tonea Stewart – Actress
- Cassandra Wilson – Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist
Top Employers
- Jackson Public Schools
- University of Mississippi Medical Center
- Entergy Mississippi
- Comcast
- Trustmark National Bank
4. Millsaps College
Overview
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Founded in 1890, Millsaps College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Known for its rigorous academic programs, Millsaps offers strong majors in business, history, and pre-med. It has a close-knit academic community and is dedicated to providing personalized education and leadership development. Millsaps emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and service to society.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #124 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 800
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average SAT Score: 1120-1320
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Millsaps Majors Athletics
- Greek life
- Student government and leadership organizations
- Performing arts and music groups
- Volunteer and community service projects
Famous Alumni
- Thad Cochran – Former U.S. Senator
- Charles Overby – Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
- David Donald – Pulitzer Prize-winning historian
- Chris McDaniel – Mississippi State Senator
- Gil Carmichael – Businessman and politician
Top Employers
- Trustmark National Bank
- Millsaps College
- St. Dominic’s Hospital
- Ergon, Inc.
- Butler Snow LLP
5. University of Southern Mississippi
Overview
Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), founded in 1910, is a public research university known for its programs in education, nursing, business, and marine sciences. USM is home to one of the top oceanography research centers in the country and has a strong focus on STEM fields. The university’s College of Business and Economic Development is also highly respected, particularly for its entrepreneurial programs.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #331-440 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 14,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Average SAT Score: 1010-1210
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Southern Miss Golden Eagles Athletics
- Greek life
- Southern Miss Pride of Mississippi Marching Band
- Student government and leadership programs
- Marine and environmental research clubs
Famous Alumni
- Jimmy Buffett – Musician
- Brett Favre – NFL Hall of Famer
- Clarence Weatherspoon – NBA player
- Ray Guy – NFL Hall of Famer
- Chuck Scarborough – TV news anchor
Top Employers
- Forrest General Hospital
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Mississippi Power
- Ingalls Shipbuilding
- C Spire
6. Mississippi College
Overview
Location: Clinton, Mississippi
Founded in 1826, Mississippi College (MC) is a private Christian university known for its strong programs in law, nursing, and business. MC is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state and is affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. The university’s School of Law in Jackson is highly regarded, and the School of Nursing has a reputation for excellence in healthcare education. MC emphasizes faith-based learning and leadership development.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 5,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Average SAT Score: 1080-1260
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Choctaws Athletics
- Campus ministry and faith-based organizations
- Law and pre-law clubs
- Student government and leadership programs
- Volunteer and community outreach initiatives
Famous Alumni
- Thad Cochran – Former U.S. Senator
- David Green – CEO of Hobby Lobby
- Randy Pierce – Mississippi Supreme Court Justice
- Robert Pittman – CEO of iHeartMedia
- Trey Lamar – Mississippi State Representative
Top Employers
- Baptist Health Systems
- Ergon, Inc.
- Mississippi College School of Law
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi
- Trustmark National Bank
7. Alcorn State University
Overview
Location: Lorman, Mississippi
Founded in 1871, Alcorn State University is a historically black university (HBCU) and the oldest public HBCU in the United States. Alcorn is known for its strong programs in nursing, agriculture, and education. The university places a strong emphasis on community service and leadership development. Alcorn’s School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences is highly regarded, and the university has a rich history of producing leaders in both public service and education.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #331-440 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 3,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 38%
- Average SAT Score: 850-1060
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Alcorn State Braves Athletics
- Greek life
- Choir and band performances
- Agricultural clubs and organizations
- Volunteer and community service programs
Famous Alumni
- Medgar Evers – Civil rights leader
- Steve McNair – NFL quarterback
- Alex Haley – Author of Roots
- Michael Clarke Duncan – Actor
- Donald Driver – NFL player
Top Employers
- Alcorn State University
- Mississippi Department of Agriculture
- Jackson Public Schools
- Entergy
- Nissan North America
8. Delta State University
Overview
Location: Cleveland, Mississippi
Founded in 1924, Delta State University (DSU) is a public university known for its programs in education, business, and aviation. DSU offers the only commercial aviation program in the state, making it a leader in aviation training. The university also has strong nursing and education programs and is dedicated to providing hands-on learning experiences. Delta State’s proximity to the Mississippi Delta also makes it a cultural hub for the blues.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #90 Regional Universities South
- Number of Students: About 3,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 950-1160
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Delta State Statesmen Athletics
- Flight training and aviation clubs
- Greek life
- Student government and leadership programs
- Performing arts and music groups
Famous Alumni
- Brent Leach – MLB pitcher
- Lucy Somerville Howorth – U.S. Attorney and politician
- Jack Gregory – NFL player
- Jerry Rice – NFL Hall of Famer
- Margaret Wade – Basketball coach and women’s sports pioneer
Top Employers
- Delta State University
- Mississippi Department of Education
- Entergy Mississippi
- Cleveland Medical Clinic
- Baxter International
9. Belhaven University
Overview
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Belhaven University, founded in 1883, is a private Christian liberal arts university known for its strong programs in arts, business, and health sciences. Belhaven places a strong emphasis on integrating faith and learning, offering students a Christian worldview in all academic programs. The university’s dance and visual arts programs are particularly well-regarded, as is its School of Business.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #54 Regional Universities South
- Number of Students: About 3,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average SAT Score: 1050-1230
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Belhaven Blazers Athletics
- Campus ministry and faith-based organizations
- Visual and performing arts clubs
- Student government and leadership programs
- Community service and outreach programs
Famous Alumni
- Anthony Thaxton – Artist and filmmaker
- Billy Kim – Evangelist and broadcaster
- Elizabeth Spencer – Novelist
- Fred Brummett – Actor and producer
- Ravi Zacharias – Christian apologist
Top Employers
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems
- Entergy Mississippi
- Trustmark National Bank
- C Spire
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi
10. William Carey University
Overview
Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Founded in 1906, William Carey University is a private Christian university with strong programs in education, nursing, and health sciences. The university is affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention and focuses on faith-based education and leadership. William Carey’s School of Nursing and its College of Osteopathic Medicine are well-respected in the region.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #37 Regional Universities South
- Number of Students: About 4,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average SAT Score: 1020-1220
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Crusaders Athletics
- Campus ministry and mission trips
- Nursing and healthcare organizations
- Student government and leadership clubs
- Volunteer and community outreach initiatives
Famous Alumni
- David W. Beck – Former U.S. Army General
- Donna F. Martinez – Award-winning educator
- Wade Watts – Civil rights leader
- Erica Spalding – Pediatric nurse and advocate
- C.T. Vivian – Civil rights leader
Top Employers
- Forrest General Hospital
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems
- Hattiesburg Clinic
- William Carey University
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi