Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024
Writer & Editor
Editor & Writer
Writer & Editor
Editor & Writer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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In recent years, online education has transformed the landscape of higher education, offering flexibility, convenience, and a wide range of degree options. In Mississippi, several top-tier colleges and universities offer accredited online programs, providing students with the opportunity to pursue their educational goals from the comfort of their homes.
We'll take a closer look at the top online colleges in Mississippi and the benefits they offer to students. From affordable tuition costs to high-paying job opportunities, here's how these online programs can help you achieve your academic and career goals.
Featured Online Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Mississippi
University, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $514
Out-of-State | $514
Enrolling in Ole Miss Online lets you choose from over 20 fully online degree programs, such as a bachelor's in business administration or a master's in criminal justice. Other master's programs include early childhood education and marketing communication. Degrees feature accelerated tracks for motivated learners, asynchronous learning, and many annual start dates.
Graduate admission requirements include the online application, undergraduate transcripts, and GRE or GMAT scores. Other application materials vary by program. Institutional financial aid exists for Missouri residents and out-of-state degree-seekers.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $444
Out-of-State | $444
Out-of-state degree-seekers in an MS State online program pay the in-state tuition rate. Other advantages include asynchronous education and access to the same student support services on-campus learners receive. You can choose from many online bachelor's programs, such as applied science, business administration, and electrical engineering.
Prospective first-year degree-seekers must hold a high school diploma reflecting a minimum GPA of 2.0. MS State does not require but recommends ACT or SAT scores. New students can check their myState online account to research and apply for the latest institutional grants and scholarships.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $495
Out-of-State | $495
Consider Carey's online programs if you want to earn a bachelor's degree in health administration, health professions, or physical education. Graduate degree-seekers can advance their careers with a master's in criminal justice, music and worship studies, or nursing education. Carey does not offer some general education classes online, meaning first-year students may want to start their education at a local community college before transferring.
Carey uses a 2.0 undergraduate GPA cutoff for transfer credit. Incoming learners with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 may qualify for institutional scholarships.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $641
Out-of-State | $641
Degree-seekers earning an MC online degree benefit from programs designed for working adults. You can complete a bachelor's in homeland security, loss prevention, or RN-to-BSN. MC also offers master's degrees in accounting, communication, and higher education administration.
Applicants who graduated high school within the past five years must submit standardized test scores. MC uses a 2.0 undergraduate GPA cutoff for transfer credit, and admission requirements vary among graduate programs. Incoming students' GPAs and test scores determine institutional financial aid eligibility.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $417
Out-of-State | $417
Consider USM's online programs if you want a cheaper-than-average education and a generous transfer credit policy. Popular undergraduate degrees include business administration and construction management. Graduate degree-seekers prepare for a leadership position in their organization by earning a master's in library and information science or higher education administration.
USM waives out-of-state tuition, making it a great choice for prospective students outside the Magnolia State. Undergraduate admission requirements include a high school or GED diploma, standardized test scores, and a non-refundable fee. Graduate programs may use an undergraduate GPA cutoff but do not require GMAT or GRE scores.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Cost of College in Mississippi
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of attending a public college in Mississippi for the academic year 2022-23 was $9,120 for in-state students.
However, this number doesn't include other expenses such as room, board, and additional costs, which can vary depending on the institution and the student's circumstances.
Tuition costs can also vary depending on the type of institution, with four-year public institutions charging an average of $9,120 for in-state students and $21,531 for out-of-state students. Private four-year institutions charge an average tuition of $20,042.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $9,120 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $21,531 |
| Private Four-Year | $20,042 |
| Public Two-Year (In-State) | $3,688 |
| Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $6,233 |
The 10 Fastest Growing High-Paying Jobs in Mississippi
Mississippi is experiencing significant growth in a variety of high-paying jobs, according to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.
The healthcare sector, in particular, is booming, with 8 of the top 10 projected fastest-growing high-paying jobs for the period of 2022-2032. Nurse practitioners, physical therapy assistants, and medical and health service managers are among the top-ranking jobs.
The median annual salary for these top ten occupations is more than double the state's median annual salary, indicating high earning potential. Nurse practitioners have a particularly high concentration in Mississippi, second only to Tennessee. These jobs offer substantial opportunities in terms of job stability, growth potential, and average salaries.
| Job | Job Growth 2022-2032 | Median Annual Wage 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 97.2% | $108,920 |
| Conservation Scientists | 53.3% | $72,820 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 41.8% | $61,600 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 37.4% | $80,950 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | 27.6% | $52,930 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 23.9% | $51,840 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 21.2% | $51,840 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | 20% | $63,620 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 16.7% | $109,290 |
| Physical Therapists | 16.2% | $97,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Mississippi
What is the cheapest online college in Mississippi?
Some of the cheapest online colleges in Mississippi include Mississippi University for Women and Delta State University, both with tuition rates around $8,000. The cheapest program for you could vary depending on the financial aid and scholarship offers you receive from colleges in Mississippi.
Can you go to college for free in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, there are several programs and scholarships designed to help students attend college for free or at a significantly reduced cost. Some of the notable ones include the Nissan Scholarship, Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant, Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant, and Higher Education Legislative Plan.
These programs offer substantial financial assistance to eligible students, making it possible for them to attend college at no or reduced cost. It's important for students to meet application deadlines and maintain eligibility requirements to continue receiving financial aid.
What is the #1 college in Mississippi?
The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is consistently ranked as the top college in Mississippi. It's also regarded as a top college in the country, known for its academic excellence, tight-knit community, and successful athletic teams.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Mississippi?
The easiest online colleges to get into in Mississippi are Mississippi University for Women and Blue Mountain Christian University. Both colleges have a 100% acceptance rate, according to NCES, and a wide variety of online degree programs to choose from.
