Public Institution

University of Southern Mississippi — Hattiesburg, Mississippi

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Annual Tuition $9,618

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 99.4%

Open Admission

Enrollment 9,899

Active Students

Avg. Salary $44,140

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of Southern Mississippi stands as a pillar of higher education in Hattiesburg, providing a robust academic foundation for 9,899 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does University of Southern Mississippi offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at University of Southern Mississippi. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

19.9%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

13.1%

Enrollment Share

Education

9.5%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

6.3%

Enrollment Share

Humanities

5.4%

Enrollment Share

Engineering Tech

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering Tech College

The Engineering Tech program at University of Southern Mississippi provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at University of Southern Mississippi?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 99.4%

Difficulty Low

University of Southern Mississippi maintains an acceptance rate of 99.4%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 36.2%

Women Enrollment 63.8%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

ACT English 18 - 27

ACT Mathematics 17 - 25

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does University of Southern Mississippi cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,618

Out-of-State Tuition $11,618

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 46.6%

Median Student Debt $22,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,618, graduates see a median starting salary of $44,140, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Mississippi.

What salary can University of Southern Mississippi graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $44,140

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 50.6%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $14,224

Median Salary (6yr) $37,710

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg?

9,899 Students

Gender Comparison

36.2% Men

63.8% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

70.5%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.4%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

1.5%

Black

28.3%

White

57.3%

Unknown

0.7%

Hispanic

4.7%

Two or More Races

4.1%

International

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 23

🎓

First-Generation 32.6%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 72.8%

🎖️

Veterans 0.3%

💍

Married Students 10.3%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 35.5%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$46,990
Average Family Income	$41,698
Median Family Income	$27,959

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

51.9%

48.1%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Hattiesburg Campus Environment

Located at 118 College Drive # 0001, University of Southern Mississippi offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Mississippi. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does University of Southern Mississippi compare?

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Common Questions about University of Southern Mississippi

Is University of Southern Mississippi a good college in Hattiesburg, Mississippi?

University of Southern Mississippi is a recognized institution in Hattiesburg with an enrollment of 9,899 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in Mississippi based on Department of Education data.

Is University of Southern Mississippi worth attending in 2026?

Yes, University of Southern Mississippi offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $44,140. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does University of Southern Mississippi cost for Mississippi residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at University of Southern Mississippi is approximately $9,618. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $11,618. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of Southern Mississippi after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending University of Southern Mississippi for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 72.8% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of Southern Mississippi good for Business & Marketing and Health Professions programs?

University of Southern Mississippi is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Health Professions programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending University of Southern Mississippi?

Graduates of University of Southern Mississippi often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $44,140, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of Southern Mississippi?

University of Southern Mississippi operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does University of Southern Mississippi require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, University of Southern Mississippi follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can University of Southern Mississippi graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of University of Southern Mississippi earn a median salary of $44,140 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of Southern Mississippi a good investment compared to other MS colleges?

University of Southern Mississippi stands out as a high-value investment in Mississippi. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is University of Southern Mississippi located and what is the campus like?

University of Southern Mississippi is located at 118 College Drive # 0001 in Hattiesburg, MS. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 9,899 learners.

Who typically attends University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS?

The student body at University of Southern Mississippi is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 32.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Mississippi

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of Southern Mississippi with other leading institutions in Mississippi across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

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