Private nonprofit Institution

William Carey University — Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Annual Tuition $14,685

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 58%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 1,818

Active Students

Avg. Salary $43,087

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"William Carey University stands as a pillar of higher education in Hattiesburg, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,818 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 William Carey University offer?

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

Health Professions
33.8%

Enrollment Share

Education
23.9%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation
8.3%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
7.8%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
7.4%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
5.7%

Enrollment Share

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 Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at William Carey University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at William Carey University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

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

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at William Carey University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 58%
Difficulty Low

William Carey University maintains an acceptance rate of 58%, reflecting its status as a moderately open 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 32.8%
Women Enrollment 67.2%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 460 - 620
SAT Mathematics 420 - 580
ACT English 19 - 28
ACT Mathematics 17 - 25
Expert Insight

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

How much does William Carey University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $14,685
Out-of-State Tuition $14,685

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 24.6%
Median Student Debt $20,832

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $14,685, graduates see a median starting salary of $43,087, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Mississippi.

What salary can William Carey University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $43,087

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 40.8%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $17,052
Median Salary (6yr) $37,639
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at William Carey University in Hattiesburg?

1,818 Students

Gender Comparison

32.8% Men
67.2% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

80.4%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.4%
Asian
0.9%
Black
28%
White
59.7%
Unknown
2.6%
Hispanic
2.4%
Two or More Races
0.1%
International
5.8%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 25
🎓
First-Generation 35.9%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 79.6%
💍
Married Students 18.6%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 100%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $45,401
Average Family Income $36,197
Median Family Income $24,691

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

46.1%
53.9%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Hattiesburg Campus Environment

Located at 710 William Carey Parkway, William Carey University 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
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How does William Carey University compare?

Common Questions about William Carey University

Is William Carey University a good college in Hattiesburg, Mississippi?
William Carey University is a recognized institution in Hattiesburg with an enrollment of 1,818 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 William Carey University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, William Carey University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $43,087. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does William Carey University cost for Mississippi residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at William Carey University is approximately $14,685. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $14,685. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of William Carey University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending William Carey University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 79.6% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is William Carey University good for Health Professions and Education programs?
William Carey University is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Education programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending William Carey University?
Graduates of William Carey University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $43,087, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for William Carey University?
William Carey University operates with a Moderately Open policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does William Carey University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, William Carey University follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can William Carey University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of William Carey University earn a median salary of $43,087 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is William Carey University a good investment compared to other MS colleges?
William Carey University 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 William Carey University located and what is the campus like?
William Carey University is located at 710 William Carey Parkway in Hattiesburg, MS. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,818 learners.
Who typically attends William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS?
The student body at William Carey University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 35.9% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Mississippi

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