5 Best Colleges in Hattiesburg
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Hattiesburg, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in Hattiesburg.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Hattiesburg graduates reach $35,738 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $3,560 to $14,685.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionUniversity of Southern Mississippi
Annual Tuition
$9,618
Early Salary
$44,140
Acceptance Matrix
99.4%
William Carey University
Annual Tuition
$14,685
Early Salary
$43,087
Acceptance Matrix
58%
The Academy of Hair Design Six
Annual Tuition
$19,488
Early Salary
$22,706
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Unlimited Cosmetology School
Annual Tuition
$18,963
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Pearl River Community College-Forrest County Campus
Annual Tuition
$3,560
Early Salary
$33,019
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Choosing a College in Hattiesburg
01
Academic Diversity
Hattiesburg offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University, The Academy of Hair Design Six and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Hattiesburg can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Hattiesburg graduates is notably strong. Institutions like University of Southern Mississippi lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $44,140. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While Hattiesburg has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Clarksdale, Natchez, Perkinston to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the Mississippi landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Hattiesburg
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Hattiesburg, MS
Selecting a college in Hattiesburg provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 5 institutions within or near the city limits of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in Hattiesburg cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the Hattiesburg area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of Mississippi.
Our data for Hattiesburg, MS colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of Mississippi.