In order to provide prospective students with the best chance at having a great education, we have compiled this list of the top universities and colleges in Mississippi. Some schools may excel at online programs while others may focus exclusively on the traditional, on-campus aspect of higher education. Regardless of the delivery format, these schools excel at providing a quality education for their students.
The state of Mississippi currently has more than 60 post-secondary colleges and universities denizens of Mississippi are able to attend to further their educational and vocational pursuits. There are more than 30 of these colleges and universities that offer degree programs entirely online. There are more than 124 certificate programs, more than 2,000 online associates programs, more than 1,700 online bachelors, more than 1,000 online masters programs, and more than 250 doctoral programs that are offered online.
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | Pearl River Community College | Poplarville, Mississippi |
2 | Meridian Community College | Meridian, Mississippi |
3 | Southeastern Baptist College | Laurel, Mississippi |
4 | East Mississippi Community College | Scooba, Mississippi |
5 | Itawamba Community College | Fulton, Mississippi |
The schools include public, private, and major research universities in the state of Mississippi. The vast amount of programs offered almost ensures, or guarantees, students will be able to discover a program of interest no matter their background. A bonus for out-of-state students in the South is reduced tuition costs because Mississippi is a member of the Southern Regional Education Board.
The prospective future of education in Mississippi continues to look bright as tuition costs for in-state students are below the national average. Students are able to obtain local government grants to help with tuition costs. The state of Mississippi, in 2012, showed that there were more than 12,000 students rolled exclusively in distance learning courses for undergraduate courses, and more than 3,700 students enrolled in graduate distance learning courses according to the NCES published records. The future of Mississippi educational opportunities is looking bright for prospective students.
Mississippi’s membership in the Southern Regional Education Board’s Electronic Campus allow provides students with an easy way to sift through offered online programs. If students are searching for financial aid resources the Mississippi Public Universities site offers prospective students these resources along with program search engines.
The Best Colleges in Mississippi
Pearl River Community College
Pearl River Community College aims to offer student excellence in academic learning, vocational pursuit, and continuing education opportunities that will improve the quality of life for its students. The school is located in Poplarville, Mississippi offering a great climate, atmosphere, and environment for student studying and learning.
School Overview
Meridian Community College
Meridian Community College (MCC) is the right college for students hoping to experience a complete college experience, curricular and extracurricular. Our students do not get lost in the crowd as a result of class sizes which are too big. MCC does not think of students as a number. Their students are considered a part of the MCC family.
School Overview
Southeastern Baptist College
Southeastern Baptist College (SBC) is a private college that exists to glorify God through offering excellence in higher learning through a Biblical worldview in a Christian atmosphere. Students are able to take courses through classroom and through distance learning.
School Overview
East Mississippi Community College
East Mississippi Community College is a public community college whose vision is to establish and maintain a standard of excellence for comprehensive learning as a community college. The college offers university-parallel programs, career-technical programs, as well as workforce programs for its students and prospective students. The college is dedicated to providing quality education that will improve the quality of life for its students with a focus toward healthy minds, bodies, and spirits.
School Overview
Itawamba Community College
Itawamba Community College is a college for students who are looking for higher learning while experiencing smaller class sizes to meet personal/unique needs. The college provides excellence in its academic and athletic ventures, a caring and flexible atmosphere for students with different schedules. These reasons, among others, are why Itawamba Community College is a great choice in education today.
The community college’s instructors are qualified and caring that give personal attention to their students and their student’s personal desires and goals. These are two ingredients that make it possible for quality education and college success. Classrooms have access to the latest technology for students to enhance their learning experience.
School Overview
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Northeast Mississippi Community College (NEMCC) is a two-year public, comprehensive college that serves Tippah, Alcorn, Tishomingo, and Union Counties in Mississippi; although students may come from other areas in the United States and other countries. The school offers Associate of Arts Degree, Associate of Applied Science Degree and Certificates. The college’s main focus is to provide students with degrees and certificates that will prepare students for success in class as well as future employment. In order to accomplish this, students have access to student services that facilitate educational, personal, social and career growth of its student body.
School Overview
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University was the United States’ first public historically black land-grant institution and has maintained its tradition of excellence in history. Alcorn State University established “The Office of Online Education” to increase online instructional capability for its prospective students. Currently, students are able to take courses online in the following programs: Workforce Education Leadership, Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-Masters Family Nurse Practitioner, and Master of Business Administration.
Alcorn State University recently updated their mission and vision statement in March 2009 to match their future endeavors and success for their students. As a historically black college and university, the school continues to emphasize intellectual growth, development, and the know-how for lifelong learning capability. Students have access to competitive academic and research programs. The school’s mission is to prepare their students for leadership positions that require high character and to be able to be successful immediately upon graduation as they enter a global marketplace.
School Overview
Holmes Community College
Holmes Community College is an accredited community college by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students are able to earn associate degrees and certificates. Students are able to take courses online via distance education programs and through campus-based programs. The college is a comprehensive public institution that prepares students for university transfer, honorable and productive employment, and the desire to be lifelong learners.
School Overview
Mississippi College
For nearly 200 years Mississippi College has provided quality Christian education for its students. MC is the oldest college in Mississippi and is able to provide students and prospective students with high-quality educational experiences via online studies. They offer certificates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees and programs. In some cases, they offer accelerated learning courses that enable students to earn a degree in one year.
Students that enroll in online learning options have access to MC’s extensive library, online database, and their online writing center. The following are some of Mississippi College’s core values: 1) Integrity: Strive daily to exhibit Christ-like character, 2) Inquire and Knowledge: Pursue knowledge and truth, and 3) Service: Use our gifts, talents, and abilities to advance the genuine well-being of the community and promote Christian values.
School Overview
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi was established in 1848 and is Mississippi’s flagship university. Ole Miss (as the university is affectionately known as by alumni, friends, and students) currently enrolls more than 24,000 students who are enjoying academic excellence within one of the fastest-growing institutions in the nation. Students are able to enroll in online programs within the following Schools of study: School of Applied Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Journalism, School of Education, School of Accountancy, and School of Law.
School Overview
Mississippi University for Women
Mississippi University for Women was established as the first public college for women in 1884. The university, from the time it was founded, has offered high-quality education in a personalized environment that increases student success. The university offers more than 60 majors within 17 academic departments. Mississippi University for Women was recognized as #2 for the best return on investment in Mississippi for online education. Students will have access to the schools extensive library, the writing center, tutors, and the Student Success Center. The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, certificates, and other minor degrees (i.e. General Business, Health Care Management, Human Resources, and Legal Studies).
School Overview
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University in the year of 1880 enrolled its first students. The university has grown significantly as it now offers more than 175 degree programs. The university is a top online university offering bachelor programs in elementary education, geosciences, and interdisciplinary studies, and some of these courses may require a student to have some work experience in their chosen field. Students are given access to the universities extensive library, IT support center, tutoring, and its writing center.
School Overview
University of Southern Mississippi
The mission of the University of Southern Mississippi is to prepare students to thrive successfully in an ever-changing global society. The university was first established over 100 years ago, and continues to aspire to be a model student-centered public research university and has been successful in doing so. USM offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate programs that will fit any students professional interests.
The school’s online programs are overseen by the “Office of Online Learning” at USM. This department ensures student online course meet USM’s high academic standards in order to maintain its reputation of having one of the best online schools in Mississippi. Their online courses are driven by the school’s values, here are a few: 1) Research and instructional excellence focused on student success at all teaching sites and through campus-based and distance education, 2) Student engagement that fosters personal growth, professional development, and a lifelong commitment to wellness, and 3) An approach to academics, research, and personal conduct based on integrity and civility.
School Overview
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a college that provides choices. Current and prospective students are able to look into training for their jobs, prepare for transfer, to complete a Bachelor’s degree, or a combination of the three. MGCCC offers classes during the day, weekends, at night, on campus, or at home through distance education courses. The school offers the latest in technology and instruction that prepare students to enter the “real world” — future employment and promotions.
School Overview
Southwest Mississippi Community College
Southwest Mississippi Community College‘s conception began as early as 1908 and has been able to maintain its rich history. The goals of this institution revolve around providing a two-year college transfer program, provide career and technical programs, provide programs that allow students to overcome specific deficiencies that inhibit student success, provide student services that increase student success, provide lifelong learning opportunities, and to provide the right facilities, technologies, methodologies, and instructors that help students to be successful in the classroom and future employment.
School Overview
Jackson State University
Jackson State University prides itself on its diverse student body and its advanced education approach via technology. The university offers one of the leading online schools in Mississippi as it offers undergraduate, graduate, and specialty degrees and programs for its students. Some online courses may require attending a scheduled class that will stimulate discussion between students and faculty. Exams will be taken at JSU approved locations across the country, and JSU offers a wealth of resources for students to be able to meet the needs of online requirements.
The campus at JSU is friendly and student-centered. Students enrolled in online courses are strongly encouraged to engage other students enrolled online to maintain a friendly and giving spirit accustomed to JSU student life.
School Overview
East Central Community College
East Central Community College is a public, comprehensive, open-access, two-year institution that offers prospective students with higher educational programs and courses. These courses provide students with university transfer education, distance learning opportunities, workforce development, and career-technical programs in order for students to meet the competitive global market needs. The college focuses on its core values of wisdom, excellence, accountability, respect, enthusiasm, efficiency, and creativity in order to achieve its mission.
School Overview
Coahoma Community College
Coahoma Community College is an accredited historically-black, two-year public comprehensive institution of higher learning; committed to providing accessible, affordable, diverse, and quality educational programs and services. The ninety-nine-acre campus lies in an agrarian setting along Clarksdale-Friars Point Road near the Mississippi River, which forms the western boundary of Coahoma County. Bordered on the east by a quiet and picturesque lake, the school site is conducive to wholesome recreation as well as to serious study.
The institution offers its students more than 55 university parallel degree programs, eight health science programs and 15 career and technical education programs. Classes are offered online, in the classroom and at extension sites within our five-county service area of Bolivar, Coahoma, Tallahatchie, Tunica, and Quitman counties.
School Overview
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Copiah-Lincoln Community College‘s mission is focused on providing students with educational programs, economic development services, and recreational opportunities through quality instruction. The college has high expectations for students in a safe environment. The mission is accomplished through the school’s strategic initiatives and goals.
School Overview
Jones College
Jones College is a public, open-door, two-year institution that offers degrees and certificates such as Associate in Arts degrees, Associate in Applied Science degrees, Career and Technical certificates, Adult Education credentials, and Workforce credentials. Jones College provides necessary human, physical, and financial resources, higher education programs, workforce education to enhance economic development, educational support via teaching and learning programming, and a focus and effort on quality development via continuous planning.
School Overview
Delta State University
Delta State University as a public institution provides comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs and curriculums that serve around 3,500 students. Attending students come from the states and different countries. There are programs in the Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and School of Nursing. The University is maintained and sustained by excellence in teaching and teacher education. The school offers core disciplines within the arts, sciences, and humanities as well as unique programs like Commercial Aviation, the Delta Music Institute, and their nationally recognized Geospatial Information Technology program.
School Overview
Belhaven University
Belhaven University is a highly ranked Christian institution with national influence and recognition. The university has been recognized as one of America’s top 100 college buys and offers over 70 academic majors and concentrations across many disciplines of study. The school was founded in 1883 as a Christian school of learning, and all programs are taught from a Christian worldview (this includes their online programs).
Belhaven University offers certificates, associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral online. The school is dedicated to providing students with an online support staff that makes every possible effort to ensure student success.
School Overview
Blue Mountain College
Blue Mountain College was established by Mark Perrin Lowrey in 1873 and is located amongst the rolling hills of North Mississippi. BMC, although one of the smaller colleges in Mississippi, students still have access to great academic studies through a top online school with a focus on Christian character. The college offers online courses in business, criminal justice, and psychology.
School Overview
Mississippi Valley State University
Mississippi Valley State University first opened its doors to enrolling students in the summer of 1950 as Mississippi Vocational College. University status was granted to this college in 1974. The university is set on 450 acres, which now enrolls more than 2,200 students. The university offers online courses for undergraduate and graduate degrees. These online courses allow for more flexibility for students whose work and home schedule may not allow for normal classroom schedules. These courses though follow regular semester schedules and curriculum in order to maintain a sense of structure.
School Overview
Mississippi Delta Community College
Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) was established in 1926 to accommodate the educational needs of denizens in the Delta region of Mississippi; although, the college serves students from all over the state of Mississippi. MDCC is a community college providing comprehensive educational opportunities for students desiring workforce training, Adult Education/High School Equivalency classes, and continuing education courses.
Mississippi Delta Community College instructors are dedicated to their students. Instructors are well-trained and have workforce experience in their class courses. These two aspects allow instructors to help their students to be successful in the classroom and in their future careers.
School Overview
Hinds Community College
Hinds Community College currently is the largest community college in the state of Mississippi. The college has been accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and is a comprehensive education institute. Since its founding as an agricultural high school, Hinds has been providing quality educational programs that are affordable and convenient.
School Overview
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWMCC) is also a public, two-year, comprehensive community college offering higher learning to 11 counties and more in the state of Mississippi. The NWMCC offers courses in the following programs: Accountancy, Business Administration, Office Administration, Criminal Justice, General College, Psychology, Social Work, Outdoor Recreation and Management, Liberal Arts, and other. Students have access to student services that will help them to achieve success in the classroom and future leadership and employment.
School Overview
Miller – Motte Technical College – Gulfport
Miller-Motte Technical College-Gulfport offers flexible programs, they hire qualified instructors, they assist with financial aid, and they provide a lifetime of career assistance. The flexible courses offered are designed to prepare students for future employment by making it possible to obtain the skills and knowledge needed to be successful.
MMTC hires qualified instructors that have qualified experience in their courses. Instructors are able to teach practical skills that have proven to be successful in that particular industry. College expenses can be intimidating, thus MMTC helps students to find ways to pay their tuition and fees. Students are able to take workshops that will help them to dress for success, build an effective resume, gain proper interview skills, and learn how to network.
School Overview
The Top Colleges in Mississippi Research Method
The list draws from the best online and on-campus programs in colleges around Mississippi. The combination of the graduation rate and tuition amount determines each school’s evaluation and rank.
We know that finding the best school to fit your unique needs is a huge challenge. For that reason, we work hard to develop lists of the best schools based on the characteristics most important for you. Whether that be the cost of attendance, student success, resources available, flexibility of schedule, or any other number of important factors, we’ve got you covered. For more information about our ranking process and to find lists of schools based on specific characteristics, check out our methodology page.
We invite schools featured and not to reach out for possible inclusion in an updated version of the list. We’re constantly looking to recognize top-tier institutions.