Skip to content

Mississippi State University vs University of Southern Mississippi

Mississippi State University is a public university in Mississippi State, MS, and University of Southern Mississippi is a public university in Hattiesburg, MS. Mississippi State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 78% of applicants against 99% at University of Southern Mississippi. Mississippi State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,595 a year against $21,708 at University of Southern Mississippi. About 65% of students graduate at Mississippi State University, compared with 50% at University of Southern Mississippi. Ten years after enrolling, Mississippi State University alumni earn a median of about $51,513, against $44,140 for University of Southern Mississippi.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS · Public

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Mississippi State, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
18,397
10,075
Acceptance rate
78%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1350
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
20–29
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,595
$21,708
Full cost / yr
$29,267
$26,566
In-state tuition
$10,202
$9,998
Out-of-state tuition
$27,637
$11,998
Application fee
$40
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,332
$19,867
$30k - $48k
$14,372
$20,432
$48k - $75k
$18,671
$22,756
$75k - $110k
$20,704
$25,812
Over $110k
$22,987
$26,542
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
50%
Freshman retention
83%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,487
$37,710
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,513
$44,140
Median debt at graduation
$22,142
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
46%
First-generation students
25%
33%
International students
1%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Mississippi State University or University of Southern Mississippi harder to get into?
Mississippi State University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 99% at University of Southern Mississippi. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Mississippi State University or University of Southern Mississippi?
Mississippi State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,595 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,708 at University of Southern Mississippi. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Mississippi State University and University of Southern Mississippi?
Before aid, University of Southern Mississippi costs about $26,566 a year and Mississippi State University about $29,267. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Mississippi State University or University of Southern Mississippi?
Mississippi State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,332 there, against about $19,867 at University of Southern Mississippi. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Mississippi State University or University of Southern Mississippi?
Mississippi State University is the larger of the two, with about 18,397 undergraduates against 10,075 at University of Southern Mississippi.
Does Mississippi State University or University of Southern Mississippi have a better graduation rate?
Mississippi State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 50% at University of Southern Mississippi.
Do graduates of Mississippi State University or University of Southern Mississippi earn more?
Mississippi State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,513 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,140 for University of Southern Mississippi. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Mississippi State University and University of Southern Mississippi require SAT or ACT scores?
Mississippi State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Southern Mississippi considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school