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University of Mississippi vs Mississippi State University

University of Mississippi is a public university in University, MS. Mississippi State University is a public university in Mississippi State, MS. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants and University of Mississippi about 97%, making Mississippi State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,314 a year at University of Mississippi after aid, and about $17,595 at Mississippi State University. About 70% of students graduate at University of Mississippi, compared with 65% at Mississippi State University. Ten years after enrolling, Mississippi State University alumni earn a median of about $51,513, against $50,994 for University of Mississippi.

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University of Mississippi

University, MS · Public

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
University, MS
Mississippi State, MS
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
21,473
18,397
Acceptance rate
97%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1000–1200
1100–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
21–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,314
$17,595
Full cost / yr
$28,660
$29,267
In-state tuition
$9,772
$10,202
Out-of-state tuition
$28,600
$27,637
Application fee
$65
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,945
$14,332
$30k - $48k
$9,217
$14,372
$48k - $75k
$14,794
$18,671
$75k - $110k
$18,573
$20,704
Over $110k
$21,313
$22,987
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
65%
Freshman retention
87%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,336
$43,487
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,994
$51,513
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$22,142
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
29%
First-generation students
24%
25%
International students
1%
1%
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 University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University harder to get into?
Mississippi State University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 97% at University of 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, University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University?
University of Mississippi is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,314 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,595 at Mississippi State University. 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 University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University?
Before aid, University of Mississippi costs about $28,660 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, University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University?
University of Mississippi. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,945 there, against about $14,332 at Mississippi State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University?
University of Mississippi is the larger of the two, with about 21,473 undergraduates against 18,397 at Mississippi State University.
Does University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University have a better graduation rate?
University of Mississippi has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 65% at Mississippi State University.
Do graduates of University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University earn more?
Mississippi State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,513 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,994 for University of Mississippi. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Mississippi is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mississippi State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1000–1200 at University of Mississippi and 1100–1350 at Mississippi State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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