10 Cheapest and Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi

Why Study in Mississippi for an Affordable Degree

Mississippi is one of the most budget-friendly places to earn a degree. You benefit from low in-state tuition, generous state and institutional aid, and a cost of living that helps your money go further. The result is real value without sacrificing academic quality.

In this guide to the 10 cheapest and most affordable colleges in Mississippi, you will find a carefully researched list ranked by current in-state tuition, from lowest to highest. We considered overall affordability, program strength, student support, and alignment with Mississippi’s key industries so you can match your goals and budget with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Mississippi offers low in-state tuition plus a low cost of living, so your total college budget stretches further.
• State and institutional aid can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible students.
• Programs align with major state employers in healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and aerospace, supporting internships and job placement.
• Our ranking lists the ten institutions by the latest in-state tuition figures, from lowest to highest, with a focus on value and student outcomes.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi

Mississippi offers remarkable value across its public universities and select private colleges. Below, you will find the 10 cheapest and most affordable colleges in Mississippi, ranked by current in-state tuition from lowest to highest. For public universities, figures reflect FY2026 board-approved tuition for fall 2025 and spring 2026. Private colleges list published annual tuition for two semesters. Some campuses assess small additional mandatory fees each term, so always check the bursar pages for exact totals.

Mississippi Valley State University

Mississippi Valley State University is a public HBCU in Itta Bena that serves the Delta with a close-knit campus and community focus. If you want small classes and strong mentorship at one of the state’s lowest price points, MVSU is a compelling choice.

Main Courses

MVSU centers academics around agriculture and environmental science, teacher education, business, social sciences, and the liberal arts, giving you practical options tied to Delta industries and public service.

Pros

• Very low tuition, single-rate model for residents and nonresidents
• Small class sizes and accessible faculty
• Strong community engagement and student support

Cons

• Rural location with limited off-campus amenities
• Fewer niche majors and large-scale research labs

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$7,492.

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University is a historic HBCU in Lorman with notable strengths in agriculture, nursing, and teacher education. The campus environment is supportive and tradition-rich, with programs that connect to Mississippi’s workforce needs.

Main Courses

You will find robust pathways in agriculture and applied sciences, nursing, business, and education, with hands-on learning that prepares you for roles across Mississippi’s rural economies and healthcare networks.

Pros

• Affordable tuition with strong HBCU heritage
• Reputable programs in agriculture and nursing
• Supportive student services and alumni community

Cons

• Rural setting and limited off-campus options
• Smaller program catalog and research scale than larger publics

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$8,105.

Delta State University

Delta State University in Cleveland is a regional public university known for teacher preparation, health sciences, and applied arts and sciences. Students highlight approachable faculty and a friendly campus culture.

Main Courses

Core strengths include education, nursing and health sciences, business, and arts and sciences, with practical training that serves K-12 schools and regional hospitals across the Delta.

Pros

• Strong value for teacher education and nursing
• Supportive learning environment
• Attractive campus life in a smaller college town

Cons

• Rural location
• Fewer specialized graduate and research programs

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$8,435.

Mississippi University for Women

Mississippi University for Women in Columbus is a public, coeducational university with standout nursing and education programs and a reputation for personal attention.

Main Courses

The W emphasizes nursing and health sciences, teacher education, business, and the humanities and social sciences, pairing small classes with clinical and field experiences.

Pros

• Affordable tuition with small class sizes
• Highly regarded nursing pathways
• Close-knit campus community

Cons

• Limited graduate and research depth versus larger research universities

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$8,647.

Jackson State University

Jackson State University is an HBCU and urban research university in the state capital. Its location supports internships, public-sector links, and access to major employers.

Main Courses

JSU offers breadth across engineering and technology, business, education, and the liberal arts and sciences, with opportunities to engage in research and city-based projects.

Pros

• Urban setting with internships and networking
• Research opportunities across disciplines
• Vibrant campus culture and HBCU traditions

Cons

• Competitive entry for select programs
• Urban campus challenges and funding constraints

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,210.

University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi in Oxford is the state’s flagship public research university, known for strong academics and a lively campus community.

Main Courses

You can pursue nationally recognized programs in business and accountancy, liberal arts, journalism and IMC, and pharmacy, with research and experiential learning woven in.

Pros

• Robust research activity and national reputation
• Broad program choice and alumni network
• Active student life in a classic college town

Cons

• More competitive admissions in popular majors
• Larger lower-division class sizes

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,990.

University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg is a comprehensive public research university with coastal reach and a wide mix of programs.

Main Courses

USM offers strengths in education and human sciences, business, liberal arts and social sciences, and health sciences, with applied research and honors options.

Pros

• Research opportunities and modern facilities
• Broad alumni network across the Gulf South
• Experiential learning and honors pathways

Cons

• Some programs have selective admission
• Commuter and parking constraints on the main campus

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$10,284.

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University in Starkville is a major public research institution with top programs in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine.

Main Courses

MSU focuses on engineering, agriculture and life sciences, business, and veterinary medicine, with strong industry partnerships and research institutes that support hands-on learning.

Pros

• Extensive STEM resources and research activity
• Strong ties to employers across Mississippi
• Active campus life and athletics

Cons

• Rural location
• Higher tuition than smaller regional campuses

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$10,454.

Tougaloo College

Tougaloo College is a private HBCU near Jackson with a noted liberal arts tradition and a legacy of social justice leadership. Small classes and faculty mentorship define the student experience.

Main Courses

Programs center on the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, and pre-professional studies, with a strong foundation in writing, analysis, and community engagement.

Pros

• Very small classes and close faculty support
• Historic HBCU identity and active alumni
• Strong preparation for graduate and professional study

Cons

• Smaller campus and limited major variety
• Fewer large-scale research facilities

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$11,886 in published tuition for two semesters; the college lists an annual commuter total of $12,928, including standard fees. Private tuition applies to all students.

William Carey University

William Carey University is a private Christian university in Hattiesburg known for nursing, pharmacy, and teacher education. The academic model emphasizes small classes and professional outcomes.

Main Courses

You will find strong options in nursing and health sciences, pharmacy, education, and arts and sciences, with clinical placements and school-based partnerships common across programs.

Pros

• Personalized instruction and small cohorts
• Strong outcomes in health professions
• Faith-based community with service opportunities

Cons

• Higher price point than public universities
• Religious requirements may not fit every student

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$14,700 in published annual tuition; typical mandatory fees are about $1,200. Private tuition applies to all students.

Key Requirements For Enrolling In The Most Affordable Mississippi Colleges

Complete the application form

Apply through each university’s online portal; many Mississippi campuses also accept the Common App (for example, the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State). Submitting early helps you meet scholarship and housing timelines.

Submit official high school transcripts

Ask your school to send official transcripts directly. Universities explicitly note transcripts as a required item for first-year admission.

Document Mississippi residency status

If you’re seeking in-state rates, be ready to verify residency. Registrar pages outline acceptable documents such as a Mississippi driver’s license or state ID, voter registration, vehicle registration, state tax returns, and proof of physical presence. Policies and petition forms explain timelines and what counts as evidence.

ACT or SAT score submission

Many Mississippi public universities are test-optional for 2025–26. Scores aren’t required for general admission at institutions like Ole Miss, MSU, and Jackson State, but they can still be important for scholarships, placement, or selective programs, so submit strong scores if you have them.

FAFSA financial aid application completion

File the FAFSA as soon as it opens and before priority dates to maximize aid; the federal deadline for the 2025–26 year is June 30, 2026, and Mississippi’s state-aid timeline includes spring deadlines for major programs like HELP, MTAG and MESG. Check each campus for its own priority date.

How Do Mississippi College Costs Compare To National Averages?

Mississippi public university tuition sits well below national norms. For 2025–26, the nationwide average published in-state tuition and fees at public four-year colleges are $11,610. Mississippi’s board-approved in-state totals span roughly $7,492–$10,580 across the system (fall 2025 + spring 2026), led on the low end by Mississippi Valley State and on the upper end by UMMC’s undergraduate programs.

That tuition advantage is amplified by the state’s very low cost of living. In Q1 2025, Mississippi recorded the 2nd-lowest overall index (87.3 vs. U.S. = 100) with especially low housing (72.5), helping students keep rent and everyday expenses down relative to other states.

Private options can also be comparatively affordable in Mississippi. For instance, William Carey University’s published undergraduate tuition for 2025–26 is $14,700, far below the national private four-year average of $43,350, though final net costs hinge on aid. Always use each school’s net price calculator.

What Are The Tuition Fees For International Students At Affordable Mississippi Colleges?

At Mississippi public universities, international students typically pay the nonresident (out-of-state) tuition rate, and a few campuses also assess international tuition charges each term:

• Examples of nonresident tuition (2025–26): University of Mississippi $30,150, Mississippi State $28,586, University of Southern Mississippi $12,284, Jackson State $13,210 (all annual, fall + spring). Several institutions (Alcorn State, Delta State, MUW, MVSU) use a single-rate tuition, with separate per-term international charges at Alcorn and Delta State.

Beyond tuition, plan for required or widely recommended health insurance and immigration-related fees. Illustrative figures:

• Health insurance (annual): Mississippi State estimates $2,454; UMMC’s plan lists $4,580 (coverage periods vary by campus and program; waivers may be available with proof of comparable coverage).
• SEVIS I-901 fee: $350 for F-1 students. U.S. visa MRV fee: typically $185 for non-petition student visas. (Check for policy updates before you apply.)

The cost-of-living edge in Mississippi (index 87.3, housing 72.5) often makes total annual expenses,tuition plus living costs,significantly lower than in higher-cost states, improving affordability even for nonresidents.

How Does University of the People Compare With Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi

University of the People (UoPeople) offers a very different path than Mississippi’s public or private colleges. As a nonprofit, tuition-free, fully online university, UoPeople does not charge tuition. Instead, you pay small fees as you move through your degree: a one-time $60 application fee, then assessment fees of $160 for each undergraduate course, $450 for MBA and MSIT courses, $400 for M.Ed. courses, $250 for certificate courses, and $150 for English as a Second Language. When totaled across a program, this can be far less than traditional college bills, even compared to Mississippi’s already affordable universities.

The format is the major difference. Mississippi colleges emphasize in-person learning with access to labs, student life, and strong ties to local industries like agriculture, aerospace, healthcare, and shipbuilding. UoPeople offers a global online experience that is fully asynchronous, making it easier if you need to balance study with work or family. Mississippi’s in-state students may find the local campuses more affordable once state grants (HELP, MTAG, MESG) and federal aid are applied. UoPeople, however, guarantees cost transparency and flexibility to students anywhere in the world.

Ready to Choose the Most Affordable College?

Selecting the right affordable college in Mississippi involves more than just checking tuition tables. You’ll want to weigh the total cost of attendance, including housing, food, transportation, and fees, while also factoring in financial aid and scholarships. Academic fit is equally important: consider which programs are strongest in your field, whether it’s nursing, agriculture, business, education, or STEM. Mississippi’s universities also differ in setting, from rural HBCUs with close-knit communities to research-driven campuses in Starkville, Hattiesburg, and Oxford.

Visiting campuses, speaking with financial aid counselors, and asking current students about their real costs can give you a clearer view. Compare graduation rates and job placement statistics, especially in Mississippi’s growing job markets. Whether you choose a local university or a flexible option like UoPeople, Mississippi offers pathways to a degree that align affordability with quality.

FAQs

What is the average tuition at Mississippi’s most affordable colleges?

For 2025–26, in-state tuition at Mississippi’s public universities ranges from about $7,500 at Mississippi Valley State to around $10,600 at Mississippi State. This is below the national average of $11,610 for public universities.

Which Mississippi college has the lowest in-state tuition rates?

Mississippi Valley State University has the lowest published in-state tuition among four-year public institutions, at $7,492 annually.

What financial aid programs are available at Mississippi colleges?

Residents may qualify for state-specific aid, including MTAG, MESG, and HELP, in addition to federal grants, loans, and institutional scholarships. Many universities also offer departmental or merit-based awards.

Do Mississippi colleges offer work-study programs for students?

Yes, most universities participate in the Federal Work-Study program and may also offer campus jobs or assistantships for eligible students.

What housing costs should students expect at Mississippi colleges?

Because Mississippi has the second-lowest cost of living in the U.S., housing averages much less than the national norm. University residence halls typically run between $3,500 and $5,500 per year, and off-campus options are also more affordable.

Do Mississippi colleges accept transfer credits from other schools?

Yes, all public universities in Mississippi accept transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. Policies differ by campus, so always confirm transfer equivalencies with an admissions or registrar’s office.