Best Online Colleges in Mississippi
Most of the fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs in Mississippi require at least a bachelor’s degree. Fortunately, Mississippi colleges have lower-than-average tuition rates and many online offerings, giving students flexible alternatives to traditional on-campus classes.
The following ranking highlights Mississippi’s most affordable online schools based on factors such as average tuition, programs offerings, and the graduation rate of each college or university.
Top Affordable Online Colleges in Mississippi
Belhaven University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Belhaven University, a private college, enrolls students on campus in Jackson, Mississippi. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. Undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers choose from a catalog of 84 virtual programs. The university offers degrees in a variety of fields, including administering programs in the liberal arts and professional studies.
Instructors blend theoretical learning and practical experience such as internships and fieldwork. Remote students complete on-campus requirements for some programs. Virtual enrollees complete most degrees online with no on-campus visits. Faculty bring the real world to the classroom. Distance learners receive online assistance such as tutoring in various subjects.
The university enrolls students at an admission rate of 49%. Learners pay for their bachelor’s with affordable tuition and financial aid. Nonresidents and residents pay the same flat rate tuition. Belhaven University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
67%
$28,800
69%
$28,800
- Acceptance Rate
- 53%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,616
- Institution Type
- Private
Delta State University
- Cleveland, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Delta State University operates as a public institution from its campus in Cleveland, Mississippi. The accredited school offers many of its programs both online and on campus. The number of students enrolled remotely at the college totals 1,853. Learners can earn a bachelor's degree in a fully-virtual format.
Enrollees at the school select from many of the top-choice fields for their college degree. Degree-seekers often benefit from the relative freedom an online program's remote format provides them. Working professionals looking to further their careers with a degree find many programs at the school designed with them in mind.
Most degree-seekers earn their bachelor's in about four years. Transfer students finish their degree in less time by bringing in credits from previous higher education institutions. Visiting the school's website may help applicants find more information on admission requirements and application deadlines.
68%
$8,435
67%
$8,435
- Acceptance Rate
- 100%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,654
- Institution Type
- Public
Jackson State University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Jackson State University operates as a public institution from its campus in Jackson, Mississippi. The accredited school offers both on-campus and online programs. The college enrolls 4,286 of of its students remotely. Fully virtual bachelor's degrees appeal to many degree-seekers.
Students at the school select from many of the top-choice fields for their college degree. Enrollees often benefit from the relative freedom an online degree's remote format provides them. A degree from the school can help working professionals move up the corporate ladder. A total of five online bachelor's programs and ten online master's programs are available to distance learners at the institution.
Earning a bachelor's degree takes most degree-seekers about four years. Students with prior college experience can transfer their credits toward a four-year degree to graduate in less time. Prospective applicants who want to know more about admission requirements and application deadlines should contact the school.
89%
$ 9,210
62%
$13,210
- Acceptance Rate
- 48%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,326
- Institution Type
- Public
Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
A public institution, Mississippi State University operates a campus in the city of Mississippi State. Distance learners and those on earning an in-person degree choose from many available programs at the accredited school. The college enrolls 3,989 of of its students remotely. Fully virtual bachelor's programs are also available to degree-seekers.
The school offers college degrees in a variety of popular majors. An online program's virtual learning environment benefits degree-seekers who may not otherwise be able to fit a college education into their schedule. A degree from the school can help working professionals move up the corporate ladder.
Earning a bachelor's degree typically takes four years. Bringing in credits from prior college experience makes it possible for students to graduate with a bachelor's degree faster. People interested in applying to the school should visit the website for more information on admission requirements and application timelines.
43%
$10,052
83%
$27,487
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,150
- Institution Type
- Public
Mississippi University for Women
- Columbus, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
A public institution, Mississippi University for Women runs a Columbus, Mississippi-based campus. The accredited school offers multiple virtual programs in addition to its on-campus programs. The number of students enrolled remotely at the college totals 2,022. Degree-seekers can enter a bachelor's program delivered entirely online.
The school offers college degrees in many of the top-choice majors. The flexibility of a virtual classroom space appeals to many degree-seekers. The college designs many programs for working professionals who are seeking a degree for career advancement. The institution's academic offerings for distance learners include four bachelor's programs and five master's programs.
Earning a bachelor's degree takes most degree-seekers about four years. Transferring previous credits into a four-year bachelor's program lets students with prior college experience graduate in less time. Potential applicants interested in more information on admission requirements and application deadlines should visit the school's website.
75%
$7,992
72%
$7,992
- Acceptance Rate
- 100%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,227
- Institution Type
- Public
The University of Mississippi
- University, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
From its campus in the city of University, the University of Mississippi offers in-person and remote degrees as a public Mississippi institution. The school enrolls students from all across the nation in its virtual programs. Business, healthcare, and STEM are some of the in-demand degrees that the online college offers to help graduates reach their professional goals.
Virtual learners at the school enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs. In undergraduate programs, online participants take general education and foundational classes. They also take advanced coursework in their major. Graduate students develop advanced skills through remote classes and seminars.
Prospective applicants can reach out to the school to learn more about admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates. The accredited institution also connects enrollees with financial aid opportunities.
61%
$ 9,612
87%
$28,440
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,449
- Institution Type
- Public
The University of Southern Mississippi
- Hattiesburg, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The University of Southern Mississippi operates a public campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to offer degrees in person and online. Students across the country enroll in virtual programs at the school. Healthcare, STEM, and business are some of the popular majors the college offers for its remote programs, meeting the needs of graduates pursuing diverse career paths.
Undergraduate and graduate distance learners find many program options at the school. Undergraduate degrees feature general education classes and foundation courses. Enrollees also take higher-level courses in their major. Graduate students participate in seminars and build advanced skills in their online courses.
Reaching out to the school can help prospective applicants learn more about admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates. The accredited institution connects enrollees with opportunities for financial aid.
77%
$10,394
72%
$12,394
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 13,170
- Institution Type
- Public
Price Check
Mississippi ranks among the top 15 states with the lowest average tuition and fees for in-state students at public institutions in the U.S., according to 2022-23 data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
5 Fast-Growing Jobs in Mississippi
Mississippi’s fastest-growing jobs that require at least a bachelor’s degree are mainly in healthcare and tech. Roles like nurse practitioners, physical therapist assistants, and computer and information research scientists are growing as demand for healthcare and AI increases.
| Job | Projected Growth, Mississippi (2024-2034) | Median Annual Wage, Mississippi, May 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | 48% | $119,290 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 35% | $61,220 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | 27% | $73,160 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 25% | $89,960 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 20% | $108,560 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Mississippi’s Job Market
Nursing and computer science are two majors that can lead to in-demand jobs in Mississippi. Both offer strong earning potential and job versatility.
Nursing
Earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing can lead to higher pay and more career flexibility. It prepares you for roles like nurse practitioner and can also open the door to healthcare management jobs, both of which are growing in Mississippi.
Computer Science
Majoring in computer science develops skills in programming, data analysis, and technology systems. It can lead to advanced study and careers such as computer and information research scientist, one of the fastest-growing careers in Mississippi.
What Is the Cost of College in Mississippi?
College tuition costs less on average in Mississippi than in many other states. In-state students at public colleges paid about $9,120 in tuition and fees during the 2022-2023 school year (or $9,768 in 2026 dollars, adjusted for inflation), compared to the national average of $9,750 ($10,443 in 2026 dollars). Costs for out-of-state students at public schools and private four-year colleges are also significantly lower than the national average.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees in Mississippi (adjusted to 2026 dollars) | Average Tuition & Required Fees in the U.S. (adjusted to 2026 dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $9,768 | $10,443 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $23,061 | $30,307 |
| Private Four-Year | $21,466 | $37,752 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Mississippi
There are several scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities available to students in Mississippi specifically. The five options below are all provided by the state, and will give you a place to start looking for options that work for you.
Mississippi Higher Education Legislative Plan
This scholarship can cover up to four years of tuition for residents of Mississippi graduating high school, or college freshmen within one year of graduating from high school. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, as well as an ACT score of 20 or higher.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant
This grant is intended for incoming freshmen or upper class students who are working on their first certification or undergraduate degree. They must be a Mississippi resident with a 2.5 GPA in high school or college, a 15 or higher ACT score, or a GED or home school certificate.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $500
Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant
This grant is open to incoming freshmen who are residents of Mississippi and are beginning college within three years of graduating from high school or completing home school. They must have a 3.5 GPA and a 29 or higher on the ACT, or have a 3.5 college GPA and have completed between 12 and 18 credits.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $2,500
Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers and Firemen Scholarship
This scholarship is open to the dependent children or spouse of a police officer or firefighter who has been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. It covers tuition and average room and board costs for up to eight semesters at a Mississippi public community college or university.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Nissan Scholarship
This scholarship is for graduating Mississippi high school students with a 2.5 GPA or higher, ACT score of 20 or higher, demonstrated leadership abilities, and financial need. The scholarship covers tuition and room and board costs for up to four years at public colleges or universities in the state.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Mississippi
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) allows colleges to offer online programs to students in other states without seeking approval from each state individually.
Mississippi is also part of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), which runs the Academic Common Market (ACM). This tuition reciprocity program lets students pay in-state tuition at certain out-of-state colleges if their home state does not offer their chosen degree.
Mississippi students may qualify for ACM programs in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Students from Florida and Texas may be eligible for graduate programs in Mississippi.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Mississippi
It’s possible to attend community college in Mississippi at no cost or at reduced cost through financial aid and tuition assistance programs. The Mississippi Resident Promise Program covers costs after federal and state financial aid for recent high school graduates.
Some community colleges also offer tuition assistance for district residents, which can lower tuition after other aid is used. In addition, some high-demand career and technical programs offer free tuition, though students may still need to pay fees.
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