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University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS·Public·9,899 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 9,899 students.

99%
Accept
9,899
Students
$14,224
Net Price
51%
Grad Rate
$42,700
Earnings
10 yr
$14,250
Debt

About This School

University of Southern Mississippi is a public institution located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi with approximately 9,899 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Southern Mississippi has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 99%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,224 per year. The graduation rate is 51%, and the typical graduate earns $42,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Southern Mississippi is a public research university with its main campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity".

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $14,224/year after aid and only $14,250 in median debt at graduation, this is one of the more affordable paths to a research university degree, and its R1 classification means real academic resources for students who seek them out. The concern is the 51% graduation rate and 71% freshman retention — meaning roughly one in three students who start here don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and self-motivated, but come in with a clear plan and connect with advisors early.

Founded
1910
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing20%
Health Professions13%
Education10%
Psychology6%
Biological Sciences5%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Social Sciences3%
Computer Science3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jimmy BuffettM.C. GaineyTori BowieCindy Hyde-SmithGeorge JungPhil BryantRobert L. StewartTom LesterCooper HuckabeeJ. D. EvermoreSteven PalazzoVítor Benite

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1120

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,618
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,618
Avg Net Price
$14,224
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants47%
Median debt at graduation$14,250

Full Cost

Cost of attendance$25,482

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
51%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
71%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White57%
Black28%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (9,899 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Southern Mississippi

118 College Drive # 0001

Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001

View on Google Maps →

Official Links

Other Schools in Mississippi

Browse all Mississippi schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Official School Resources
Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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