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William Carey University

Hattiesburg, MS·Private nonprofit·1,818 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 1,818 students.

58%
Accept
1,818
Students
$17,052
Net Price
41%
Grad Rate
$40,500
Earnings
10 yr
$15,796
Debt

About This School

William Carey University is a private nonprofit institution located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi with approximately 1,818 undergraduate students enrolled. William Carey University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 58%. The average net price after financial aid is $17,052 per year. The graduation rate is 41%, and the typical graduate earns $40,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

William Carey University is a private Christian university in Mississippi, United States. The institution is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Mississippi Baptist Convention. The main campus is in Hattiesburg and a second campus is in the Tradition community north of Biloxi. The school gained official university status in 2006.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: while the $17,052 average net price and relatively low $15,796 median debt make this an affordable choice, the 41% graduation rate is a real concern — fewer than half of students who start here finish. If you're drawn to a small, faith-centered Southern Baptist community in Hattiesburg and have a clear academic plan, this could work, but incoming students should ask hard questions about academic support and what's driving that low completion rate.

Founded
1906
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Health Professions34%
Education24%
Business & Marketing8%
Biological Sciences7%
Psychology6%
English2%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Social Sciences1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1120
Reading 75th %ile620
Math 75th %ile580

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$14,685
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,685
Avg Net Price
$17,052
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants25%
Median debt at graduation$15,796

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
41%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
80%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,796
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,796
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.6x

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

White60%
Black28%
Hispanic/Latino2%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,818 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

William Carey University

710 William Carey Parkway

Hattiesburg, MS 39401

View on Google Maps →

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.

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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