University of Mississippi combines open access admission with well above average economic mobility, ranking at the 88.9th percentile for mobility outcomes. The university demonstrates particular strength in serving low-income students, with graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds earning in the top 25% nationally while maintaining manageable debt levels.
Modestly below average outcomes on earnings relative to educational investment
Strong performance on cost measures with controlled debt levels and reasonable net pricing
Showing above average enrollment of first-generation and Pell-eligible students for an institution of this profile
Well above average ability to support economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisUniversity of Mississippi provides strong value despite modest median earnings of $50,994, which ranks around the national average at the 44th percentile. The institution demonstrates well above average affordability, ranking at the 75.5th percentile on cost measures with median student debt of $20,000 matching the peer median.
Net price averages $13,164, which is $2,426 higher than peer institutions but remains reasonable given program quality. Low-income graduates earn $55,800, ranking in the top 25% nationally for this critical mobility measure.
Students seeking accessible higher education with strong outcomes in digital media, nursing, and business fields. Well-suited for students who value open access admission alongside above-average economic mobility outcomes, particularly those interested in career-focused programs with demonstrated earnings potential and manageable debt levels.
University of Mississippi maintains open access admission policies, accepting 97.8% of applicants. This means that virtually all students who apply receive an offer of admission, placing the university among the most accessible four-year institutions in the United States.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights University of Mississippi's commitment to broad educational access, accepting nearly 20 percentage points more applicants than typical public research universities. This open access approach reflects the university's mission to serve the educational needs of Mississippi and the broader region, providing opportunities for students who might face barriers at more selective institutions.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Mississippi's published cost of attendance reaches $27,692 per year, including $26,980 in out-of-state tuition ($9,412 for Mississippi residents), $12,040 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $13,164 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,528 from the sticker price.
This net price is $2,426 higher than the peer median of $15,590, indicating moderate cost relative to similar public research universities. The university's financial aid approach provides meaningful support across income levels, with net prices ranging from $8,030 for the lowest-income families to $20,769 for the highest-income bracket.
University of Mississippi ranks at the 75.5th percentile nationally for affordability, demonstrating well above average performance on cost measures. The combination of reasonable sticker prices, substantial financial aid, and controlled net costs creates favorable conditions for student affordability.
Families should note that actual costs vary significantly by residency status, with in-state students benefiting from $17,568 lower tuition rates. The substantial gap between published prices and actual net costs reflects the university's commitment to making education accessible through need-based financial aid programs.
Mechanical Engineering.
79 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
42 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
25 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
264 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
346 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Austin Peay State University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#416 ranked) | TN | 96% | $44,301 | #416 | Compare |
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This is the University Of Mississippi hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-mississippi/analysis.
Open access with strong mobility outcomes
University of Mississippi ranks #420 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with mobility performance at the 88.9th percentile placing it well above average. Located in University, Mississippi, this large public research university maintains open access admission with a 97.8% acceptance rate while delivering strong economic mobility outcomes.
The university enrolls 22.4% Pell-eligible students and 23.5% first-generation students, reflecting moderate access levels for a public institution. University of Mississippi demonstrates excellent SAT performance at the 93rd percentile with scores ranging from 1020-1210, indicating strong academic preparation despite open admission policies.
This combination of accessibility, academic quality, and mobility outcomes positions the university as a Selective Achiever, delivering strong post-graduation results while serving fewer low-income students relative to peers.
For prospective students, this accessibility means that admission is essentially guaranteed for those who meet basic academic requirements and complete the application process. However, students should understand that open admission does not guarantee success—retention and completion rates become more critical factors in determining student outcomes.
This level of accessibility makes University of Mississippi an excellent backup option for students applying to more selective institutions, while also serving as a primary choice for those seeking guaranteed admission to a comprehensive research university with strong program offerings.
University of Mississippi graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time, with median earnings rising from $45,336 six years after enrollment to $48,889 at eight years and $50,994 at ten years, representing 12.5% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts of 4,567 graduates at six years, 5,032 at eight years, and 4,575 at ten years, providing high confidence in reported figures.
Low-income graduates earn $55,800, placing the university in the top 25% nationally for this mobility measure and demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Earnings span from $33,733 at the 25th percentile to $78,452 at the 75th percentile, reflecting a 2.3:1 ratio that indicates meaningful variation across programs and career trajectories.
Approximately 26.4% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, suggesting balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
University of Mississippi offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia stands out as the flagship program, ranking #4 nationally and #1 in Mississippi, graduating 367 students with median earnings of $52,202 and an exceptional value score of 95.2.
Accounting Technology ranks #62 nationally and #1 in state, producing 346 graduates with strong earnings of $65,428. Adult Health Nursing ranks #193 nationally but leads the state, graduating 264 students with median earnings of $66,123.
Banking and Financial Support Services graduates 234 students annually with median earnings of $62,529, ranking #139 nationally and #1 in Mississippi. Psychology, General demonstrates strong value with 186 graduates earning $44,740 and achieving a value score of 84.1, ranking #56 nationally.
Multiple programs hold the #1 position in Mississippi, reflecting the university's state leadership across diverse academic fields.
University Of Idaho Similar quality tier (#423 ranked) | ID | 79% | $54,670 | #423 | Compare |
Auburn University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#415 ranked) | AL | 50% | $65,337 | #415 | Compare |
University Of Central Oklahoma Similar quality tier (#424 ranked) | OK | 82% | $48,351 | #424 | Compare |
Arkansas State University Similar quality tier (#425 ranked) | AR | 70% | $42,617 | #425 | Compare |
