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. 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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Mississippi demonstrate solid academic preparation despite the institution's open access policies. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1020 at the 25th percentile to 1210 at the 75th percentile, with a median of 1187. Most enrolled students score between 1020 and 1210 on the SAT, placing the middle 50% well above the national average for college-bound students. ACT scores range from 21 to 29, with a median of 25, indicating strong academic readiness for college-level work. Math SAT scores span from 510 to 600, while verbal scores range from 510 to 610, showing balanced preparation across quantitative and reading skills. These test scores rank at the 93rd percentile nationally, demonstrating top-tier academic performance that contrasts with the institution's open admission policies. The peer median SAT score of 1198 means University of Mississippi enrolled students score 11 points below similar institutions, though this difference is minimal and within normal variation. Students scoring below 1020 SAT or 21 ACT should expect to be in the bottom quartile of enrolled students but are not excluded from admission. For students whose scores fall within the 1020-1210 SAT range, they align well with the typical academic profile of successful University of Mississippi students.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Mississippi enrolls a moderately diverse student body with 22.4% Pell-eligible students, indicating families earning less than approximately $50,000 annually. First-generation college students comprise 23.5% of enrollment, showing the university serves students whose parents did not complete four-year degrees. Transfer students represent 20.0% of enrollment, reflecting the institution's role in providing pathways for community college graduates and students transferring from other four-year institutions. While these diversity measures are above the national average for four-year institutions, they fall below levels typical at highly accessible public universities, contributing to the university's classification as a Selective Achiever rather than Access Leader. The student composition suggests University of Mississippi attracts a mix of traditional and non-traditional students, including those from moderate-income families alongside students from more privileged backgrounds. First-generation students should note that nearly one in four enrolled students shares their background, providing a substantial peer network of students navigating college as the first in their families. Students from lower-income families should consider the 22.4% Pell share when assessing whether they will find a community of peers from similar economic circumstances.
Given University of Mississippi's 97.8% acceptance rate, admission is virtually guaranteed for students who complete the application process and meet basic requirements, making reach school alternatives unnecessary.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
University of Mississippi demonstrates solid retention and completion outcomes that exceed peer institutions in key areas. 87.9% of freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 83.7%, indicating above-average first-year student support and engagement. The six-year graduation rate reaches 68.5%, slightly above the peer median of 65.9%, suggesting effective degree completion support systems. Pell-eligible students graduate at 47.9%, creating a substantial 20.6 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates. This gap indicates that while the university successfully graduates most students, those from lower-income backgrounds face additional challenges in degree completion. The Pell completion gap is larger than at many peer institutions, suggesting students from disadvantaged economic backgrounds may need additional support resources to succeed. Students who gain admission can expect reasonable institutional support for degree completion, with nearly 7 in 10 students completing their programs within six years. Lower-income students should carefully consider the significant Pell completion gap and may benefit from connecting with academic support services early in their enrollment to maximize their chances of graduation success.
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