University Of Southern Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi admits 99.4% of applicants, representing open access admission where nearly all students who apply are accepted. This places the institution among the most accessible four-year universities in the United States.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that University of Southern Mississippi provides significantly broader access than typical public regional universities. Open access admission means that meeting basic eligibility requirements typically ensures admission, removing selectivity barriers that limit access at most four-year institutions.

This accessibility serves the university's mission of providing educational opportunity to diverse student populations, particularly in Mississippi where higher education access has historically been limited. Students should approach University of Southern Mississippi as a reliable admission option while focusing their application strategy on academic preparation for college-level work rather than admission competition.

The university's role as an open access institution makes it particularly valuable for first-generation students, returning adults, and others who may face barriers at more selective institutions. This admission approach supports the university's strong mobility outcomes by ensuring that qualified students have access to four-year degree programs regardless of traditional selectivity metrics like test scores or high school rank.

University of Southern Mississippi offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for analysis. Chemical Engineering Technology ranks #10 nationally and #1 in Mississippi, graduating 41 students with median earnings of $75,493 and a value score of 65.4.

Architectural Engineering Technologies ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Mississippi, producing 75 graduates with median earnings of $66,725 and a value score of 66.7. Adult Health Nursing ranks #206 nationally and #2 in Mississippi, graduating 163 students with median earnings of $63,071.

Adult Development and Aging ranks #54 nationally and #1 in Mississippi, graduating 107 students with median earnings of $34,932 and a notable value score of 44.2. Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program, graduating 172 students annually with median earnings of $45,711.

Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates 127 students with earnings of $39,166, ranking #137 nationally. The program portfolio demonstrates strength in technical fields while serving diverse student interests across business, healthcare, education, and liberal arts disciplines.

University of Southern Mississippi's published cost of attendance reaches $25,482 annually, including $11,618 in out-of-state tuition ($9,618 for in-state residents), $11,664 for room and board, and $840 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.

The average net price after aid totals $14,224, representing $11,258 in financial aid savings from the sticker price. This net price falls $131 below the peer median of $14,093, indicating comparable affordability to similar institutions.

The substantial gap between sticker price and average net cost reflects the university's commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds through comprehensive financial aid. Net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $12,798 for students from families earning under $30,000 to $19,561 for families earning over $110,000.

This progressive pricing structure ensures that lower-income students face the most affordable costs while higher-income families pay closer to the full cost of attendance. The university's financial aid approach supports its mission of broad educational access while maintaining institutional sustainability through varied pricing by economic circumstances.

University of Southern Mississippi graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings rise from $37,710 six years after enrollment to $40,972 at eight years and $44,140 at ten years, representing 17.1% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect data from substantial cohorts, with 4,910 graduates included in the ten-year earnings analysis, providing confidence in the reported figures. Earnings span from $28,070 at the 25th percentile to $66,054 at the 75th percentile, reflecting the 2.4:1 ratio between top and bottom quartile outcomes.

This variation demonstrates opportunities across different academic programs and career trajectories. Low-income graduates earn $39,900, indicating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Approximately 26.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting strong preparation for both advanced education and immediate workforce entry. While median earnings rank below national averages, the institution serves its mission of providing broad educational access with outcomes that support long-term career development.