The University of Southern Mississippi provides an affordable pathway to higher education for students throughout Mississippi and beyond, with net prices significantly below national averages.
The university serves as a crucial access point for first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking career-focused programs in healthcare, business, and technical fields.
The University of Southern Mississippi serves as an accessible public research university that prioritizes affordability and broad access over premium earnings outcomes. Located in Hattiesburg, USM enrolls substantial numbers of first-generation college students and Pell recipients, creating pathways for students who might not otherwise attend a four-year institution. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, and about one-third are first-generation, reflecting the university's commitment to serving Mississippi's diverse student population.
While USM's overall earnings outcomes rank in the lower third nationally, with graduates earning a median of $44,140 ten years after enrollment, the institution excels in specific high-demand fields like nursing and architectural engineering. The university's strength lies in providing affordable access to career-focused programs, with net prices for low-income students around $12,798 annually—well below national averages for public universities.
As a medium-sized public research university, USM balances broad program offerings with regional workforce needs. The institution serves students who value predictable costs, strong financial aid, and clear pathways into stable careers, particularly in healthcare, education, and business fields that remain essential to Mississippi's economy.
The University of Southern Mississippi's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive regional university serving Mississippi's workforce needs. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the standout program, combining substantial enrollment of 163 graduates with strong median earnings of $56,254, making it both popular and financially rewarding. This program exemplifies USM's strength in healthcare education, preparing nurses for Mississippi's growing healthcare sector.
Technical and professional programs deliver the university's strongest financial outcomes. Architectural Engineering Technologies, while smaller with 75 graduates, produces median earnings of $52,107, demonstrating USM's ability to compete in specialized technical fields. Business Administration represents the university's largest program by enrollment at 172 graduates, with median earnings of $33,993 reflecting solid but moderate returns typical of broad business degrees.
Students should approach program selection strategically, as outcomes vary significantly across USM's offerings. While nursing, technical programs, and business provide clear career pathways, some programs like General Studies show limited financial upside with median earnings of $18,154. The university's strength lies in its professionally-oriented programs that connect directly to regional employment opportunities, particularly in healthcare, education, and technical fields that remain essential to Mississippi's economy.
Graduates of the University of Southern Mississippi see modest long-term earnings, with a median of $44,140 ten years after enrollment. This places the university in the lower third nationally for graduate earnings, and outcomes fall somewhat below what similar students achieve at comparable institutions. However, earnings vary significantly by program choice, creating opportunities for students who select strategically from USM's stronger fields.
The university's highest returns come from healthcare and technical programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the highest-earning and highest-aggregate-return major, with 163 graduates earning a median of $56,254 ten years out. Architectural Engineering Technologies also delivers strong outcomes, with 75 graduates earning around $52,107. These programs demonstrate that USM can produce competitive earnings when students enter high-demand, professionally-oriented fields.
Business Administration represents the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 172 students annually with median earnings of $33,993. While this reflects more moderate financial outcomes, it provides a stable foundation for students seeking management and entrepreneurship opportunities within Mississippi's business landscape. Students should be aware that some programs, particularly General Studies with median earnings of $18,154, offer limited financial upside, making careful program selection crucial for maximizing long-term return on investment.
The University of Southern Mississippi delivers strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout Mississippi and beyond. Low-income students pay approximately $12,798 annually in net price, well below the national average for public universities. Middle-income families see costs around $16,248 per year, while higher-income students pay about $19,561—all representing reasonable value for a comprehensive public research university experience.
The university's financial aid approach helps keep borrowing manageable for most students. Federal student loan debt averages $22,500 for graduates, a moderate level that aligns with USM's earnings outcomes and regional cost of living. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,586, reflecting the university's success in keeping family contributions reasonable while still providing access to a full university experience including research opportunities, campus life, and comprehensive academic support services.
USM's affordability strength lies in its predictable, transparent pricing structure that allows families to plan effectively over four years. The combination of reasonable net prices and moderate debt levels creates a sustainable financial pathway for students, particularly those from Mississippi families who value staying close to home while accessing quality higher education at a manageable cost.
University Of Southern Mississippi Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
