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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,566 |
| Tuition and Fees | $11,998 |
| Room and Board | $11,920 |
| Books and Supplies | $852 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$4,858 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $21,708 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $19,867 |
| $30–48k | $20,432 |
| $48–75k | $22,756 |
| $75–110k | $25,812 |
| $110k+ | $26,542 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at University of Southern Mississippi remain manageable relative to national patterns and peer institutions. Median student debt reaches $22,500, with debt ranging from $6,500 at the 25th percentile to $29,066 at the 75th percentile.
This median debt level exceeds the peer median by $1,395 but ranks around the 52nd percentile nationally, indicating typical debt levels for four-year institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 suggests that typical monthly payments represent manageable portions of post-graduation income, though students should carefully consider program choice given earnings variation across fields.
Parent PLUS loans show median debt of $13,586 with monthly payments of $179, adding to family debt burden but remaining within reasonable bounds for many families. The debt distribution shows that one-quarter of students graduate with $6,500 or less in debt, indicating that many students successfully limit borrowing through financial aid, family support, or part-time work.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Southern Mississippi presents a complex investment picture that varies significantly by academic program and career path. While median earnings of $44,140 rank modestly below average nationally, the institution generates outcomes around expectations given its student demographics and mission.
Graduates earn $2,924 below expectations relative to similar students, placing the university in the typical tier for value-added performance. However, debt levels remain manageable at $22,500 median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 that supports long-term financial stability for most graduates.
The university's strongest investment returns appear in technical programs, with Chemical Engineering Technology and Architectural Engineering Technologies delivering earnings above $66,000 with strong national rankings. Healthcare programs like Adult Health Nursing also provide solid returns with $63,071 median earnings.
University of Southern Mississippi's financial aid profile reflects its commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds, particularly those with significant financial need. The substantial 46.6% Pell share indicates that nearly half of students qualify for federal need-based aid, demonstrating the university's role in serving lower-income populations.
Average financial aid savings reach $11,258, representing 44% of the total cost of attendance. This aid level supports the university's accessibility mission while enabling students from various economic backgrounds to pursue four-year degrees.
The progressive net pricing structure, where middle-low income families ($30,000-$48,000) pay less than the lowest income tier, suggests sophisticated aid packaging that accounts for various family circumstances beyond simple income thresholds. Financial aid effectiveness connects directly to the university's strong mobility outcomes, as accessible pricing enables students from lower-income families to complete degrees and achieve economic advancement.
