The Best Online Colleges in Mississippi

by TBS Staff

Updated October 19, 2022

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Mississippi offers some of the most affordable college tuition rates in the U.S. Its private education rates are the third lowest in the U.S.

According to the College Board, approximate annual tuition rates are $18,500 for students who attend private colleges and $7,000 for those who pick public colleges. However, these prices do not accurately reflect the financial benefits of distance education. Online schools in Mississippi often provide more affordable tuition as well as specific scholarships and grants for distance learners, particularly those who transfer from a local community college. The Magnolia State is also a great place to live and advance your career; PayScale reports that in the capital city of Jackson, the cost of living is 11% below the national average.

Online colleges in Mississippi enable students to create a degree plan that aligns with their goals and schedules. Remote programs employ asynchronous classes powered by learning management software like Canvas or Desire2Learn, which provides students with flexibile options for completing class assignments or partaking in discussions. Distance learners enjoy access to accelerated courses over summer sessions, though some schools provide the format year–round. This feature empowers full–time learners to earn a bachelor’s degree in two years and a master’s in one. Popular fields of study for online learning include business, psychology, criminal justice, healthcare, and education. Mississippi universities offer ample options for nursing students, including RN–to–BSN tracks and doctoral degrees in nurse education and administration. Distance learners should also expect a plethora of MBA and teacher preparation programs with diverse specializations, from entrepreneurship and financial management to special education and instructional leadership.

The Best Online Colleges in Mississippi

#1 The Best Online Colleges in Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi

  • Hattiesburg, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A quality online college education is available at University of Southern Mississippi. Learners can choose from 60 remote programs at both the graduate and undergraduate level at this public institution. Distance learners benefit from the school's track record in online education and its strong academic reputation.

Academic and career preparation services are available to all students, even those outside of the Hattiesburg campus. The school also helps facilitate internships to help students gain hands-on experience. Completing the program grants graduates an accredited degree.

Contact the school directly to receive more information about online program opportunities and application procedures.

University of Southern Mississippi at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 9,842

Online Bachelor's Programs: 22

Online Master's Programs: 21

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 36%

Admission Rate: 97%

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

Average Tuition
In-state
$8,786
Out-of-state
$10,786
Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
14,133
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 The Best Online Colleges in Mississippi

Belhaven University

  • Jackson, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A quality online college education is available at Belhaven University. Remote enrollees at this private college can choose from 36 online programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Many distance learners enroll here because the school has a strong academic reputation and experience in online education.

Online learners not located near the Jackson campus can still take advantage of academic and career advising services. Academic advising, virtual job fairs, and other career preparation services set degree-seekers up for long-term success. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. An accredited degree is awarded to graduates upon completing the program.

Potential applicants can contact the school for additional details about program availability and the application process.

Belhaven University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 2,200

Online Bachelor's Programs: 8

Online Master's Programs: 14

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 43%

Admission Rate: 49%

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

Average Tuition
In-state
$25,826
Out-of-state
$25,826
Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
4,574
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 The Best Online Colleges in Mississippi

Mississippi University for Women

  • Columbus, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

For many online degree-seekers, Mississippi University for Women is an attractive choice. Remote students at both the undergraduate and graduate level have nine options through this public institution. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.

Online learners can benefit from the academic advisors and career services professionals at the Columbus campus. Virtual career fairs, academic advising, and other programs invest in the long-term success of degree-seekers. The school also facilitates internships that help students gain real-world experience. A degree with full accreditation is awarded to all enrollees upon completing their program.

Potential applicants can contact the school for additional details about program availability and the application process.

Mississippi University for Women at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 2,022

Online Bachelor's Programs: 4

Online Master's Programs: 5

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 20%

Admission Rate: 97%

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

Average Tuition
In-state
$7,425
Out-of-state
$7,425
Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
2,811
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
72% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 The Best Online Colleges in Mississippi

Jackson State University

  • Jackson, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Anyone interested in pursuing a degree online should consider Jackson State University. Remote enrollees at this public college can choose from 16 online programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for strong academics, making it a popular choice for distance learners.

The school offers additional support to online learners through the academic and career services offices at its Jackson campus. Academic advising, virtual job fairs, and other career preparation services set degree-seekers up for long-term success. The school's internship program helps many students prepare for their future careers. Graduates receive an accredited degree upon completion of their program.

Contact the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.

Jackson State University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 4,286

Online Bachelor's Programs: 5

Online Master's Programs: 10

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 17%

Admission Rate: 68%

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

Average Tuition
In-state
$8,270
Out-of-state
$8,270
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
7,020
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
61% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Colleges

Online Colleges in Mississippi Ranking Guidelines

We selected the online schools in Mississippi based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, and faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.

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