Mississippi's Top Affordable Online Colleges
Whether living in Mississippi or out-of-state, students who choose to pursue an online degree in Mississippi have a wide array of options. Mississippi colleges feature lower-than-average tuition rates and a growing selection of online offerings. Any decision regarding your college education can be difficult; this guide is designed to help. Below, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions, discussions of tuition costs, and a ranking of the most affordable online schools the state has to offer.
The following is a ranking of Mississippi's most affordable online schools. Our rankings take into consideration many factors, including the average cost of tuition, programs offered, and the graduation rate of each college or university. The data we use comes from the Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Our hope is students will use these rankings to find the online college in Mississippi that works best for them as they pursue their education.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Online Colleges in Mississippi
#1 Online Schools In Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi
- Hattiesburg, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Southern Mississippi operates a public campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to offer degrees in person and online. Students across the country enroll in virtual programs at the school. Healthcare, STEM, and business are some of the popular majors the college offers for its remote programs, meeting the needs of graduates pursuing diverse career paths.
Undergraduate and graduate distance learners find many program options at the school. Undergraduate degrees feature general education classes and foundation courses. Enrollees also take higher-level courses in their major. Graduate students participate in seminars and build advanced skills in their online courses.
Reaching out to the school can help prospective applicants learn more about admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates. The accredited institution connects enrollees with opportunities for financial aid.
The University of Southern Mississippi Fast Facts:
Total Online Students Enrolled: 9,842
Available Online Bachelor's Programs: 22
Percent of Students Accepted: 97%
Percent of Students who Graduate: 49%
Permits Transfer Credits: No
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Schools In Mississippi
Mississippi College
- Clinton, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online degree-seekers at Mississippi College receive the same rigorous education as on-campus peers. The private institution enrolls students in 40 virtual programs. Nontraditional learners can pursue a variety of bachelor’s and graduate degrees. The benefits of online learning include recorded video classes and reduced costs.
The school’s online and on-campus degrees offer benefits such as asynchronous learning and affordability. Working professionals transfer credits to finish degrees faster. Remote students need not submit test scores for application to many institutions. Applicants can expect a 42% admission rate. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Mississippi College at a Glance:
Institution Status: Private
Number of Distance Learners: 2,635
Programs Available Online: 40
Number of Online Bachelor’s Degrees: 7
Price of Tuition for Undergraduates: $17,550 a year in-state; $17,550 a year out-of-state
Admission Rate: 42%
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Online Schools In Mississippi
Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, Mississippi State University operates a campus in the city of Mississippi State. Distance learners and those on earning an in-person degree choose from many available programs at the accredited school. The college enrolls 3,989 of of its students remotely. Fully virtual bachelor's programs are also available to degree-seekers.
The school offers college degrees in a variety of popular majors. An online program's virtual learning environment benefits degree-seekers who may not otherwise be able to fit a college education into their schedule. A degree from the school can help working professionals move up the corporate ladder.
Earning a bachelor's degree typically takes four years. Bringing in credits from prior college experience makes it possible for students to graduate with a bachelor's degree faster. People interested in applying to the school should visit the website for more information on admission requirements and application timelines.
Percent Online Enrollment
18%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Online Schools In Mississippi
Jackson State University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Jackson State University operates as a public institution from its campus in Jackson, Mississippi. The accredited school offers both on-campus and online programs. The college enrolls 4,286 of of its students remotely. Fully virtual bachelor's degrees appeal to many degree-seekers.
Students at the school select from many of the top-choice fields for their college degree. Enrollees often benefit from the relative freedom an online degree's remote format provides them. A degree from the school can help working professionals move up the corporate ladder. A total of five online bachelor's programs and ten online master's programs are available to distance learners at the institution.
Earning a bachelor's degree takes most degree-seekers about four years. Students with prior college experience can transfer their credits toward a four-year degree to graduate in less time. Prospective applicants who want to know more about admission requirements and application deadlines should contact the school.
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Online Schools In Mississippi
Belhaven University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Belhaven University, a private college, enrolls students on campus in Jackson, Mississippi. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. Undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers choose from a catalog of 84 virtual programs. The university offers degrees in a variety of fields, including administering programs in the liberal arts and professional studies.
Instructors blend theoretical learning and practical experience such as internships and fieldwork. Remote students complete on-campus requirements for some programs. Virtual enrollees complete most degrees online with no on-campus visits. Faculty bring the real world to the classroom. Distance learners receive online assistance such as tutoring in various subjects.
The university enrolls students at an admission rate of 49%. Learners pay for their bachelor’s with affordable tuition and financial aid. Nonresidents and residents pay the same flat rate tuition. Belhaven University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Online Schools In Mississippi
Mississippi University for Women
- Columbus, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, Mississippi University for Women runs a Columbus, Mississippi-based campus. The accredited school offers multiple virtual programs in addition to its on-campus programs. The number of students enrolled remotely at the college totals 2,022. Degree-seekers can enter a bachelor's program delivered entirely online.
The school offers college degrees in many of the top-choice majors. The flexibility of a virtual classroom space appeals to many degree-seekers. The college designs many programs for working professionals who are seeking a degree for career advancement. The institution's academic offerings for distance learners include four bachelor's programs and five master's programs.
Earning a bachelor's degree takes most degree-seekers about four years. Transferring previous credits into a four-year bachelor's program lets students with prior college experience graduate in less time. Potential applicants interested in more information on admission requirements and application deadlines should visit the school's website.
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Online Schools In Mississippi
The University of Mississippi
- University, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in the city of University, the University of Mississippi offers in-person and remote degrees as a public Mississippi institution. The school enrolls students from all across the nation in its virtual programs. Business, healthcare, and STEM are some of the in-demand degrees that the online college offers to help graduates reach their professional goals.
Virtual learners at the school enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs. In undergraduate programs, online participants take general education and foundational classes. They also take advanced coursework in their major. Graduate students develop advanced skills through remote classes and seminars.
Prospective applicants can reach out to the school to learn more about admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates. The accredited institution also connects enrollees with financial aid opportunities.
The University of Mississippi Fast Facts:
Total Online Learners: 8,245
Total Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Rate of Acceptance: 88%
Graduation Percentage: 66%
Grants Transfer Credits: No
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Online Schools In Mississippi
William Carey University
- Hattiesburg, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
One of the best online schools, William Carey University is a private Hattiesburg, Mississippi, institution. The accredited school's undergraduate and graduate programs teach 2,177 learners remotely.
Students interested in many different career paths get their needs met by the school's most popular majors, such as STEM, healthcare, and business. Virtual learning environments help participants engage with the online program material. Remote enrollees fulfill in-person requirements with local internships, practicums, clinicals, or other placements. The school offers academic advising, online tutoring, and career counseling for its online students.
Bachelor's degree-seekers often complete their program in four years. Those with prior college experience can graduate in less time by transferring credits toward their degree. Prospective applicants can also check out programs with accelerated options.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Online Schools In Mississippi
Delta State University
- Cleveland, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Delta State University operates as a public institution from its campus in Cleveland, Mississippi. The accredited school offers many of its programs both online and on campus. The number of students enrolled remotely at the college totals 1,853. Learners can earn a bachelor's degree in a fully-virtual format.
Enrollees at the school select from many of the top-choice fields for their college degree. Degree-seekers often benefit from the relative freedom an online program's remote format provides them. Working professionals looking to further their careers with a degree find many programs at the school designed with them in mind.
Most degree-seekers earn their bachelor's in about four years. Transfer students finish their degree in less time by bringing in credits from previous higher education institutions. Visiting the school's website may help applicants find more information on admission requirements and application deadlines.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Why Choose Mississippi for Online Higher Education?
Online universities in Mississippi offer an excellent opportunity for parents, working professionals, and those looking for a career change to get the education they need. For those living outside of the state, Mississippi's low tuition rates can help make higher education more accessible to more people.
- Number of Programs Offered Completely Online in Mississippi: 34
- Undergraduate Students Enrolled Exclusively Online in Mississippi: 4,956
- Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively Online in Mississippi: 6,284
- Total International Students Enrolled Exclusively Online in Mississippi: 98
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Cost of Attending an Online College in Mississippi
Any decision involving higher education must factor in cost, and Mississippi's tuition can be lower than other states. In particular, out-of-state tuition costs in Mississippi are noticeably cheaper than the national average. Students relocating to Mississippi should research carefully, as Mississippi has a number of distinctions which can make gaining residency confusing. Prospective applicants must live in Mississippi for at least 12 months to establish residency.
In-state tuition
$7,175 – public, four-year institution
$2,645 – public, two-year institution
Out-of-state tuition
$18,516 – public, four-year institution
$4,810 – public, two-year institution
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 2017
Students in Mississippi pay around $1,000 less per year for in-state tuition, and about $6,000 less for out-of-state than the national average.
Similar to other states, online programs in Mississippi tend to be cheaper than their on-campus equivalents. This lower price is due largely to lower infrastructure costs, since online students are not using campus facilities. Here are a few actual online tuition rates for colleges in Mississippi:
Considering a Mississippi School as an Out-Of-State Student
Many students mix online and on-campus courses. Of those taking courses exclusively online, more tend to be graduate students. For students with work or family obligations, online programs offer a flexible format.
Tuition Discounts
Mississippi is a member state in the Southern Regional Education Board, and participates in the organization's Academic Common Market program. This program allows students from one participating state to attend colleges and universities in another at reduced tuition rates. Though the details can vary, and not all schools in those states participate, this can allow students to study at out-of-state colleges while paying in-state tuition rates. There are more than 1,900 graduate and undergraduate programs represented within the Academic Common Market over 15 states.
State Authorizations for Online Learning
Every state has different standards and policies regarding higher education, and students should be aware that schools can only offer online programs in states where they have authorization to do so. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) works to streamline this process and help expand online education throughout the country. Students should ensure that any Mississippi online college they are interested in attending has such authorization. This information can typically be located on the school's website.
Check with an admissions or financial officer: Tuition rates are ultimately program- and institution-based. Ask someone from a prospective program about what rates apply to you specifically as a potential member of a specific program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi's Online Schools
This section covers some frequently asked questions about online colleges in Mississippi, as well as answers that can help you get find the right program for you.
Do online credits cost more or less in Mississippi?
Online tuition for Mississippi colleges is cheaper than in many other states. When considering where to study, expect Mississippi colleges to offer some of the most affordable online tuition. Two-year colleges, also called community colleges or junior colleges, will generally be the cheapest option. Public four-year universities will have higher rates, with most private universities charging the highest tuitions.
Averages are not representative of every school, and tuition rates will vary from one online college to the next. Some may charge more for tuition than schools in other states, so you will need to compare the tuition rates of each school you're considering. If you are already a Mississippi resident, choosing to study online at one of the more expensive schools in the state can save you money by allowing you to earn your degree without moving or housing costs.
Which Mississippi schools accept the most transfer credits?
Every school has its own guidelines for how many credits students can transfer. A bachelor's degree requires 120 credits total, and some public universities will only allow you to transfer half, or fewer of those credits. Private universities, on the other hand, may allow you to transfer more credits. Online programs can be more generous with transfer credits, especially those aimed at helping working adults complete a degree.
Prospective transfer students should carefully research the policy of transferring credits to any school they are interested in attending. While you may not be able to transfer all of your credits, any amount will help reduce both the cost and time you spend finishing a program.
Will any online colleges in Mississippi accept a GED?
The United States Department of Education, as well as most government departments, considers the GED to be the equivalent of a high school diploma. As such, most online schools in Mississippi accept GED scores in lieu of a diploma and high school transcripts. It is not uncommon; however, for universities to set minimum GPAs for high school students. Private universities may be more particular about accepting students with a GED.
If you are concerned about your ability to get into a given school with a GED, attending a community college first may be helpful, as these schools welcome all applicants with a GED. GED applicants can use these classes to build and enhance their GPA before transferring to a four-year university. As always, students should make sure to check the transfer options for their destination school to make sure they can apply their credits.
How many academic terms per year do online colleges in Mississippi offer?
Most colleges and universities adhere to one of three scheduling systems: semesters, trimesters, and quarters. The semester model splits the year into two periods of 15-16 weeks, typically the fall, spring, and summer. Schools with trimesters split the year into three periods of four months, while those with quarters use four, three-month periods. Many online programs in Mississippi will follow these same patterns, especially if they are exclusively online classes among the normal on-campus offerings.
Some courses are offered in accelerated formats, wherein the same amount of work is done in a reduced time frame, often eight weeks. Technical and vocational programs are more likely to feature shorter courses or more flexible start dates. At universities with semesters, summer courses are sometimes offered in eight week models as well. For the majority of online colleges in Mississippi, students can expect courses to last three or four months each, typically starting in the fall and spring.
Which online colleges in Mississippi will accept the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is how the Department of Education determines which students demonstrate financial need. Students who have financial need gain access to Pell Grants, subsidized student loans, and other funding opportunities. Most colleges and many private organizations offering scholarships based on financial need also make use of the data gathered in the FAFSA.
Filing a FAFSA and having that information sent to the school is an increasingly common requirement for applications. As a general rule, administrators are not concerned with how a student comes by the money to pay for tuition and fees. As such, any school in Mississippi will accept the FAFSA. The channels opened by FAFSA make the process easier on students and administration, allowing students to spend less time worrying about how to pay for school, and more time focusing on classes.
Are there any free online classes I can take from Mississippi colleges?
It is possible to find free online courses offered by colleges and universities, but they are not common and generally come with some limitations. The most common free courses are offered online and not for credit. They are designed as continuing education, and are typically presented as video lectures. Some four-year public universities will offer free not-for-credit classes to senior citizens or other demographics. Community colleges are more likely to host free courses, but again, these rarely come with credit toward a degree or program.
Free courses can be part of community outreach initiatives by colleges and universities. You can certainly find lectures, readings, and other potentially valuable and educational content online relevant to your field of study.
How can I find the online program options at Mississippi colleges?
You can learn about online colleges in Mississippi the same way you learn about on-campus offerings: by visiting the websites of the individual schools. You can start with the rankings in this guide to see which colleges offer online programs; then visit their website. You should always do ample research before you apply to a school. For colleges and universities that focus on their online offerings, an online search should point you in the right direction. In some cases schools offer an entire website dedicated to their distance programs.
Mississippi Scholarships and Grants
There are several scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities available to students in Mississippi. The five options below are all provided by the state, and will give you a place to start looking for options that work for you.
Mississippi Higher Education Legislative Plan
This scholarship can cover up to four years of tuition for residents of Mississippi graduating high school, or college freshmen within one year of graduating from high school. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, as well as an ACT score of 20 or higher.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
View Details
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant
This grant is intended for incoming freshmen or upper class students who are working on their first certification or undergraduate degree. They must be a Mississippi resident with a 2.5 GPA in high school or college, a 15 or higher ACT score, or a GED or home school certificate.
Scholarship Amount: $500-$1,000
View Details
Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant
This grant is open to incoming freshmen who are residents of Mississippi and are beginning college within three years of graduating from high school or completing home school. They must have a 3.5 GPA and a 29 or higher on the ACT, or have a 3.5 college GPA and have completed between 12 and 18 credits.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $2,500
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Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers and Firemen Scholarship
This scholarship is open to the dependent children or spouse of a police officer or firefighter who has been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. It covers tuition and average room and board costs for up to eight semesters at a Mississippi public community college or university.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
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Nissan Scholarship
This scholarship is for graduating Mississippi high school students with a 2.5 GPA or higher, ACT score of 20 or higher, demonstrated leadership abilities, and financial need. The scholarship covers tuition and room and board costs for up to four years at public colleges or universities in the state.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
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