University of Southern Mississippi
About University of Southern Mississippi
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Southern Miss is a public research university in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It offers strong programs in nursing, sport management, polymer science, and music, and operates the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.
Founded
1910
Location
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Students
13,052
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
99.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
49.1%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$9,998
Out-of-state: $11,998
Avg Net Price
$21,708
After financial aid
SAT Average
1190
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$44,140
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Required
Application Fee
$45
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 16
University of Southern Mississippi accepts the majority of applicants at 99.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1190/ 1600
Average: 1190 out of 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
49.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
72.1%
4-Year Grad
32%
6-Year Grad
52%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$8.3K
Class Size
Medium
The 32% graduation rate is below average, but 72.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,998
In-State
$11,998
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,920
Books & Supplies
$852
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,566
After Financial Aid
$21,708
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$19,867
Receive Grants
46.3%
Take Loans
47.8%
The total cost of attendance runs about $26,566/yr, including $11,920 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $21,708.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Southern Mississippi fund their education.
While in School
46.3%
Get Grants
Free money
47.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$27,959
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$239/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $22,500 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Southern Mississippi.
Gender
62.5%
Female
38%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
10,075
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,977
Graduates
32.6%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
18%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 63% of the student body. 32.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
10,075
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Southern Mississippi fields 12 varsity teams with 452 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Sun Belt
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
452
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
252
Men
200
Women
7
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Southern Mississippiearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$44,140
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$39K
212 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$39K
206 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$70K
168 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$28K
167 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$38K
144 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$39K
127 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $38K six years out, growing to $44K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Southern Mississippi
What is the acceptance rate at University of Southern Mississippi?▾
How much does University of Southern Mississippi cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Southern Mississippi?▾
How much do University of Southern Mississippi graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.