Best Public Colleges in Mississippi
Traditionally renowned for its rich culture, southern hospitality, and historic landmarks, Mississippi is also home to various esteemed public colleges. These institutions offer students unique academic experiences, preparing them for promising careers in numerous fields.
University of Mississippi
Commonly referred to as “Ole Miss,” this university is in the picturesque town of Oxford.
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Ole Miss is known for its rigorous programs in liberal arts, business, and journalism. Its School of Pharmacy is particularly noteworthy.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
In-state tuition stands at approximately $8,660. With an undergraduate enrollment of around 18,400, the typical SAT range is between 1080-1280.
Mississippi State University
In Starkville, MSU offers a vibrant campus life combined with academic excellence.
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Noted for its engineering, business, and agriculture programs, MSU also has a highly respected veterinary medicine college.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Residents can expect to pay around $8,650. MSU enrolls about 18,792 undergraduates, and the SAT score range is generally between 1070-1280.
University of Southern Mississippi
Often referred to as “Southern Miss,” this institution is in Hattiesburg.
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Southern Miss is recognized for its nursing, business, and education programs. It also boasts a reputable School of Music.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
In-state students face an average tuition of $8,624. The undergraduate population is approximately 11,800, with the SAT range from 980-1190.
Mississippi University for Women
Despite its name, the “W,” as it’s affectionately called, has been coeducational since 1982 and is based in Columbus.
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MUW is renowned for its nursing, culinary arts, and education programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Residents can expect to pay around $7,525. It enrolls about 2,500 undergraduates, with the SAT range typically between 940-1140.
Alcorn State University
Situated in Lorman, Alcorn State is the oldest public historically black land-grant institution in the U.S.
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It shines in areas like agriculture, nursing, and business administration.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
In-state tuition stands at roughly $7,290. The university has an undergraduate population of about 3,200, with the SAT range from 870-1080.
Jackson State University
Located in Jackson, JSU provides a thriving urban academic environment.
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JSU is mainly known for its business, education, and health sciences programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Residents face an average tuition of $8,445. With around 5,300 undergraduates, the SAT score typically ranges between 880-1080.
Delta State University
Based in Cleveland, DSU offers an array of undergraduate and graduate programs.
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DSU is recognized for its business, nursing, and education programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The tuition for in-state students is about $7,671. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 3,000, with an SAT range from 940-1160.
Mississippi Valley State University
Situated in Itta Bena, MVSU focuses on providing a comprehensive educational experience.
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MVSU shines in areas such as education, business, and social sciences.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Residents can anticipate tuition of approximately $6,550. The university hosts around 2,500 undergraduates, with the SAT range commonly between 820-990.
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Based in Jackson, UMMC is the state’s premier health sciences campus.
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Specializing in health-related studies, UMMC offers degrees in medicine, dentistry, health-related professions, and more.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Given its specialized nature, tuition varies widely by program. Enrollment and SAT range data are specific to individual programs, with most students enrolling post-undergrad.
Online at Southern Miss
This platform provides access to the University of Southern Mississippi’s online degree programs.
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It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, from business to nursing, entirely online.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Tuition varies by program, but it generally offers competitive online rates. As it’s an online platform, traditional enrollment, and SAT data don’t strictly apply.
Best Public Colleges in Three Other States
Best Public Colleges in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to notable institutions like the University of Arkansas, emphasizing research and community engagement.
Best Public Colleges in Louisiana
With schools such as Louisiana State University, the state provides rigorous academics and a vibrant campus culture.
Best Public Colleges in Alabama
Alabama boasts institutions like the University of Alabama, merging tradition with academic excellence.
How the SAT is Scored
The SAT evaluates students in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math; each section scores between 200-800. The total score ranges from 400-1600. There’s no penalty for guessing, and scores are determined by first calculating the raw score, which is then converted to the scaled score via a process called equating. It ensures fairness across different test versions. Additionally, students receive subscores and insight scores to analyze their performance further.
In conclusion, Mississippi offers a plethora of public colleges catering to diverse academic and extracurricular interests. Prospective students should research individual institutions thoroughly to find the best fit for their academic journey.
