University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
University of Southern Mississippi is a public institution in Hattiesburg with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1120, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 9.9K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
51% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $44,140 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,224.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •In its first session, Mississippi Normal College had an enrollment of 876 students, and stood for "clean, pure, efficient lives.
- •" As the school developed its curriculum and departments, its name changed to reflect its progress: in 1924, to Mississippi State Teachers College, and in 1940, to Mississippi Southern College.
- •The college's fifth president, State Archivist William David McCain, was installed in 1955 and worked to expand Mississippi Southern College.
- •On February 27, 1962, Barnett signed the bill into law that renamed the school the University of Southern Mississippi.
- •Johnson at signing of bill granting university status Desegregation and civil rights In 1954 the United States Supreme Court ruled in Brown v.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
50.0%
Median Debt at Grad
$14,250
Programs (166)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
71%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
75
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MS state average + city premium