Everybody wants a brighter future that a good education can provide. But the reality is often bleak. The rising tuition costs make it challenging for many students to achieve their dreams in life. It is also widely acknowledged that going to college can accumulate more debts with transportation and lodging expenses added to the mix.
For the state of Mississippi, providing students with the best chance of having an excellent education is a priority. Currently, Mississippi has more than 60 post-secondary colleges and universities. Half of these have online programs. The latter is an innovative and progressive effort by many educational institutions to extend their doors to students who might find it hard to attend traditional classes on campus.
Online schools make it possible for adult learners to juggle their career while pursuing their degrees. Students who work while studying can also benefit tremendously from this setup. The convenience and flexibility of online programs mean they can take up classes anytime and anywhere, at their own pace.
Aside from that, they can also save a considerable amount of money when they eliminate the need to pay for rent and transportation. Some online schools also have lower tuition rates compared to their brick-and-mortar counterparts, especially if they do not count student fees and other miscellaneous charges that traditional classes entail.
METHODOLOGY
In deciding to pursue an online degree, prospective students should settle for no less than the best. Here are the 5 Top Online Schools in Mississippi ranked by our staff and researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com. These online colleges and universities made it to our list because of the top-quality educational experience they offer to students. They share these salient features that demonstrate their commitment to high academic standards.
- Rigorous coursework and extensive curriculum of online programs to train future professionals,
- A high-quality virtual platform that offers easy access to coursework and online lectures,
- Good student-teacher ratio for focused instruction,
- Competent faculty with expertise in their field of study,
- Accreditation from agencies that promote high education standards.
Find out more about our ranking process. Visit our Methodology Page.
Alcorn State University
Located in Lorman, Mississippi, Alcorn State University is the second oldest state-supported higher learning institution in Mississippi. It was founded as part of the effort to educate the descendants of the formerly enslaved Africans and was named in honor of the sitting governor of the state, James L. Alcorn.
Currently, Alcorn State University has more than 4,000 students with varied ethnic backgrounds. It operates divisions with degree programs in more than 50 areas. The programs vary, from bachelor’s and master’s to educational specialist degrees.
It has distinguished degree offerings in the field of education, medicine, law, business, and professional athletics as well as liberal arts, agricultural research, technology, music, and nursing. Alcorn is a place where students develop the skills they need for lasting success in the global marketplace. The university seeks to nurture and guide students while teaching them the means to be independent and accountable.
Aside from its brick-and-mortar course offerings, Alcorn State University also has several online programs, ranging from Criminal Justice and Child Development to Business Administration.
To increase the online instructional capability, the university has established the Office of Online Education. The online programs have all the ingredients of a reasonable distance learning opportunity, including the flexibility and convenience to earn the degree programs anytime and anywhere.
Location: Lorman, Mississippi
Admission Requirements:
- College Prep Curriculum (at least 3.2 GPA)
- ACT Score
- Application for Admissions (signed)
- Appropriate final High School or College Transcripts
- Immunization Records
- Photocopy of Social Security Card
Accreditation:
- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
William Carey University
Located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, William Carey University embraces its Baptist heritage and namesake while providing an excellent education to students, challenging them to excel in scholarship, leadership, and service in a diverse global society. They value education as a lifelong learning process that depends upon the collaboration of teachers, learners, and a supportive community. They also aim to give students the best foundation to learn skills that will help them earn a living.
The university offers numerous undergraduate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral program options. Students may opt to earn their degrees without attending on-campus classes. It can either be in fully online programs or hybrid programs. Looking beyond the traditional classroom, William Carey University offers educational opportunities that fit the busy lifestyles of 21st-century students. Students can be a part of the university, whether they are across the state, nation, or around the world.
The programs are flexible enough even for working adults who need to fulfill their personal and professional responsibilities while pursuing their higher education. Its affordable tuition rate and various financial aid options make it an attractive choice for students.
William Carey University offers Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.
Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Admission Requirements:
- Complete application for undergraduate admissions
- Pay $40 non-refundable application fee
- Send proof of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) immunizations
- Send an official ACT or SAT score
- Submit an official high school transcript
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
- National Association of Schools of Music
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Mississippi College
Known for academic excellence, Mississippi College is the oldest university in the state of Mississippi. It offers a premier educational environment at an affordable price.
At present, the university has a more than 80 undergraduate areas of study, covering every area of a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. There are also offered graduate studies, ranging from business to medical sciences and art. Opportunities for doctorate programs in jurisprudence, educational leadership, and professional counseling can also be found at the university.
While Mississippi College has a myriad of on-campus offerings, its online programs are also very competitive. The university opens its doors to students from all over the globe. Those who want to further their career without uprooting themselves from where their professional and personal responsibilities lie can take any of the online programs offered. The online programs give them the flexibility and opportunity to further their career through higher education.
These long-distance learning programs are accelerated and taught by the same distinguished faculty as on campus. The university allows multiple start dates and 100% online coursework. In just a few months, students can achieve their degree and start their career.
The programs are also affordable, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing only costing a student a total of $8,950 in tuition for 30 credit hours. It can even be completed in as few as 12 months. Other online programs include the Master of Education in Special Education and Education Specialist in Educational Leadership.
Location: Clinton, Mississippi
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application (two weeks before the registration period)
- Official transcript
- ACT (minimum score of 18) or SAT (minimum score of 940)
- GED passing scores for applicants who have not completed high school
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation (MCCA)
- National Council for State Authorization and Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
- Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Council for Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP)/National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- National Association of Schools of Music
Belhaven University
One of the select Christian colleges and universities with national influence, Belhaven University offers 70 areas of study, including academic majors and concentrations across a full spectrum of disciplines. It was founded in 1883, and its storied history includes achieving the distinction of being among only 36 universities nationally accredited in each of the major arts, from music and theater to visual art and dance.
Belhaven University offers high-quality education in a supportive environment. It has a 12:1 student to faculty ratio, giving the faculty and staff members opportunities to dedicate more time to academic rigor that will best prepare students for a successful future. Overall, the university serves 4,500 students, including its traditional undergraduate and graduate students and online students.
As an accredited educational institution, Belhaven University is well-positioned to provide a quality education that employers recognize. The online programs are part of this. Because school and personal schedules are essential for many, the college offers students the flexibility they need to earn their degrees. While there are assignments due each week, students can decide when and where to complete them.
Aside from the regular assignments, students are also required to watch video lectures. The courses are designed for students with unpredictable schedules, like those who are in active military service, traveling frequently or living internationally. Students can count on their professors for support by way of frequent online interactions as well as personal assistance from Belhaven Online staff.
Some of the most notable bachelor’s degrees at Belhaven includes Accounting, Applied Psychology, Business Administration, Health Administration, Management, Nursing, and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Non-refundable admission fee
- Official transcripts
- ACT (at least 20) or SAT (at least 930)
- Personal essay, interview, or written recommendation
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Association of Schools of Dance
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation/State Partnership
- Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Social Work Education
University of Mississippi
Founded in 1848, The University of Mississippi is fondly known to students and alumni as Ole Miss. It is Mississippi’s flagship university, with a long history of producing leaders in different spheres, from public service and academics to business. It is the largest university of the state of Mississippi and also ranked as among the nation’s fastest-growing institutions.
The university offers more than 100 programs of study, providing each graduate with the background necessary for a lifetime of scholastic, social, and professional growth. Its outstanding academic programs also extend to students who want to avail of distance learning opportunities. Since choosing the right online school is often a challenge, the University of Mississippi wants to give students the best educational value possible.
The online programs at Miss Ole are recognized for their quality and value, from its dedicated faculty and staff to its rigorous academic offerings. The flexibility of these programs enables professionals to juggle their work, family, and even leisurely activities while they further their education.
The courses in the online programs have a specified start date and end date. The students progress through the course in a group, along with their classmates online according to the university’s semester calendar. They complete their course work and exams using the online learning platform Blackboard.
Online programs at the University of Mississippi are convenient and accessible, such as the Master of Business Administration, Master of Hospitality Management, and EdS Ed Leadership Program.
Location: Oxford, Mississippi
Admission Requirements:
Mississippi Residents
- College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with a minimum high school GPA of 3.20
- CPC completion with a minimum GPA of 2.50 and ACT of 16
- CPC completion with a class rank in the top 50%
- National Collegiate Athletic Association Certification requirements
Non-residents
- Standardized test score (ACT or SAT)
- Core grade point average (GPA)
- Availability of seats in the incoming class
- The rigor of high school curriculum
General Admission Documents
- Completed application form
- Six-semester transcript
- Official standardized test scores (ACT or SAT)
- Senior Course Schedule
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- American Chemical Society
- Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission
- National Association of Schools of Music
- American Psychological Association
- National Association of Schools of Theatre
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- National Recreation and Park Association
- AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Mississippi, it seems, is a firm believer in the quality and numerous benefits of online education. The southeastern state has launched several initiatives intended to boost interest and easy access to educational institutions offering online education. Mississippi is a participant of the Southern Regional Education Board’s Electronic Campus, a website serving as a catalog and database of online degrees and courses available. Its department of education also partnered up with surrounding universities to create the e-Learning for Educators service that offers educators in the state access to online courses that can level up their skills. And those are only two of many other initiatives.
Online education is proving itself to be a competitive peer of traditional, on-campus education. A large majority of universities and colleges across the United States have set up distance learning or online education programs, and these programs are frequently taught and overseen by the same knowledgeable faculty members who deliver the on-campus offerings. Virtually the only difference between an on-campus student and an online student nowadays is the computer screen separating the latter from the teacher.
Growing economic challenges for existing students and aspiring ones are also partially remedied by the option of online education. Savings for students are not merely limited to tuition, as online learning eliminates the need for on-campus costs such as transportation and housing and even the smaller expenses for outside meals and clothing that can still rack up a pretty penny in the long run.
Online learning offers accessibility to a wide range of lifestyles and living situations, making it an attractive proposition to many. Students can manage certain constraints of employment, disability, age, or family responsibilities through the flexible schedules, paces, and start dates offered. Just like the state of Mississippi, many others have seen the strengths of online education and are optimistic about its growth in the future.
METHODOLOGY
One of the biggest considerations for enrolling in an online college program is affordability. With the soaring rates of higher education tuition and fees, it makes sense for prospective students in Mississippi to find the online school that lets them get the most out of their college investment, and offers a range of financial aid options for eligible students. Here are the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Mississippi.
Delta State University
The 95-year-old, publicly-funded Delta State University (DSU) is currently home to more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a 40-plus roster of majors. What started as a humble teacher’s college in 1924 is now a thriving institution for higher education that is also considered one of the best value schools in the state. It is worth mentioning as well that DSU, unlike other universities, does not charge additional fees for students from out of state, and it also enjoys an excellent student to teacher ratio of 11 to 1 that allows for a better learning experience for its students.
DSU is also home to the only aviation degree for bachelor’s and master’s offered by a four-year university in the state of Mississippi. Meanwhile, its nursing-related online degrees have been recognized very highly in several online school rankings – proof that the university’s affordability does not come at the expense of its quality. DSU presently offers around 14 online degree choices that are a combination of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs.
As for tuition and fees, full-time undergraduates (those taking 12 to 19 hours) are charged a fixed rate of $3,750.50 per semester. Those taking less than 12 hours are tagged as part-time students with a tuition rate of $313 per credit hour—one of, if not the most, affordable rates in Mississippi. Veterans education benefits can also be availed. Estimates for annual Delta State’s yearly tuition range from $6,300 to $7,200.
Location: Cleveland, Mississippi
Admission Requirements:
- Completion of College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with 3.20 GPA or higher
- Completion of CPC with 2.0 GPA or higher and ACT score of 18 or higher / SAT score of 940 or higher
- Upper 50% class ranking
- ACT score of at least 16 or SAT score of at least 86
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Council on Social Work Education
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Mississippi University for Women
Despite its name, the Mississippi University for Women (also referred to as MUW or, more commonly, The W) has long since welcomed male students into its campus, who now comprise almost one-fourth of the student population. It was established in 1884 as an institution for training women for various jobs and also to provide them with access to a liberal arts education. U.S. News & World Report have recognized the W as the 11th top value public regional university in the south, as well as the 20th best.
Over 50 majors for undergraduates are offered, with their Nursing, BSN major topping the popularity list, while its graduate studies department currently has 11 programs available. In addition, The W is also an online education provider. The W Online allows you to complete your degree entirely online or opt for partial completion (e.g., a student takes two years of community college and completes their remaining two years online), which The W calls “2+2 Programs Online.”
Mississippi University for Women also boasts one of the most affordable tuition rates in both the state and the region, as part-time students taking no more than 11 credits enjoy a rate of $313.55. Students who prefer to study full-time (12 to 19 credits) are not charged using a flat rate of $3,762, which means those taking 19 credits can pay as low as $198 per credit hour. Its annual tuition has been placed to be around $6,000 to $6,500, quite possibly one of the lowest in the state of Mississippi.
Location: Columbus, Mississippi
Admission Requirements:
- Completion of College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with 3.2 GPA or higher
- Completion of CPC with 2.5 GPA or higher OR upper 50% class ranking and an ACT score of 16 or higher / SAT score of 880-910
- Completion of CPC with 2.0 GPA or higher and ACT score of 18 or higher / SAT score of 960-980
- Upper 50% of class ranking with a composite ACT score of 16 or higher / SAT score of 880-910
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning
- Accreditation for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
- National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)
- National Council for Accreditation in Teacher Education (NCATE)
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University (MSU) does not often get called by its full name: The Mississippi State University for Agriculture and Applied Science. The public research university now boasts an impressive 20,000-plus student population and an academic staff composed of more than 1,300 members who deliver the 175 MSU programs.
The university’s Center for Distance Education currently has 44 programs in its roster. Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Elementary Education, and a rather specific Geosciences program with a Broadcast and Operational Meteorology concentration and a more flexible Interdisciplinary Studies are some of the few options students can choose from. In addition, there are also doctorate degrees, certificates, and an extensive list of master’s degrees.
One of the good points of MSU’s online offerings is that in-state tuition fees apply to all online students regardless of their place of residence, making the university the best value choice that is also more accessible to a broader range of people. Summer semester rates are slightly lower than other semesters; one credit hour is priced at $356, while the rate for fall and spring semester enrollees is at $366.75 per credit hour. Students also need to note that an additional $25 Instructional Support Fee is added to every credit hour under Distance Education. The yearly total tuition and fees for MSU are expected to be a reasonable $7,700, and eligible students can reduce costs even further by applying for various financial aid, such as Military Veterans Benefits and Senior Citizens Mississippi tuition waiver program.
Location: Starkville, Mississippi
Admission Requirements:
- Completion of College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with 3.2 GPA or higher
- Completion of CPC with 2.5 GPA or higher and ACT score of 16 or higher / equivalent SAT score
- Completion of CPC with 2.0 GPA or higher and ACT score of 18 or higher / equivalent SAT score
- Upper 50% of class ranking with a composite ACT score of 16 or higher / equivalent SAT score
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Accreditation Council for Cooperative Education
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- American Psychological Association
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation
- Council on Rehabilitation Education
- Council on Social Work Education
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association of Schools of Psychologists
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), in the historic city of Hattiesburg, is fondly called Southern Miss by many. It is well-known for its first-rate Fine Arts program, but in recent years, it has also expanded into online education, providing over 45 choices for certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Southern Miss has received recognition for its affordability and also for its accessibility to military service members, veterans, and their family members pursuing online education.
Rates for online undergraduate degrees depends on whether the student is full-time (12 to 19 credit hours) or part-time (1 to 11 credit hours). Full-time students pay $4,312 per semester, while part-time students shell out $359.59 per credit hour. Undergraduate majors range from Philosophy and Liberal Studies to Construction Management and Industrial Engineering Technology to Nursing. Southern Miss is also committed to the accessibility and constant improvement of its online platforms for people with disabilities and those who may struggle with using technology, in line with its goal to accommodate students regardless of their background or limitations.
Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Admission Requirements:
- Completion of College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with a 3.2 GPA or higher and an ACT / SAT score
- Completion of CPC with a 2.5 GPA or higher or upper 50% class ranking and an ACT score of 16 or higher / equivalent SAT score
- Completion of CPC with a 2.0 GPA or higher and an ACT score of 18 or higher / equivalent SAT score
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC)
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB – International)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Commission for Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation
Jackson State University
What began as a small Baptist seminary in 1887 is now the Jackson State University in Mississippi, a historically black research university with over 7,000 students. Its one-of-a-kind efforts to integrate the use of technology in the learning experience of its students have earned Jackson State the honor of being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School by Apple Inc., and it has also been a mainstay on U.S. World & News Report’s rankings for the best historically black colleges and universities.
Both blended and fully online degrees can be taken via JSU Online, the university’s distance learning program. Eighteen degrees for bachelor’s, master’s, and specialists are on their online catalog, including BS in Criminal Justice, Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, Healthcare Administration, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Business Administration, and Specialist in Education for concentrations such as Psychometry and School Counseling. The university also prides itself in its team of specialists who are available around the clock to assist in any online learning-related difficulties or troubleshooting and enhance the online learning experience for both students and instructors.
Undergraduate tuition for online programs is at $366 per credit hour and $7,600 to $8,000 a year on average. Jackson State also offers an extensive list of financial aid options like grants, loans, scholarships, and work programs for its students.
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Admission Requirements:
- Completion of College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with a 3.20 GPA or higher
- Completion of CPC with a 2.50 GPA or higher or upper 50% class ranking and an ACT score of 16 or higher
- Completion of CPC with a 2.00 GPA or higher and an ACT score of 18 or higher
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
- American Chemical Society
- American Psychological Association
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
- Council on Rehabilitation Education
- Council on Social Work Education
- Counseling for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- National Association of Industrial Technology
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
