2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Mississippi

1

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, MS

Our analysis ranked Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College the best value for a degree in general education in Mississippi. Set in the rural area of Perkinston, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,850. Students borrow a median of $11,653 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College generally make around $34,214. Set against $11,653 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

University Of Mississippi Main Campus
University, MS

University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,772, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. General Education graduates carry a median of $22,444 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of Mississippi Main Campus generally make around $75,047. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%.

3

Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS

Mississippi State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Mississippi State University is a very large public school located in the town of Mississippi State. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $23,969. General Education graduates of Mississippi State University earn a median of $47,383 early in their careers. Set against $23,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Southern Mississippi earned it the #4 place for general education. University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public school located in the city of Hattiesburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $25,415. General Education graduates of University Of Southern Mississippi earn a median of $52,338 early in their careers. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.

5

Jackson State University
Jackson, MS

A rank of #5 makes Jackson State University one of the best values for general education. Jackson State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Jackson. Students from in state pay about $8,965 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,965. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $32,944. Early-career general education graduates make about $50,373. Set against $32,944 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Jackson State University admits about 93% of applicants.

6

Belhaven University
Jackson, MS

Belhaven University landed the #6 spot for general education value this year. Belhaven University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Jackson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,250. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $34,181. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Belhaven University generally make around $44,858. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Belhaven University admits about 50% of applicants.