With all of the graduate school options in Mississippi, it can be hard to know where to start. Our ranking highlights **8** schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2027 methodology.
So you can compare your options, College Factual reviewed 8 graduate schools across over 20 objective factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, and per-student spending, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Learn more about our ranking methodology.
What Graduates Earn
The top-ranked graduate schools span the following early-career salary range:
University Of Mississippi Main Campus earned the #1 spot in this year's Best Graduate Schools ranking in Mississippi. Based in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. About 72% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. Median early-career earnings reach $50,876. Students borrow a median of $22,444 to complete a degree here.
Out of the 8 graduate schools in Mississippi in this year's ranking, Mississippi State University landed the #2 spot. Based in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $47,383. Graduates carry a median of $23,969 in student loans.
Out of the 8 graduate schools in Mississippi in this year's ranking, University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #3 spot. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. University Of Southern Mississippi graduates 49% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,998 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $52,338. The median student debt is $25,415.
William Carey University came in at #4 on this year's Best Graduate Schools ranking in Mississippi. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, William Carey University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 60% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,292 early in their careers. William Carey University students take on a median of $25,079 in debt.
You'll be in good company at Delta State University, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Cleveland, MS. Delta State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 48%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. Median early-career earnings reach $41,580. Typical student debt is $23,432.
Belhaven University did well this year, earning the #6 position. Belhaven University is a private not-for-profit school based in Jackson, MS. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,485 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $34,181 to complete a degree here.
Mississippi College did well this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. Mississippi College posts a six-year graduation rate of 59%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,500. Median early-career earnings reach $47,611. Mississippi College students take on a median of $25,510 in debt.
Jackson State University landed the #8 spot in Mississippi this year. Set in Jackson, MS, Jackson State University is a public institution. About 51% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,965, while out-of-state students pay about $11,965. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $38,593. Typical student debt is $32,944.
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked graduate schools only.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and per-student spending drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).