Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Hattiesburg, Mississippi |
| Online | usm.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), located in Hattiesburg, approximately 70 miles north of Biloxi and the Gulf of Mexico coastline, is a public research institution that has been part of the state's higher education landscape since its founding in 1910. The university's campus is characterized by a blend of historic and modern architecture, with landmark buildings such as the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building. USM offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, with notable emphasis on research and strong contributions in areas like polymer science, coastal sciences, and performance arts. The application process at USM is moderately selective, catering to a variety of academic interests and abilities. Student housing is available on-campus, providing residential facilities that contribute to the all-encompassing collegiate experience. While the university offers various athletic programs, it does not particularly stand out for dominance in intercollegiate athletics.
In the most recent statistical year 9,051 prospective students applied, and 8,946 were granted admission. Of those admitted 1,624 enrolled in the school. 10,086 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 3,440 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $9,340 plus fees of $110. University of Southern Mississippi is ranked 874 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
University of Southern Mississippi is rated within the lower 35% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of Southern Mississippi within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#874 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#339 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#8 in Best Colleges in Mississippi
#5 in Best Public Colleges in Mississippi
#30 in Best Value Colleges in Mississippi
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| ACT | 19/26 |
| GPA | 3.5 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $45 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Mississippi Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Other Fees | $110 |
| Room and Board | $11,338 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,812 |
| Total One Year Cost | $26,000 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Other Fees | $110 |
| Room and Board | $11,338 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,812 |
| Total One Year Cost | $28,000 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 22% |
| Health Professions | 13% |
| Education | 13% |
| Psychology | 5% |
| Communication | 5% |
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Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=176372 IPEDS survey data for University of Southern Mississippi.
Current students may use the University of Southern Mississippi GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.