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's main campus spans 1,090 acres in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, located approximately 70 miles north of the Gulf Coast and 110 miles from New Orleans. Founded in 1910 as a teacher's college, USM has evolved into a comprehensive public research university operating additional campuses along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The university's pine tree-lined campus features a mix of historic Georgian-style architecture and modern facilities, with all freshman students required to live in on-campus residence halls. USM maintains particular academic strength in polymer science, marine science, education, and nursing programs, while also housing the nationally recognized School of Music. The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics as members of the Sun Belt Conference, with football and baseball serving as flagship sports programs.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
University of Southern Mississippi is rated within the lower 36% 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 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#870 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#334 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Colleges in Mississippi
#3 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 | $840 |
| Other Fees | $110 |
| Room and Board | $11,664 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,980 |
| Total One Year Cost | $27,102 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $840 |
| Other Fees | $110 |
| Room and Board | $11,664 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,980 |
| Total One Year Cost | $29,102 |
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% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering University of Southern Mississippi are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
