Most of the fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs in Mississippi require at least a bachelor's degree. Fortunately, Mississippi colleges have lower-than-average tuition rates and many online offerings, giving students flexible alternatives to traditional on-campus classes.
The following ranking highlights Mississippi's most affordable online schools based on factors such as average tuition, programs offerings, and the graduation rate of each college or university.
Top Affordable Online Colleges in Mississippi
Price Check
Mississippi ranks among the top 15 states with the lowest average tuition and fees for in-state students at public institutions in the U.S., according to 2022-23 data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
5 Fast-Growing Jobs in Mississippi
Mississippi's fastest-growing jobs that require at least a bachelor's degree are mainly in healthcare and tech. Roles like nurse practitioners, physical therapist assistants, and computer and information research scientists are growing as demand for healthcare and AI increases.
| Job | Projected Growth, Mississippi (2024-2034) | Median Annual Wage, Mississippi, May 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | 48% | $119,290 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 35% | $61,220 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | 27% | $73,160 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 25% | $89,960 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 20% | $108,560 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Mississippi's Job Market
Nursing and computer science are two majors that can lead to in-demand jobs in Mississippi. Both offer strong earning potential and job versatility.
Nursing
Earning a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing can lead to higher pay and more career flexibility. It prepares you for roles like nurse practitioner and can also open the door to healthcare management jobs, both of which are growing in Mississippi.
Computer Science
Majoring in computer science develops skills in programming, data analysis, and technology systems. It can lead to advanced study and careers such as computer and information research scientist, one of the fastest-growing careers in Mississippi.
What Is the Cost of College in Mississippi?
College tuition costs less on average in Mississippi than in many other states. In-state students at public colleges paid about $9,120 in tuition and fees during the 2022-2023 school year (or $9,768 in 2026 dollars, adjusted for inflation), compared to the national average of $9,750 ($10,443 in 2026 dollars). Costs for out-of-state students at public schools and private four-year colleges are also significantly lower than the national average.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees in Mississippi (adjusted to 2026 dollars) | Average Tuition & Required Fees in the U.S. (adjusted to 2026 dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $9,768 | $10,443 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $23,061 | $30,307 |
| Private Four-Year | $21,466 | $35,248 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Mississippi
There are several scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities available to students in Mississippi specifically. The five options below are all provided by the state, and will give you a place to start looking for options that work for you.
Mississippi Higher Education Legislative Plan
This scholarship can cover up to four years of tuition for residents of Mississippi graduating high school, or college freshmen within one year of graduating from high school. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, as well as an ACT score of 20 or higher.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant
This grant is intended for incoming freshmen or upper class students who are working on their first certification or undergraduate degree. They must be a Mississippi resident with a 2.5 GPA in high school or college, a 15 or higher ACT score, or a GED or home school certificate.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $500
Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant
This grant is open to incoming freshmen who are residents of Mississippi and are beginning college within three years of graduating from high school or completing home school. They must have a 3.5 GPA and a 29 or higher on the ACT, or have a 3.5 college GPA and have completed between 12 and 18 credits.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $2,500
Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers and Firemen Scholarship
This scholarship is open to the dependent children or spouse of a police officer or firefighter who has been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. It covers tuition and average room and board costs for up to eight semesters at a Mississippi public community college or university.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Nissan Scholarship
This scholarship is for graduating Mississippi high school students with a 2.5 GPA or higher, ACT score of 20 or higher, demonstrated leadership abilities, and financial need. The scholarship covers tuition and room and board costs for up to four years at public colleges or universities in the state.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Mississippi
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) allows colleges to offer online programs to students in other states without seeking approval from each state individually.
Mississippi is also part of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), which runs the Academic Common Market (ACM). This tuition reciprocity program lets students pay in-state tuition at certain out-of-state colleges if their home state does not offer their chosen degree.
Mississippi students may qualify for ACM programs in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Students from Florida and Texas may be eligible for graduate programs in Mississippi.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Mississippi
Does Mississippi have free community college?
It's possible to attend community college in Mississippi at no cost or at reduced cost through financial aid and tuition assistance programs. The Mississippi Resident Promise Program covers costs after federal and state financial aid for recent high school graduates.
Some community colleges also offer tuition assistance for district residents, which can lower tuition after other aid is used. In addition, some high-demand career and technical programs offer free tuition, though students may still need to pay fees.
How many colleges are in Mississippi?
Mississippi has 37 public and private colleges and universities, including both two-year and four-year schools. The University of Mississippi, a public four-year school in Oxford, is the largest in the state with 26,449 students.
Do online colleges in Mississippi accept the FAFSA?
Yes, all accredited Mississippi colleges and universities accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Online students have access to the same federal financial aid programs as on-campus students, and schools use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, subsidized student loans, and other funding opportunities.