University of Southern Mississippi
The Vibe Check
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a classic college town experience where school spirit runs deep and community ties are strong. Students often describe it as a place where you can find your niche easily, balancing academic rigor with the welcoming warmth of Southern hospitality. It feels like a campus where faculty know your name and football Saturdays are a major event.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
SAT data not available
Average: 1120
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
USM is particularly strong in its College of Business and College of Health Sciences, offering robust programs tailored to workforce demands. The university provides significant research opportunities through its Office of Undergraduate Research, allowing students to work alongside faculty on projects ranging from coastal ecology to music therapy. Class sizes are often manageable, fostering direct interaction with professors who prioritize teaching.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg offers a laid-back college town vibe with a burgeoning downtown scene featuring live music, local breweries, and eclectic dining options. Outdoor enthusiasts love the nearby Longleaf Trace for biking and hiking, while students often gather at local coffee shops or tailgate heavily before Golden Eagle football games. The city provides a mix of Southern charm and student-friendly entertainment without the overwhelming cost of a major metropolis.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($44,140):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus maintains a dedicated University Police force and offers a comprehensive emergency alert system for student safety. While Hattiesburg is generally a safe college town, students should exercise standard urban precautions, especially when exploring the downtown area at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ High accessibility with a 99.38% acceptance rate makes it a safe bet for admission.
- ✓ Strong value proposition with low in-state tuition and a solid return on investment.
- ✓ Renowned School of Music and unique programs like Marine Science due to coastal proximity.
- ✓ High school spirit and a tight-knit campus community fostered by moderate enrollment size.
Cons
- ✗ Graduation and retention rates are lower than the national average, suggesting potential retention challenges.
- ✗ Hattiesburg is somewhat isolated from major metropolitan hubs (2 hours to New Orleans, 2 hours to Jackson).
- ✗ Housing options can be limited in the immediate campus area during peak semesters.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
USM is widely recognized for its acclaimed School of Music, which has produced numerous Grammy-winning professionals. It is also a leader in marine science and polymer science research, leveraging its proximity to the Gulf Coast. Additionally, the university is known for its strong sense of school spirit and the 'Southern Miss Experience,' emphasizing student engagement and community.
No, the University of Southern Mississippi is not hard to get into. With an acceptance rate of 99.38%, it is an open-access institution, meaning nearly all applicants are admitted. The average SAT score for enrolled students is around 1120, but the university focuses on holistic admission and offers pathways for students with varying academic backgrounds.
Campus life at USM is defined by a strong sense of community and spirited traditions. Students enjoy a mix of Division I athletics, particularly football, and a variety of student organizations housed in the Thad Cochran Center. The campus is walkable and features modern recreation facilities, though many students also enjoy exploring the local Hattiesburg food and music scene just off campus.
For Mississippi residents, USM is an excellent financial value, offering a quality education at a significantly lower cost than national averages. The combination of low tuition and a median 10-year earnings of $44,140 suggests a positive return on investment, particularly for degrees in business and healthcare. For out-of-state students, the value is still competitive compared to similar public universities in the region.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 11,611
- In-State Tuition $9,618
- Out-of-State $11,618
- Zip Code 39406
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $14,224 and relatively low in-state tuition under $10,000, USM offers a solid return on investment for Mississippi residents. The 10-year median earnings of $44,140 are competitive for the region, and the high percentage of students receiving Pell Grants indicates a commitment to accessibility. Out-of-state students pay a modest premium, making it a potentially affordable option for those seeking a Southern education.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.