Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Mississippi State, Mississippi |
| Online | msstate.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Rural Fringe |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Mississippi State University, located in Mississippi State, Mississippi, sits on a rural 4,200-acre campus approximately 125 miles northeast of Jackson and 125 miles southeast of Memphis, Tennessee. Established in 1878 as a land-grant institution focused on agriculture and mechanical arts, MSU has evolved into a comprehensive research university while maintaining strong programs in agriculture, engineering, veterinary medicine, and forestry. The campus features a mix of modern academic facilities and traditional Georgian-style architecture, with the Junction serving as the central gathering space. As a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the university competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with the Bulldogs particularly known for their baseball and women's basketball programs. Students are required to live on campus their freshman year, choosing from multiple residence halls and living-learning communities across the university's main campus.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Mississippi State is rated within the top 43% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Mississippi State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#452 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#136 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Colleges in Mississippi
#2 in Best Public Colleges in Mississippi
#178 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Value Colleges in Mississippi
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1110/1410 |
| ACT | 21/29 |
| GPA | 3.58 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2026 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $40 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Mississippi Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $150 |
| Room and Board | $12,293 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $6,146 |
| Total One Year Cost | $29,454 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $150 |
| Room and Board | $12,293 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $6,146 |
| Total One Year Cost | $46,219 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 23% |
| Education | 17% |
| Engineering | 12% |
| General Studies | 6% |
| Psychology | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Mississippi State are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=176080 IPEDS survey data for Mississippi State University.
Current students may use the Mississippi State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025