Mississippi State University

  • 6/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Mississippi State, MS
  • 0 reviews
#3 Best Colleges in Mississippi

Overview

Total enrollment

23,150
Mississippi State University overview
Mississippi State University overview
  • Size Large
  • Status Non-profit
  • 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

Mississippi State is rated within the top 46% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    6 out of 10
  • Academics
    8 out of 10
  • Resources
    4 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    6 out of 10
  • Value
    8 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Difficult
Mississippi State University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1100/1350
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 21/29
  • GPA 3.58

Acceptance Rate

77.6%
Mississippi State University applications overview
  • Applications Due Aug 1, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 19.8%
  • Application Fee $40

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Mississippi Resident Tuition

$10,202

Out of State Resident Tuition

$27,637

Breakdown

In State Costs for Mississippi State University
  • Tuition $10,202
  • Books and Supplies $1,200
  • Other Fees $150
  • Room and Board $12,902
  • Budget for Other Expenses $6,409
  • Total One Year Cost $30,863

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$47,500 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

60% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Mississippi State University are Business, Education, and Engineering. 23% of students major in Business, 17% in Education, and 12% in Engineering.

  • Business 23%
  • Education 17%
  • Engineering 12%
  • General Studies 6%
  • Psychology 6%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Mississippi State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=176080.

GPA calculator: Mississippi State University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026