Ole Miss vs Mississippi State University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Mississippi Ole Miss and Mississippi State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Ole Miss vs Mississippi State University at a glance
Ole Miss admits 96.6% of applicants and Mississippi State University 77.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $13,752 at Ole Miss and $18,781 at Mississippi State University. Six-year graduation rates are 70.3% and 68.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Ole Miss admits 96.6% of applicants and Mississippi State University 77.6%, so Mississippi State University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $13,752 a year at Ole Miss and $18,781 at Mississippi State University; Ole Miss costs $5,029 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $10,536 at Ole Miss and $17,042 at Mississippi State University.
- 70.3% of students graduate within six years at Ole Miss, against 68.6% at Mississippi State University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $59,112 for Ole Miss and $54,296 for Mississippi State University; Ole Miss is $4,816 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,750 at Ole Miss and $20,500 at Mississippi State University.
- Ole Miss enrolls 21,473 students (remote town) and Mississippi State University 18,397 (remote town).
Side by side
Ole Miss and Mississippi State University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Ole Miss | Mississippi State University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 96.6% | 77.6% |
| Applicants | 19,531 | 17,707 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1000–1200 | 1100–1350 |
| ACT middle 50% | 21–29 | 21–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $13,752 | $18,781 |
| Tuition, in state | $10,150 | $10,604 |
| Tuition, out of state | $30,310 | $28,736 |
| Cost of attendance | $29,845 | $30,713 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $10,536 | $17,042 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,185 | $15,564 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $13,815 | $18,211 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $17,443 | $20,859 |
| Over $110,000 | $22,290 | $24,032 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 70.3% | 68.6% |
| First-year retention | 87.2% | 82.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $59,112 | $54,296 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,750 | $20,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $213 | $233 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 21,473 | 18,397 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Town: Remote | Town: Remote |
| Location | University, MS | Mississippi State, MS |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Ole Miss reports 76 bachelor's programs and Mississippi State University 75; 38 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Marketing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Questions about Ole Miss vs Mississippi State University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Ole Miss or Mississippi State University?
Mississippi State University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Ole Miss admits 96.6% of applicants and Mississippi State University admits 77.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Ole Miss 1000–1200; Mississippi State University 1100–1350.
Which is cheaper, Ole Miss or Mississippi State University?
Ole Miss has the lower average net price after grants: $13,752 a year at Ole Miss against $18,781 at Mississippi State University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $10,536 and $17,042. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Ole Miss or Mississippi State University graduates earn more?
Ole Miss graduates earn more at the median: $59,112 ten years after entry for Ole Miss and $54,296 for Mississippi State University. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,750 and $20,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Ole Miss or Mississippi State University?
Ole Miss does: 70.3% of Ole Miss students graduate within six years, against 68.6% at Mississippi State University.
How big are Ole Miss and Mississippi State University?
Ole Miss has 21,473 students in University, MS and Mississippi State University has 18,397 students in Mississippi State, MS.