University of Southern Mississippi
University of Southern Mississippi — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Southern Mississippi at a Glance
The University of Southern Mississippi is a public research university with its main campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity".
1910
116 years old
$169M
$169.3 million (2025)
14,606
11,451 undergrad · 3,155 grad
899
300 acres
Identity
Is University of Southern Mississippi Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, University of Southern Mississippi is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,140 — 18% below average — while paying $21,708/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 99% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $22,500 representing 51% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Southern Mississippi has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Southern Mississippi compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #75 of 99 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Modesto Junior College | 100 | $2,818 | $42,368 |
| #2 | Indian River State College | 100 | $3,815 | $38,315 |
| #3 | Henry Ford College | 100 | $660 | $34,795 |
| #4 | South Texas College | 100 | $1,751 | $36,788 |
| #5 | Pensacola State College | 91 | $3,957 | $36,739 |
| #6 | Shasta College | 89 | $2,878 | $39,269 |
| #75 | University of Southern Mississippi | 25 | $21,708 | $44,140 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Southern Mississippi's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Southern Mississippi
The highest-earning program at University of Southern Mississippi is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $21,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Southern Mississippi earns $54,900, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $21,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $24,250 in median debt vs. $23,250 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,708/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $54,900 | $54,900 | $24,250 |
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $52,600 | $52,600 | $20,297 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $42,700 | $42,700 | $22,125 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $39,000 | $39,000 | $24,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,000 | $34,000 | $22,500 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $33,300 | $33,300 | $29,981 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,900 | $32,900 | $19,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $32,500 | $32,500 | $23,307 |
| Marketing | $32,400 | $32,400 | $26,000 |
| Journalism | $30,700 | $30,700 | $25,429 |
| Biology, General | $29,500 | $29,500 | $21,812 |
| Social Work | $26,400 | $26,400 | $31,967 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $26,100 | $26,100 | $27,785 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $25,300 | $25,300 | $22,004 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $21,800 | $21,800 | $31,250 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $21,000 | $21,000 | $25,250 |
| Psychology, General | $21,000 | $21,000 | $23,250 |
Similar Colleges in MS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Hattiesburg, MS
- Student Body
- 10,075 students
- Admission Rate
- 99%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,708
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,140
- Median Student Debt
- $22,500