The Best Online Colleges in Mississippi
Mississippi offers some of the most affordable college tuition rates in the U.S. Its private education rates are the third lowest in the U.S. According to the College Board, approximate annual tuition rates are $18,500 for students who attend private colleges and $7,000 for those who pick public colleges. However, these prices do not accurately reflect the financial benefits of distance education. Online schools in Mississippi often provide more affordable tuition as well as specific scholarships and grants for distance learners, particularly those who transfer from a local community college. The Magnolia State is also a great place to live and advance your career; PayScale reports that in the capital city of Jackson, the cost of living is 11% below the national average.
Online colleges in Mississippi enable students to create a degree plan that aligns with their goals and schedules. Remote programs employ asynchronous classes powered by learning management software like Canvas or Desire2Learn, which provides students with flexibile options for completing class assignments or partaking in discussions. Distance learners enjoy access to accelerated courses over summer sessions, though some schools provide the format year–round. This feature empowers full–time learners to earn a bachelor’s degree in two years and a master’s in one. Popular fields of study for online learning include business, psychology, criminal justice, healthcare, and education. Mississippi universities offer ample options for nursing students, including RN–to–BSN tracks and doctoral degrees in nurse education and administration. Distance learners should also expect a plethora of MBA and teacher preparation programs with diverse specializations, from entrepreneurship and financial management to special education and instructional leadership.
Four Reasons to Find an Online College in Your State
- Guaranteed in–state tuition saves you money
- Be a part of a university or college you know and love
- Get a degree from a school that employers know and trust
- Be close enough to easily visit when desired
Ranking Guidelines for the Best Online Colleges in Mississippi
We selected the online colleges and universities here based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.
Note: In ranking the best online colleges in Mississippi, giving attention to the variety of degree programs available at the institutions is of utmost importance. For this reason, a more prestigious school in Mississippi may offer one, or a few online degrees, but that may not be enough for that school to rank highly among the best online colleges in the state. In this ranking, we are dedicated to showing who’s leading the way in delivering quality online degree programs in Mississippi.
The Best Online Colleges in Mississippi
1. Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Mississippi State University, a land–, sea– and space–grant university founded in 1878, enrolls more than 20,000 students. The Carnegie Foundation recognizes Mississippi State University as a research university with very high research activity. Mississippi State University offers more than 175 programs leading to a host of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees, including dozens of fully online programs.
Through the Center for Distance Education, Mississippi State University students can pursue bachelor’s degrees in elementary education, interdisciplinary studies, geosciences and technology teacher education. The university also offers several concentrations, allowing students to tailor the degree to their person and professional goals.
The university also offers nearly 20 master’s degree options such as engineering, forestry, business administration, information systems and more. Online students also can complete six doctoral programs in community college leadership and several engineering topics as well as a handful of certificate programs. Mississippi State University’s online courses follow the same schedule as its on–campus courses but allow students to complete coursework on their schedule.
Online students have access to a host of resources such as online orientation, tech support, financial aid, online tutoring and a bookstore. Online students earn the same degree and can attend the same graduation ceremony as traditional on–campus students.
Accreditation
Mississippi State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Mississippi State University’s programs also hold accreditation from the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and more.
See some of Mississippi State University’s top rankings on TBS
2. University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, a public research university founded in 1910, enrolls more than 14,800 students and offers more than 180 programs leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Through Online at Southern Miss, the university offers dozens of fully online degree and certificate programs as well as hybrid programs. Students can pursue 10 undergraduate degrees such as construction engineering technology, liberal studies, special education, and library and information science. Online at Southern Miss also offers more than 20 master’s degree programs including logistics, trade and transportation, medical laboratory science, child and family studies, nursing, and more.
Online at Southern Miss students have access to library resources, a writing center and 24/7 tech support.
Accreditation
University of Southern Mississippi is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of University of Southern Mississippi’s top rankings on TBS
3. Mississippi College
Clinton, Mississippi
Founded in 1826, Mississippi College, a private, co–educational liberal arts college, is the second–oldest Baptist College in the nation. Mississippi College enrolls more than 5,000 students and offers more than 95 undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a host of online options.
Mississippi College offers completely online degree programs, as well as online and hybrid course options through MC Moodle. Online degree programs include undergraduate degrees in subjects such as business administration, communication, nursing, paralegal studies, and homeland security. The college also provides online undergraduate certificates. Mississippi College also provides several master’s degrees such as those in communication, health informatics and higher education administration. Students also can pursue a handful of online graduate/post–bachelor’s certificates.
Online students have access to the same services and options as students who attend the brick–and–mortar institution. Online students also have the opportunity to join the commencement ceremony after they complete their degree.
Accreditation
Mississippi College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of Mississippi College’s top rankings on TBS
4. Belhaven University
Jackson, Mississippi
Belhaven University, a private, liberal arts, Christian university founded in 1883 that enrolls about 4,200 students. The university offers nearly 40 bachelor’, master’, and pre–professional programs. These programs include dozens of online programs.
Online students can pursue associate’s degrees in biblical studies, arts and business as well as bachelor’s degrees in applied psychology, health administration, management, nursing and more. Belhaven University also offers more than a dozen master’s degrees ranging from business administration to education to public administration. Students can choose from several concentrations, allowing them to tailor the degree to their personal and career goals. The university also provides several online certificate programs. Belhaven University’s online programs feature weekly assignments and are 100 percent online with no on–campus visits. Students can earn an undergraduate degree in less than four years and a master’s degree in about two years.
Online students have access to an online bookstore and financial aid.
Accreditation
Belhaven University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of Belhaven University’s top rankings on TBS
5. William Carey University
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
William Carey is a private, Baptist liberal arts school located in Hattiesburg. The school also operates satellite campuses in Biloxi and Gulfport. It is one of the best online colleges in Mississippi to offer undergraduate and graduate online programs in education, nursing, criminal justice, and music.
Since many of William Carey’s online students are working professionals, the school aims for flexibility in its online offerings. Most online courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Most programs can be completed entirely online, though some are delivered in a hybrid format.
Accreditation
William Carey University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of William Carey University’s top rankings on TBS
6. Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, Mississippi
Mississippi University for Women, a four–year, public, co–educational university founded in 1884, enrolls about 2,400 students. The university offers more than 50 areas of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and pre–professional degrees with several online and hybrid degree programs.
Among the university’s online programs are a dozen 2+2 bachelor degree programs in health care management, nursing, legal administration and more. Students also can choose from six minors. Online students can also pursue master’s degrees in global commerce and health education. In addition, the university also offers eight online certificate programs.
Accreditation
Mississippi University for Women is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of Mississippi University for Women’s top rankings on TBS
7. University of Mississippi
University, Mississippi
The University of Mississippi, a public, co–educational, sea–grant, space–grant, research university founded in 1848, enrolls more than 23,000 students.
The university offers a host of online bachelor completion, master, doctoral and specialist degree programs through Ole Miss Online. Ole Miss Online offers its courses with no set class times, although some instructors require synchronous chat. Ole Miss Online offers several bachelor completion programs — called “2+U” — in dental hygiene, clinical laboratory sciences, health informatics and information management, health sciences and radiologic sciences. Online students can also pursue more than a dozen master’s degrees in elementary education, health sciences, nurse educator, health informatics and information management, and more. Doctoral degree offerings include health administration, while specialist degrees include counselor education. Certifications available include TESL and geospatial information science.
Online students have access to resources including tech support, library resources and a counseling center.
Accreditation
University of Mississippi is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of University of Mississippi’s top rankings on TBS
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8. Delta State University
Cleveland, Mississippi
Delta State University, a public, co–educational university founded in 1924, enrolls more than 3,300 students. The university offers a variety of degree programs, including online programs in business, education, arts and sciences, and nursing.
Delta State University’s online offerings include several educational specialist programs as well as master’s degrees in elementary education, community development, commercial aviation, and social justice and criminology. Online students also can earn a doctor of nursing practice degree. Some programs may require on–campus visits.
Accreditation
Delta State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of Delta State University’s top rankings on TBS
9. Jackson State University
Jackson, Mississippi
JSU was founded during Reconstruction in the city of Natchez. The school has deep roots as a historically black college and university. Originally, founded by Baptists, the school has undergone tremendous growth in the past decade and now ranks fourth among all HBCUs in terms of student population.
JSU’s distance learning offerings include five bachelor’s programs, 10 master’s programs, and four specialist programs. Most of the school’s online programs are education–related – — including special education, reading, early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, and science and mathematics teaching — but JSU also offers unique programs in fields such as sports science and emergency management technology. JSU is the largest out of all online schools in Mississippi in terms of its program offerings. Online programs are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace.
Accreditation
Jackson State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of Jackson State University’s top rankings on TBS
10. Blue Mountain College
Blue Mountain, Mississippi
BMC, named for its location in the eponymous city of Blue Mountain, was originally founded as a women’s college and became coeducational in 2005. Around that time, this private liberal arts college began offering online programs. BMC is one of the newest online colleges in Mississippi and offers three online degrees — criminal justice, psychology, and business administration — in addition to a core curriculum that fulfills general education requirements at most colleges and universities.
Each online degree delivers courses asynchronously in an eight–week format. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. BMC requires all its professors to profess a Christian faith, and a Christian worldview is central to all BMC’s coursework.
Accreditation
Blue Mountain College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of Blue Mountain College’s top rankings on TBS
The Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Mississippi
Prospective students can find many affordable online colleges in Mississippi that offer high–quality academic programs. Learners should consider cost savings as just one factor when choosing a school. Other important criteria include a school’s reputation and the prestige of instructors. When it comes to choosing a program, students do not necessarily want the cheapest online degree; they want the best value to help them accomplish their goals.
1. Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, Mississippi
Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi, ranks as one of the best public universities in the Southeast, according to U.S. News & World Report and the Washington Monthly. MUW offers 13 2+2 bachelor’s degree completion programs online. The 2+2 programs let students with either two years of community college credits or an associate degree earn a bachelor’s after two more years of online study.
Bachelor’s degrees available online from MUW include:
- Healthcare Management (BBA)
- Public Health Education (BA)
- RN to BSN
MUW also offers four graduate programs online, and learners can add minors like management, legal studies, and general business. MUW offers its distance education courses through the Canvas learning management system. Students can access tech help 24/7, use the college’s library resources, and get help from the Office of Career Services. Other student support includes access to counseling services, financial aid opportunities, and academic advising.
MUW’s commitment to low tuition makes it one of the most affordable online colleges in Mississippi. Residents from every state pay the same tuition rates. The university also offers many scholarships and grants to further offset tuition cost. MUW also sets aside scholarships specifically for transfer students.
Admissions requirements for transfer students include a minimum 2.0 GPA in all coursework from a regionally accredited college. Prospective learners must submit official college and high school transcripts. Any applicant that holds an associate degree from a regionally accredited college and a minimum 2.0 GPA is eligible for admission.
Accreditation
Mississippi University for Women is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of Mississippi University for Women’s top rankings on TBS
2. Blue Mountain College
Blue Mountain, Mississippi
U.S. News & World Report ranks BMC in northeastern Mississippi as the number one best value school and one of the top regional colleges in the South. Founded as a women’s college in 1873, BMC went completely coeducational in 2005. The Mississippi Baptist Convention supports the private, liberal arts college. All academic programs at the college incorporate a biblical worldview.
Distance learners can choose from the following programs:
- Psychology
- Business Administration
BMC designs its distance education programs for working professionals who want to earn a degree informed by the Christian faith. The school offers two online bachelor’s programs in psychology and business administration. All online classes last eight weeks, and students can choose from six start dates each year. BMC allows learners to take 2–3 three–credit online courses each eight–week term.
Distance learners may qualify for the same types of financial aid as on–campus students, including student loans, grants, and scholarships. BMC encourages students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to improve their chances of receiving aid.
The college uses the Canvas learning management system to deliver distance education courses. Online learners receive academic advising, IT assistance, and access to resources from the library and teaching and learning center. The Career Services office helps students plan career objectives and create partnerships with potential employers and alumni. New students can take an online training session to prepare themselves for distance classes.
Accreditation
Blue Mountain College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of Blue Mountain College’s top rankings on TBS
3. University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Prospective students looking for cheap online colleges in Mississippi should consider the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Southern Miss attracts a diverse student body, with learners from 50 different countries around the world.
Distance learners can choose from 15 online bachelor’s degrees in fields like:
- Library and Information Science
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Child and Family Sciences
The university also offers seven completely online undergraduate and graduate certificate programs and 26 graduate degrees in subjects like:
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Human Capital Development (Instructional Technology)
- Nutrition Food Systems (Dietetics Practice)
One of the most affordable online colleges in Mississippi, Southern Miss offers the same cheap tuition rate to residents and nonresidents in fully online programs. Students pay less for an undergraduate online degree here than the national average.
The university also encourages students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant program for financial aid opportunities. Southern Miss welcomes transfer applicants to its online programs and even offers scholarships specifically for transfer students.
Distance learners take online courses using Canvas. Some online classes require students to take proctored exams at a Southern Miss campus or another approved education testing facility in their local communities. Learners who cannot find a testing facility nearby can take a proctored test online using the SmartProctoring service.
Accreditation
University of Southern Mississippi is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of University of Southern Mississippi’s top rankings on TBS
4. Jackson State University
Jackson, Mississippi
One of the most affordable online colleges in Mississippi, JSU offers distance learners the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
JSU admission requires a completed application, official high school or college transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. Distance learners can apply for financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and student loans.
JSU offers five fully online bachelor’s degrees, with majors like:
- Childcare and Family Education
- Professional Interdisciplinary Studies
- Emergency Management – Technology Concentration
Distance learners can also pursue 10 online master’s degrees and three specialist programs in areas like:
- Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
- Teaching – Elementary and Secondary Education Concentration
- Business Administration
The JSU learning management system, Canvas, features virtual classrooms where students participate in discussions, watch lectures, and submit assignments. The university’s 15:1 student–to–faculty ratio promotes high levels of interaction. Some courses require learners to take proctored exams. Students can go to an approved testing center or take the test from home using the Remote Proctor Now online proctoring service.
A technologically advanced institution designated as a high research activity university, JSU started as Natchez Seminary in 1877. The American Baptist Home Mission Society founded the school to develop Christian leadership skills. The state of Mississippi took over in 1940.
Accreditation
Jackson State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of Jackson State University’s top rankings on TBS
5. Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Established in 1878 as a land–grant institution, Mississippi State University today holds the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s designation as a Doctoral/Extensive institution. The renowned university boasts excellent faculty members, special research centers, and a commitment to high–quality teaching.
Mississippi State offers six bachelor’s degrees, five certificates, and dozens of graduate degrees completely online. Major fields of study include:
- Business Administration
- Elementary Education with Concentrations in Early Childhood or Middle School
- Industrial Technology
- Geosciences with a Concentration in Broadcast and Operational Meteorology
Mississippi State uses the Canvas learning management system to deliver online course content. Students can communicate with instructors and each other, watch lectures, take exams, and submit assignments. Prospective distance learners can see if they hold the characteristics of successful online students by undergoing an assessment from Mississippi State’s free SmarterMeasure Learning Readiness Indicator. Mississippi State’s Center for Distance Education offers technology assistance and other distance student services, including academic advising, career development help, and online tutoring.
Online students at Mississippi State, one of the cheap online colleges in Mississippi, can apply for the same types of financial aid as on–campus learners, including scholarships, grants, work–study, and loans. Mississippi State encourages learners to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when they apply to the school.
The Office of Admissions and Scholarships offers many scholarships to undergraduate students. Members of the military and senior citizen residents of Mississippi also qualify for significant tuition discounts.
Accreditation
Mississippi State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of Mississippi State University’s top rankings on TBS
The Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs in Mississippi
Prospective students can find many affordable online colleges in Mississippi that offer high–quality academic programs. Learners should consider cost savings as just one factor when choosing a school. Other important criteria include a school’s reputation and the prestige of instructors. When it comes to choosing a program, students do not necessarily want the cheapest online degree; they want the best value to help them accomplish their goals.
1. Northwest Mississippi Community College
Senatobia, Mississippi
Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi, offers 15 academic and career/technical associate degrees completely online. Distance learners can complete these programs in the following majors:
- Business and Computer Teacher Education
- Criminal Justice
- Office Administration
- Business Management Technology
- Paralegal Technology
- Medical Office Technology
Northwest delivers online classes through the Canvas learning management system. Distance courses include a virtual classroom where students turn in homework, engage in discussion through message boards and chat, and watch lectures.
One of the most affordable online colleges in Mississippi, distance learners pay the same tuition rate as on–campus learners. They may also qualify for the same types of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and student loans.
Northwest’s open admissions policy invites all students to apply to the school. Prospective students must submit a completed application, official high school transcripts or high school equivalency test scores, college or military transcripts (if applicable), and SAT or ACT scores. All Mississippi residents must submit ACT scores, but the college does not require a minimum score.
Online resources for Northwest students include databases, eBooks, full–text articles, and research assistance from the school’s library. The library also maintains a list of helpful resources for online learners, including a writer’s reference center. Northwest offers other support for distance learners, such as textbook information, academic advising, registration help, and IT assistance.
Accreditation
Northwest Mississippi Community College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of Northwest Mississippi Community College’s top rankings on TBS
2. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, Mississippi
Distance learners looking for online community colleges in Mississippi should consider earning an associate degree at MGCCC. Based in Perkinston, Mississippi, the MGCCC eLearning department offers more than 350 courses and several degree, diploma, and certificate programs entirely online. The school’s participation in the Mississippi Virtual Community College Consortium increases the number of available distance education courses to more than 3,000.
Online learners can complete 10 associate degrees and two certificates without ever visiting campus at MGCCC, including:
- American Studies
- Elementary Education (K–8)
- Business and Marketing Management Technology
- Business and Office Cluster – Accounting Technology Concentration
MGCCC uses the Canvas learning management system to deliver online content. Courses may include synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Students should consult with their instructor before class begins to find out expectations about course delivery. Students can get required textbooks for many online courses through the MGCCC book rental service.
All online courses at MGCCC require at least one proctored exam. Learners must complete proctored exams at a Mississippi Virtual Community College assessment center, a college approved off–campus location, or with a live virtual proctor. Before enrolling in any online courses, MGCCC encourages students to complete the student orientation to online learning and online readiness assessment. Individual courses may require prerequisites.
Accreditation
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
See some of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s top rankings on TBS
Additional Online Colleges in Mississippi Featured on TBS
Gogebic Community College
Holmes Community College
Millsaps College
Mississippi Valley State University
Pearl River Community College
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