This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of Mississippi State University (MSU) and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). We’ll discuss each school’s overview, costs & tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. By examining these aspects, we hope to assist students, parents, and educators in making informed decisions about the schools.
Mississippi State University Overview
Mississippi State University (MSU) is a public research university located in Starkville, Mississippi. Established in 1878, MSU has grown to become one of the largest universities in the state, offering over 175 degree programs across its 12 colleges and schools. The university is known for its strong focus on research, with the Carnegie Foundation classifying it as a “Highest Research Activity” institution.
Mississippi State University Costs & Tuition
MSU is relatively affordable compared to other public research universities in the US. In-state undergraduate students can expect to pay around $8,650 per year in tuition, while out-of-state undergraduate students will face a higher tuition fee of about $23,250 per year. Additional expenses such as room and board, textbooks, and other fees may bring the total annual cost to approximately $20,000 for in-state students and $35,000 for out-of-state students.
Mississippi State University Admissions
Admissions at MSU are considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 62%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal essay. The average incoming freshman at MSU has an ACT score of 24-30 and an SAT score of 1160-1360.
Mississippi State University Degrees Offered
MSU offers over 175 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its 12 colleges and schools. Some of the most popular majors include engineering, business, agriculture, education, and the natural sciences. The university also offers a variety of online degree programs, making it a flexible option for working professionals and students who live outside of Starkville.
Mississippi State University Academics
MSU is known for its strong focus on research, boasting a variety of research centers and institutes across its campus. The university has been recognized for its research in agriculture, engineering, and natural resources. The student-to-faculty ratio at MSU is 20:1, which ensures that students receive personalized attention and support from their professors.
Mississippi State University Diversity
MSU has a diverse student body, with students representing all 50 states and over 80 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity, with various initiatives and programs in place to support underrepresented students throughout their academic careers.
Mississippi State University Students
There are approximately 22,600 students enrolled at MSU, with around 18,000 undergraduate and 4,600 graduate students. The campus offers a vibrant and active student life, with over 300 student organizations, fraternities, and sororities available for students to join.
Mississippi State University Campus
The MSU campus spans over 4,200 acres in the city of Starkville, Mississippi. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with state-of-the-art facilities and resources available to students. Students can enjoy a variety of on-campus dining options, recreational facilities, and residence halls.
Mississippi State University Alumni
MSU has a strong alumni network, with over 142,000 alumni around the world. Some notable graduates include bestselling author John Grisham, former astronauts Donald Pettit and Fred Haise, and NFL player Dak Prescott.
Mississippi State University Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, MSU ranks at 97th among public universities in the United States and 187th overall among national universities. The university has also been recognized for its engineering and business programs.
Mississippi State University Outcomes
Graduates of MSU have a strong employment record, with 72% of students finding full-time employment or enrolling in graduate programs within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for MSU graduates is around $41,000 per year.
Ole Miss Overview
The University of Mississippi, popularly known as Ole Miss, is a public research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. Founded in 1848, the university offers over 100 undergraduate majors, more than 80 graduate programs, and over 30 professional programs across its 15 schools and colleges. It is a renowned institution for its research in the humanities, health sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
Ole Miss Costs & Tuition
Ole Miss is an affordable option for students seeking a quality education, especially for in-state students. The annual tuition for in-state undergraduate students is approximately $8,660, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $25,100 per year. Including additional expenses such as room and board, textbooks, and fees, the total annual cost comes to around $20,000 for in-state students and $37,000 for out-of-state students.
Ole Miss Admissions
Admissions at Ole Miss are considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 78%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal essay. The average incoming freshman at Ole Miss has an ACT score of 22-29 and an SAT score of 1080-1310.
Ole Miss Degrees Offered
Ole Miss offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its 15 schools and colleges, including popular majors in business, education, health sciences, and the humanities. The university also provides online degree programs, making it an accessible option for students who are unable to attend classes on campus.
Ole Miss Academics
Ole Miss is well-regarded for its research efforts, particularly in the humanities, health sciences, natural sciences, and engineering fields. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, ensuring that students receive individualized attention from their professors.
Ole Miss Diversity
The University of Mississippi has a diverse student body, with students hailing from all 50 states and over 90 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, with various programs and initiatives in place to support underrepresented students.
Ole Miss Students
Ole Miss has an enrollment of approximately 22,500 students, with around 18,100 undergraduate and 4,400 graduate students. Campus life is vibrant and engaging, with over 400 student organizations, fraternities, and sororities available for students to join.
Ole Miss Campus
The Ole Miss campus is located in Oxford, Mississippi, and comprises more than 3,500 acres. The campus architecture showcases a blend of historic and contemporary buildings, with modern facilities and resources available for students. On-campus amenities include various dining options, recreational facilities, and residence halls.
Ole Miss Alumni
Notable Ole Miss alumni include best-selling author William Faulkner, former U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, and NFL quarterback Eli Manning. The university boasts an extensive alumni network, with over 130,000 living alumni worldwide.
Ole Miss Rankings
Ole Miss is ranked 103rd among public universities in the United States and 166th overall among national universities, according to the U.S. News & World Report. The university’s business and engineering programs have also received recognition.
Ole Miss Outcomes
Ole Miss graduates enjoy a high rate of employment or continued education, with 73% of students finding full-time employment or enrolling in graduate programs within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Ole Miss graduates is approximately $42,000 per year.
Mississippi State University vs Ole Miss Cost Comparison
Both Mississippi State University (MSU) and Ole Miss present affordable options for students seeking a public research university, especially for in-state students. The annual tuition for in-state undergraduate students at MSU is approximately $8,650, while at Ole Miss, it is about $8,660. Out-of-state students will face higher tuition fees, with MSU costing around $23,250 per year and Ole Miss at $25,100 per year. Including additional expenses such as room and board, textbooks, and fees, the total annual cost comes to around $20,000 for in-state students and $35,000 for out-of-state students at MSU, while at Ole Miss, it would be approximately $20,000 for in-state students and $37,000 for out-of-state students.
Mississippi State University vs Ole Miss Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Mississippi State University (MSU) and Ole Miss are considered moderately competitive. MSU has a slightly lower acceptance rate of around 62%, compared to Ole Miss at 78%. Both universities require applicants to submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal essay. The average incoming freshman at MSU has an ACT score of 24-30 and an SAT score of 1160-1360, while at Ole Miss, the average incoming freshman has an ACT score of 22-29 and an SAT score of 1080-1310.
Mississippi State University vs Ole Miss Academic Difficulty
Both Mississippi State University (MSU) and Ole Miss place a strong emphasis on research and are classified as “Highest Research Activity” institutions by the Carnegie Foundation. The student-to-faculty ratio at MSU is 20:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support from their professors. Ole Miss has a slightly lower student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, with popular majors including engineering, business, agriculture, education, and the natural sciences at MSU, and business, education, health sciences, and the humanities at Ole Miss.
Mississippi State University vs Ole Miss Outcome Comparison
Outcomes for graduates of both Mississippi State University (MSU) and Ole Miss are strong, with a high percentage of students finding full-time employment or enrolling in graduate programs within six months of graduation. MSU reports that 72% of its students achieve this, while Ole Miss has a slightly higher rate of 73%. The average starting salary for MSU graduates is around $41,000 per year, compared to Ole Miss graduates, who have an average starting salary of approximately $42,000 per year.
