Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2025
Mississippi's best online colleges are reputable institutions offering benefits like accelerated degree paths, tuition assistance, and online student support.
Distance learning is a popular option in Mississippi. According to 2023 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data, 22.4% of Mississippi learners took distance courses exclusively, and 36.7% enrolled in some distance courses.
But why do so many students prefer online college programs? Flexible scheduling, degree options at all educational levels, and online student support services play a role. It also helps that online colleges in Mississippi offer programs in criminal justice, commercial aviation, biblical studies, kinesiology, and many other intriguing subjects.
Are you interested in earning a college degree at one of the best online colleges? Below, we'll highlight accredited schools offering reputable online degrees in Mississippi. We'll also share how to choose the right program among the state's top online degrees.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Mississippi
If you're looking for flexible alternatives to traditional in-person learning, Mississippi online colleges offer top programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Review the list below to discover some of the best distance programs in the state.
1. University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi offers 100% online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in early childhood education, criminal justice, public health, and beyond. Some degrees have earned high marks from U.S. News & World Report, including online MBAs ranked among the nation's top 10% and master's in education degrees listed in the top 20%.
At Ole Miss, online learners are guided along their academic journeys with advising, library access, career guidance, and other student services. Most enrollees (85%) receive financial aid to lower the school costs.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State: $9,412
Out-of-State: $26,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State: $9,252
Out-of-State: $26,820
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 88%
Institution Type: Public university
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
2. Mississippi State University
Students enrolled at Mississippi State University can choose from several U.S. News & World Report-recognized online programs. The school's online MBAs are ranked among the nation's top 20% of programs. Online master's in engineering and all online bachelor's programs have also earned high marks.
Over 100 online undergraduate and graduate degrees are available in history, business administration, elementary education, healthcare administration, computer science, and more. Students also benefit from a generous transfer policy, academic advising, and tutoring services. MS State offers affordable tuition and provides 97% of enrollees with financial aid.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State: $9,815
Out-of-State: $26,580
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State: $9,665
Out-of-State: $26,430
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 83%
Institution Type: Public university
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
3. Alcorn State University
At Alcorn State University, enrollees can choose from online undergraduate degrees in criminal justice and child development and online graduate degrees in secondary education, child development, workforce education leadership, and biology. U.S. News & World Report ranked its online master's degree in nursing among the nation's top 25% of programs.
Alcorn helps enrollees excel in their personal and academic journeys with career services, counseling, and other student resources. All learners receive scholarships, grants, or other financial aid to make learning more affordable.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $8,549
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $8,583
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Retention Rate: 79%
Institution Type: Public university
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
4. University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg is home to the University of Southern Mississippi, a public institution with online MBAs and master's in criminal justice ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Southern Miss offers online undergraduate and graduate programs in library and information science, allied health, educational administration, physics, public relations, and beyond.
The university, recognized for its affordability, offers 98% of enrollees financial aid to keep expenses low. Resources for distance learners include a writing center, library access, and online tutoring.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State: $9,618
Out-of-State: $11,618
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State: $9,508
Out-of-State: $11,508
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 70%
Institution Type: Public university
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
5. Mississippi College
Mississippi College, the oldest college in the state, offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in homeland security, paralegal studies, loss prevention, and teaching arts. Students interested in a speedy path to degree completion can choose from accelerated bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration, communication, and special education.
U.S. News & World Report has identified MC's online bachelor's, MBAs, and master's in education and nursing as reputable programs. Online students pay tuition rates starting as low as $293 per hour. Nearly all enrollees (99%) are awarded financial aid to reduce costs.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $21,698
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $12,834
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Retention Rate: 80%
Institution Type: Private university
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
6. Delta State University
Delta State University enrollees can choose from online bachelor's degrees in general business and nursing. Online master's and doctoral degrees are available in commercial aviation, counseling, social justice, and professional studies. DSU's online MBA, master's in nursing, and master's in criminal justice programs have been recognized as reputable options by U.S. News & World Report.
The university offers free online tutoring and other resources to support distance learners. Nearly all students (98%) lower school costs with help from financial aid.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $8,605
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $8,435
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 74%
Institution Type: Public university
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
7. Blue Mountain Christian University
Blue Mountain Christian University offers fully online bachelor's and master's programs with short eight-week terms that students can complete at their own pace. Fields of study include Christian ministry, psychology, nursing, business administration, and kinesiology.
The school's online bachelor's degrees and master's in education have received recognition from U.S. News & World Report. Program enrollees are assigned a coordinator to help navigate the online learning experience. The institution provides financial aid to all learners, helping to reduce its already affordable online tuition rate of $555 per credit hour.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $19,280
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $12,386
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 74%
Institution Type: Private university
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
8. Belhaven University
Belhaven University offers dozens of 100% online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in data science, public administration, human services, management, biblical studies, and beyond. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school's bachelor's degrees, MBAs, and master's in business and education as reputable online options.
The tuition rate for traditional learners is slightly more than $29,000; however, the university's online programs start as low as $199 per credit hour. Belhaven offers more than a third of students (38%) financial aid. Tuition discounts are also available to reduce costs.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $29,195
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $10,890
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Retention Rate: 69%
Institution Type: Private university
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
9. Jackson State University
Jackson State University is home to more than two dozen distance programs featuring synchronous and asynchronous online courses. Undergraduates can pursue online bachelor's degrees in history, criminal justice, and technology. Online graduate degrees are available in political science, reading, social work, and beyond.
U.S. News & World Report has recognized JSU's bachelor's degrees, MBAs, and master's in business and education as top program options. The university offers 98% of its enrollees financial aid and gives online learners writing assistance, technical help, and other student support services.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State: $9,090
Out-of-State: $10,110
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $8,520
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 68%
Institution Type: Public university
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Other Featured Online Schools
Are you looking for more accredited colleges online? Review the following list to discover online schools outside of Mississippi.
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University's ODUGlobal offers online bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate programs exploring accounting, civil engineering, data science, elementary education, media studies, nursing, and beyond. Online learners enjoy academic coaching, library access, tutoring, and advising. Learners receive tuition assistance, merit scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to cover school costs.
Arizona State University
ASU Online from Arizona State University provides nearly 400 online programs for students interested in business, science, technology, engineering, law, and more. Online degrees are available at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Students learn the same curriculum from the same faculty members teaching on-campus courses. Resources available to online learners include tutoring, mental health counseling, and career help.
Kansas State University
Kansas State University offers over 150 online programs at all educational levels for students interested in subjects like aeronautics, sports nutrition, professional aviation, industrial engineering, and applied business. K-State Online supports learners with dedicated academic advising, career resources, tutoring, writing help, and academic coaching. Students can lower school expenses with scholarships and financial aid.
How We Rank Schools
Our team selected the colleges and universities in the rank list above using a rigorous vetting process backed by data from the NCES and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Every school has met the following criteria for delivering a quality experience in higher education:
- Accredited: These online Mississippi colleges have received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
- Reputable: We verified that institutions in this list are respected schools, considering factors such as student outcomes and retention rates.
- Affordable: These accredited online colleges create affordable distance learning experiences by offering scholarships, financial aid, or lower tuition rates.
- Online student services: The schools in this list help students excel in college and beyond with academic coaching, tutoring, and career guidance.
Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Mississippi
Online learning is a top choice for many students; however, it's not the best option for everyone. Find out if it's right for you by reviewing the following pros and cons of online degrees.
Pros of earning an online degree:
- Accelerate degree completion: Some online colleges offer multiple start dates, shorter courses, and other accelerated degree paths to help students finish their studies sooner.
- More program options: Distance learning allows students to explore schools outside of their vicinity, making it easier to pick the perfect program.
- Learn on the go: Online education platforms let learners access course materials from any place with an internet connection.
Cons of earning an online degree:
- Computer requirements: Navigating online programs could be difficult for students unfamiliar with online learning technology.
- Self-discipline needed: Distance learners who lack discipline or time management skills could struggle to keep up with self-paced online coursework.
- Slower feedback: Asynchronous learning often means experiencing delays in instructor responses and feedback.
How To Choose the Best Online College in Mississippi
As you search for online colleges in Mississippi, ensure that schools have received accreditation from organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Also, check each institution's reputation by researching its graduation rates, accolades, or student outcomes.
Confirm your ability to meet school admission requirements (high school/college GPA, test scores, etc.) and verify that schools house your preferred major, minor, and/or specialization. If you have a budget, look for affordable colleges offering reduced tuition or financial aid. Also, search for schools providing academic coaching, writing help, and additional student resources.
How Much Does an Online Degree in Mississippi Cost?
The price of online college programs in Mississippi can vary based on enrollment status, degree type, residency, and other factors. In-state tuition for online bachelor's degrees at public schools averages $375 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate at public institutions.
Tips on How To Make Online College in Mississippi More Affordable
A great first step toward affordable distance learning is finding a school offering cheap online degrees in Mississippi. Look for institutions that provide tuition discounts, accept employer assistance, or grant credits for prior learning.
Financial aid is another resource students can use to lower the cost of an online degree. Review the list below to learn about FAFSA and other ways to make online college more affordable:
- online colleges that accept FAFSA
- online colleges with payment plans
- online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
- online colleges that accept transfer credits
- online colleges with scholarships
- online colleges with no application fee
Mississippi Scholarships & Grants
Scholarships and grants are top options for students seeking financial aid that doesn't require repayment. NCES data reveals that full-time, first-time undergraduate students in Mississippi secured $9,178 in grant or scholarship aid in the 2022-23 academic year. If you're looking for grants and scholarships for Mississippi students, explore the programs below.
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)
This program provides financial assistance to Mississippi residents seeking a postsecondary education at state-approved two-year and four-year schools who don't already benefit from federal need-based aid.
Award Amount: Up to $500 annually for freshmen and sophomores and $1,000 annually for juniors and seniors
Deadline: September 15 (application), October 15 (supporting documents)
Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)
This award is for high-achieving high school students with a 3.5 cumulative GPA and a minimum 29 ACT or 1350 SAT score seeking a postsecondary education in Mississippi.
Award Amount: Up to $2,500 per academic year
Deadline: September 15 (application), October 15 (supporting documents)
Nissan Scholarship
Nissan North America, Inc. awards eligible graduating Mississippi high school students funds to pursue a first associate or bachelor's degree at a Mississippi public community college or university.
Award Amount: Full tuition, required fees, and a book allowance
Deadline: March 1
Top Majors for Mississippi Graduates
Picking the right major sets you on a great path toward the career of your dreams. If you are still weighing your options, explore this list of the top majors for Mississippi graduates.
- Blble/biblical studies: Bible studies coursework explores the teachings of the Old and New Testaments and methods of interpreting the Bible. Bachelor's degrees can lead to counseling, teaching, and ministry careers.
- Business administration and management: This major teaches business theory, leadership skills, and financial management. Students earning a bachelor's degree can start careers as human resources specialists, sales managers, and financial analysts.
- Industrial production technologies: Students pursuing a bachelor's degree develop engineering and manufacturing skills to improve industrial processes. Careers are available in industrial engineering and product and quality control.
- Elementary education and teaching: This program teaches curriculum planning, instructional methods, and classroom management to prepare students to educate young learners in elementary school settings.
- Registered nursing: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a common degree for current and aspiring RNs who want to learn about health promotion, safety, and patient care as they prepare for roles as hospital nurses, nursing supervisors, or nurse educators.
FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Mississippi
Are you ready to attend one of the state's best colleges online? Review these frequently asked questions to learn more before getting started.
How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Mississippi?
Some online Mississippi schools help students earn bachelor's degrees in less than two years and master's degrees in less than one year. During your research, look for institutions offering accelerated online degrees in Mississippi. These colleges might be transfer-friendly or have short course terms.
What Is the Easiest Online University To Get Into in Mississippi?
Gaining college admission is easiest at Mississippi institutions with higher acceptance rates. These schools include the University of Mississippi (97%), the University of Southern Mississippi (99%), and Delta State University (99%).
Are Any Online Colleges Worth It?
Many online colleges are worth the time, effort, and financial investment. Online programs are great for busy students who need flexible scheduling and the ability to learn from home. The key is ensuring your school of choice is accredited, has a good reputation, and offers support services to help you excel academically and in your future career.
Are There Any Distance MBA Programs Available in Mississippi?
Yes, many Mississippi schools offer distance MBA programs. Some of the highest-ranked degrees in the state are available at the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University.
Explore Accredited Online Degree Programs in Mississippi
Are you ready to begin your journey toward an exciting experience in online higher education? Explore the colleges and universities on Learn.org today. Discover top programs at online colleges in Mississippi and learn how they can help you reach your academic goals.