Mississippi State University vs University of Southern Mississippi

Mississippi State University vs University of Southern Mississippi

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Mississippi State University (MSU) falls in the world ranking of #1001-1200 in QS and 601-800^th in Times Higher Education 600–700, and it has sound programs in Engineering, Agriculture, Business, and Veterinary Medicine. It is also known for aerospace research as well as supercomputing. The University of Southern Mississippi is not ranked in QS and THE but is particularly strong in Marine Science, Polymer Science, Education, and the Arts. MSU is more internationally recognized in general, while USM excels in specialized research areas.

General Information

MSU, started in 1878 as a land-grant college, has its campus in Starkville, Mississippi, and a total enrollment of approximately 23,000. It is the state's premier research university, integrating traditional campus life with international research networks. USM, started in 1910 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has approximately 13,500 students on its main campus, Gulf Park campus, and coastal research locations. It is famous for its coastal research programs and community outreach.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

MSU is moderately selective with an acceptance rate of around 76%. It values solid academic preparation in STEM and agriculture, but it's open to a broad range of candidates. USM is somewhat more open, and the acceptance rate is approximately 99%, with the aim of offering opportunities to a broad group of students. Highly competitive programs at both (such as engineering at MSU or nursing and marine science at USM) could involve more stringent GPAs and test scores.

Research Impact & Facilities

MSU is an R1 research institution with more than $300 million in research expenditures annually, which positions it at the top for engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and aerospace. It hosts the High Performance Computing Collaboratory and serves as a major partner to NASA and the US Department of Defense. USM is an R2 research institution, with excellence in marine and coastal sciences, polymer research, and arts/humanities initiatives being recognized. It also houses the Marine Research Center on the Gulf Coast, which positions it as a front-runner for ocean and coastal research in the Southeast. 

Cost & Financial Aid

Both are public institutions offering relatively low tuition rates relative to national averages. MSU's tuition is approximately $9,600 (in-state) and $25,400 (out-of-state) per year. USM's is a bit lower, at approximately $9,200 (in-state) and $21,000 (out-of-state). Both provide scholarships, with merit-based aid, honors scholarships, and need-based assistance. MSU's research assistantships are more comprehensive, while USM focuses on state and regional access scholarships.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

MSU alumni are well-positioned in engineering, agriculture, aerospace, business, and government with significant connections to NASA, major companies, and federal agencies. USM graduates excel in education, arts, coastal/marine sciences, healthcare, and community leadership. MSU's network is more extensively national in STEM and business, whereas USM's is regionally strong, especially in education and cultural sectors within the Gulf South.