Ranking

Most Selective Colleges in Mississippi by Acceptance Rate 2026

Mississippi Christian University leads this list with a reported acceptance rate of 29.1%. This page ranks only schools with standard reported admissions data.

The hardest Mississippi colleges to get into — ranked by lowest undergraduate acceptance.

Schools ranked: 14
Cheapest net price: $9,686
Top earnings 10y: $53,848
Public / Private: 7 / 7

Mississippi Christian University

Clinton, MS · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 29.1%
Net price: $27,712
Earnings 10y: $47,485
Acceptance: 29.1%

Millsaps College

Jackson, MS · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 43.1%
Net price: $26,034
Earnings 10y: $53,848
Acceptance: 43.1%

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State, MS · Public

Acceptance: 45.3%
Net price: $13,265
Earnings 10y: $36,421
Acceptance: 45.3%

Rust College

Holly Springs, MS · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 48.7%
Net price: $12,587
Earnings 10y: $32,275
Acceptance: 48.7%

Belhaven University

Jackson, MS · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 49.8%
Net price: $15,676
Earnings 10y: $46,440
Acceptance: 49.8%

Tougaloo College

Tougaloo, MS · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 59.9%
Net price: $17,043
Earnings 10y: $34,724
Acceptance: 59.9%

William Carey University

Hattiesburg, MS · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 60.3%
Net price: $14,258
Earnings 10y: $43,087
Acceptance: 60.3%

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS · Public

Acceptance: 77.6%
Net price: $17,595
Earnings 10y: $51,513
Acceptance: 77.6%

Blue Mountain Christian University

Blue Mountain, MS · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 89%
Net price: $24,016
Earnings 10y: $40,421
Acceptance: 89%

#10

Mississippi University for Women

Columbus, MS · Public

Acceptance: 90.3%
Net price: $12,411
Earnings 10y: $46,128
Acceptance: 90.3%

#11

Mississippi Valley State University

Itta Bena, MS · Public

Acceptance: 92.4%
Net price: $9,686
Earnings 10y: $31,919
Acceptance: 92.4%

#12

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS · Public

Acceptance: 93.2%
Net price: $23,836
Earnings 10y: $39,060
Acceptance: 93.2%

#13

University of Mississippi

University, MS · Public

Acceptance: 96.6%
Net price: $13,314
Earnings 10y: $50,994
Acceptance: 96.6%

#14

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS · Public

Acceptance: 99.1%
Net price: $21,708
Earnings 10y: $44,140
Acceptance: 99.1%

How we picked this list

This list starts with Mississippi colleges that report a standard admission rate, then sorts by acceptance rate. The set's average EduGradify ROI score is 6.47 (7 public, 7 private).

Source transparency: every figure comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard public data set. See our full methodology for the ROI formula, value grade rules and missing-data handling.

FAQ

Who leads this ranking?

Mississippi Christian University in Clinton, MS tops this ranking. Acceptance rate is 29.1%.

How does EduGradify pick this list?

We rank this set by acceptance using the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard — see our methodology for the full formula. No paid placements, no surveys.

How many Mississippi colleges are in this list?

14 Mississippi colleges qualified for this ranking based on available federal data.

What does net price mean here?

Net price is what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — not the sticker price. It is reported by each college to the U.S. Department of Education.

Can I use this ranking as a final college decision?

Use it as a shortlist, not a final decision. The ranking compares school-wide federal data; you should still confirm program fit, aid letters, graduation path, transfer policies and current costs with each college.