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The University of Southern Mississippi: Overview, Rankings, Fees & Courses
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Last updated on 4 Oct '24, by Akanksha Malhotra (Study Abroad Expert)USMWhat’s new?
The application deadline for USM international applicants for Fall intake is May 1, 2025.
- About the University of Southern Mississippi
- The University of Southern Mississippi Popular Courses 2024
- The University of Southern Mississippi Scholarships
- The University of Southern Mississippi Admission Dates 2025
- University of Southern Mississippi Tuition Fees, Duration & Eligibility 2024
- University of Southern Mississippi Placements
- University of Southern Mississippi Rankings 2024
- USM College comparison
- Studying in USA
- University of Southern Mississippi Notable Alumni
- USM Vs Texas A&M University Kingsville Vs Arkansas State
About the University of Southern Mississippi
Founded in 1910, the University of Southern Mississippi is a public institute located in Mississippi, USA. In the year 1962, the Legislature changed the name of the university to the University of Southern Mississippi. It is one of America’s leading research institutes that has earned distinction as a community-engaged Carnegie R1 University. Furthermore, the university is among only 1% of the institutions in the world to earn dual accreditation in both Accounting and Business by AACSB.
USM has two campuses namely the Hattiesburg Campus and Gulf Park Campus. The University of Southern Mississippi courses are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels. More than 140 UG program options and over 200 master’s and doctoral programs are offered by this university.
According to the Fall 2023 enrollment statistics, USM has more than 13,000 students. Out of this, 10,000+ are undergraduate students and 3,000+ are graduate students. The full-time student enrollment is more than 11,000. Over 70 countries are represented by students at USM. A few sources have mentioned that the University of Southern Mississippi acceptance rate is 99%. This means that the university is less selective at the time of admission. The average GPA required for UG students is 2.5 in core academic subjects. On the other hand, the average GPA required for graduate students is 2.75.
Others
65%
Black
28%
Hispanic
4%
Asian
1%
In state
70%
Out of state
26%
Foreign
3%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Q: How much does the University of Southern Mississippi cost for international students?
The University of Southern Mississippi cost for international students will be around INR 9 Lacs – INR 19 lakh. For out-of-state students, the tuition fee will be around USD 11,500. For students coming from out-of-state, the tuition fee is cheaper than the national average cost of out-of-state students i.e. USD 27,320.
Q: Why choose the University of Southern Mississippi?
A few of the reasons to choose Southern Miss are:
- A wide range of academic degree options are available for international students. Over 100 UG programme options and 200 graduate options are available
- The university is one of the US leading research institutes. It has earned Carnegie R1-University designation
- Various scholarship opportunities are available for international students. At the undergraduate available, a number of Freshman scholarships are available
Also Check: Top Reasons to Study in USA
Q: Is it hard to get into the University of Southern Mississippi?
The University of Southern Mississippi acceptance rate is 99%. This acceptance rate justifies that the university is less selective while granting admission. So, those applicants with a great academic record and who meet the entry requirements have a higher chance of admission. The general admission requirements for USM include having a high school qualification for admission to UG courses. For graduate courses, the applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree.
Q: What is the minimum GPA required for the University of Southern Mississippi?
The average GPA required for the University of Southern Mississippi admission varies for the UG and Graduate programs. The details for average GPA are given below:
- UG: An average GPA of 2.5 is required in core academic subjects for strong applicants
- Graduate: A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required in the last 60 hours of UG coursework
Besides meeting the GPA requirements, the applicants should submit the application materials as well.
The University of Southern Mississippi Popular Courses 2024
At the undergraduate level, the University of Southern Mississippi offers over 140 academic programs. On the other hand, the university offers more than 200 master’s and doctoral programs. Two of the most popular the University of Southern Mississippi courses are MS in Computer Science and BS in Computer Science. Furthermore, there are certain academic departments / courses at the university that offer credit for pathways / internships. A few of these departments are given below:
- College of Business
- School of Mass Comm. And Journalism
- Department of Geography
- Department of Criminal Justice
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Q: Is the USM MS in Computer Science programme good?
USM MS in Computer Science includes advanced topics in Computer Science. Also, this programme offers flexibility for students to select courses in or more areas of interest. The duration of this programme is between 1.5 years – 2 years, including a thesis or research project. While working on thesis, students work under close supervision of thesis / project committees. The thesis projects include topics such as Data Sciences, Cybersecurity, AI, Bioinformatics, etc. The MS graduates of USM are well prepared to enter industry jobs or doctoral programs.
Q: What programs is the University of Southern Mississippi known for?
The most popular majors of Southern Miss are Business Administration and Management; Psychology; Registered Nursing; Liberal Arts and Sciences; Biology / Biological Sciences; Elementary Education and Teaching, etc. Among the 2022 graduates, the following were the popular majors:
- Elementary Education and Teaching: 8%
- Business Administration and Management: 7%
- Registered Nursing: 6%
- Psychology: 6%
The University of Southern Mississippi Scholarships
Southern Miss offers scholarships to international students. Around 6 USM scholarships options are available. Scholarships are offered at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The details about Freshman Scholarships are given below:
Freshman Scholarships
- The University of Southern Mississippi Freshman scholarships are available to high school seniors who have been admitted to the university in the Fall semester. Make sure to apply to the university as per the specified admission deadline. For a few freshman scholarships, the applicants are required to submit a separate scholarship application
- A complete admission file for the Freshman Scholarships includes an application for admission, an application fee, high school transcript, SAT / ACT score
- The applicants are required to meet the requirements for achieving the core GPA. For Freshman scholarship consideration, core GPA is calculated from the high school transcript based on the student’s first 6 semesters of high school work
- A few of the freshman scholarships available to students are Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarships, Freshman Designation-Based Scholarships, etc.
Graduate Assistantships
- Southern Miss graduate assistantships are offered by the academic department to which students apply. There are no separate applications for the assistantships
- To be considered for these, the applicants are required to simply indicate on the graduate application, in the specific area, that they should be considered
this University
6 exclusive scholarships available69.4 L worth total scholarship amountWe have helped students get 30Cr+ in scholarships
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Q: Does the University of Southern Mississippi offer scholarships?
Yes, Southern Miss offers scholarships to international students who get admitted to undergraduate and graduate courses. Freshman Scholarships are offered to first-year, full-time incoming freshman students. To be considered for these scholarships, the applicants are required to submit an admission application, SAT / ACT score, application fee, and high school transcript.
At the graduate level, the university offers Assistantships. No separate applications are required for the assistantship consideration. Furthermore, for consideration of assistantships, graduate applicants must mention about the same for the designated area in their admission application. Also, submit a letter of interest and resume with the application materials.
Q: Do I have to apply separately for the University of Southern Mississippi Freshman Scholarships?
Except for the University of Southern Mississippi Freshman Academic Scholarships and National Merit Semi-finalist Scholarship, the applicants are required to apply through the GO system. To be considered for freshman scholarships, the standardized test scores (SAT / ACT), GPA, application and application fee are considered. Check more details about Scholarships to Study in USA from here.
The University of Southern Mississippi Admission Dates 2025
The admission intakes for international students at Southern Miss are in Spring and Fall. To take admission to UG courses, the applicants can apply via the Common Application or the undergraduate application portal of the university. To apply for graduate courses, the applicants are required to apply via the graduate online application system. The University of Southern Mississippi application fee varies for undergraduate and graduate courses. The amount for the same is given below:
- Undergraduate: USD 45 (Around INR 3,800)
- Graduate: USD 60 (Around INR 5,000)
Check the University of Southern Mississippi application deadlines from the table given below:
|
Particulars |
Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
|
Fall |
May 1, 2025 |
|
Spring |
Oct 1, 2024 |
- Application fees :USD 40 - 60
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Documents| Type of documents | Applicable for |
|---|---|
| SOP | Needed for few courses |
| LOR | Needed for few courses |
| Essays | Needed for few courses |
| CV | Needed for few courses |
| Additional documents | Required |
Important dates| Intake season | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | 1ˢᵗ Mar - 1ˢᵗ Jun 2025 |
| Spring | 1ˢᵗ Nov 2023 - 15ᵗʰ Dec 2024 |
| Summer | 1ˢᵗ Apr 2025 |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Q: How much is the application fee for Southern Mississippi University?
The University of Southern Mississippi application fee is different for undergraduate and graduate courses. Check the application fee amount given below:
- Undergraduate: USD 45 (Around INR 3,800)
- Graduate: USD 60 (Around INR 5,000)
Along with the application, the documents that must be submitted are academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, SAT / ACT scores (test-optional), other standardized test scores, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, etc.
Q: What is the application deadline for the University of Southern Mississippi?
The University of Southern Mississippi admission intakes are Fall and Spring. UG applicants can apply via Common Application or the direct UG application link of the university and graduate applicants can apply university specific application link. Southern Miss application deadlines are listed below:
Particulars | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
Fall | May 1, 2025 |
Spring | Oct 1, 2024 |
Check College / University Application Process for USA from here
Q: How long does it take to hear from the University of Southern Mississippi?
The University of Southern Mississippi graduate applications are reviewed by graduate admissions staff, usually within 3-5 days of submitting the application. Then, the applications are forwarded to the academic unit for review. Note that each program’s review process and timeline is different. To know the admission timelines, the applicants can contact the office of the anticipated major. Students are going to be notified about the admission decision via email.
University of Southern Mississippi Tuition Fees, Duration & Eligibility 2024
The admission requirements at Southern Miss are different for undergraduate and graduate courses. As general entry requirements, the applicants must have completed a high school qualification for admission to UG courses. Also, UG international applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the 1st day of classes. Whereas, for admission to graduate courses, the applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree as a pre-requisite.
English Language Proficiency Tests
The applicants are also required to meet the English language proficiency to take admission to Southern Miss. The minimum test scores required in ELP tests are given below:
|
TOEFL iBT |
71 |
|
6.0 |
|
|
54 |
The range of the University of Southern Mississippi tuition fees for UG courses is between INR 9 lakh – INR 10 lakh. Whereas, for graduate courses, the tuition fee range is INR 9 lakh – INR 18 lakh.
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(17 courses) | INR 9 L - 18 L | Duration: 1 year-30 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 6.5, GRE: 295 & Above, PTE: 54 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(6 courses) | INR 10 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above |
B.Sc.(17 courses) | INR 10 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE: 54 & Above |
M.A.(17 courses) | INR 9 L - 18 L | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 6.5, PTE: 54 & Above, GRE |
MPH(1 course) | INR 15 L | Duration: 15 months Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE |
B.A.(13 courses) | INR 10 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE: 54 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(4 courses) | INR 9 L - 16 L | Duration: 1 year-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, GMAT |
MIM(3 courses) | INR 9 L - 16 L | Duration: 1 year-24 months Exam Accepted: GMAT, GRE, IELTS: 6 & Above |
LL.B.(2 courses) | INR 10 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE: 54 & Above |
B.Arch(1 course) | INR 10 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Q: How much does the University of Southern Mississippi cost for international students?
The University of Southern Mississippi cost for international students varies as per the courses. The course-wise estimated tuition fees is given below:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MS (17 courses) | INR 9 L - 18 L |
MBA/PGDM (4 courses) | INR 9 L - 16 L |
BA (13 courses) | INR 9 L - 10 L |
BSc (17 courses) | INR 9 L - 10 L |
MA (18 courses) | INR 9 L - 18 L |
BE / BTech (6 courses) | INR 10 L |
MIM (3 courses) | INR 9 L - 16 L |
B.Arch (1 course) | INR 10 L |
BBA (2 courses) | INR 9 L - 10 L |
B.J.M.C. (3 courses) | INR 9 L - 10 L |
Cost of Living: USM cost of living for the academic year 2024-25 is given below for out-of-state students:
Particulars | On-Campus Out-of-State Living Expenses |
|---|---|
Transportation | USD 1,328 |
Housing / food | USD 12,014 |
Personal expenses | USD 3,304 |
Course fees | USD 458 |
Books / supplies | USD 832 |
Also Check: Cost of Living in USA for International Students
Q: What are the admission requirements for the University of Southern Mississippi?
The University of Southern Mississippi admission requirements are given below:
Undergraduate
- International applicants should be 17 years by the 1st day of classes
- A 2.5 GPA in core academic subjects
- Copies of high school transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- SAT / ACT scores (test-optional)
Graduate
- Minimum GPA in undergraduate coursework
- Good standing in the last institution attended
- Official transcripts of all previous colleges or universities attended
- TOEFL / PTE / PTE scores
- 3 Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose or writing samples
- Immunization of records
Q: What is the PTE requirement for the University of Southern Mississippi?
English language proficiency test scores that are accepted at Southern Miss are IELTS / TOEFL / PTE. The minimum score required in PTE is 54. For other tests, the minimum score requirement is given below:
Tests | Minimum Scores |
|---|---|
TOEFL iBT | 71 |
IELTS | 6.0 |
Q: What are the requirements for USM Master of Computer Science?
To take admission to USM MS in Computer Science, international applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (achieved in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework). Other admission requirements are given below:
- Official transcripts and degree certificates or diplomas from all previous colleges or universities attended
- TOEFL / IELTS / PTE
- GRE / GMAT / MAT score (as required)
- Statement of Purpose or writing samples
- 3 Letters of recommendation
- Immunization of records
University of Southern Mississippi Placements
USM has mentioned the placement details for a few courses only such as Nursing BSN, MPA, and a few other programs. The placement data for these programs for 2021-22 are given below:
BSN
- No. of program completers: 19
- No. of students employed: 100%
MPA
- No. of program completers: 26
- No. of students employed: 100%
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Q: Does the University of Southern Mississippi have placements?
The University of Southern Mississippi has cited the placement data for a few of the courses such as MPA, BSN, etc. For both of these courses, the job placement rate is 100%. The career services at USM assist students in meaningful career paths, connecting with employment opportunities, finding meaningful career paths, etc. Various career services that are offered to students include resume / CV formatting, job search portal, interview preparation, etc.
University of Southern Mississippi Rankings 2024
According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of Southern Mississippi ranking in the 2024 edition of the Best Colleges category is #352. Furthermore, in the Global Universities category ranking by U.S. News & World Report, USM ranks at #1585 in 2023 and #1475 in 2022. In comparison to 2022, the USM ranking declined in 2023.
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Q: What is the University of Southern Mississippi world ranking?
The University of Southern Mississippi is ranked at #1585 in the Best Global Universities category in 2023. In the year 2022, the university was placed at #1475. This shows that there has been a decline by more than 100 places in the university’s global rankings. A few factors considered for the ranking are global research reputation, conferences, normalized citation impact, regional research reputation, etc.
Q: What rank is the University of Southern Mississippi USA?
The University of Southern Mississippi ranking in the USA is #352 in 2024. This is the ranking published by U.S. News & World Report for the 2024 edition of the national universities category. In 2023, USM ranked at #299-440 position. A few of the factors considered for ranking purpose are outcomes, expert opinion, financial resources, faculty resources, etc.
Also Check: Top 100 Universities in the USA
USMCollege comparison
Compare USM with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Shiksha Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
USM | INR 8.93 L - 18.37 L | C | #299 US News, 2024 |
MSU  Compare | INR 11.09 L - 13.6 L | -/- | -/- |
NEIU Compare | INR 12.5 L - 16.07 L | -/- | -/- |
UW Compare | INR 12.79 L - 20.75 L | B++ | #1001 QS, 2025 |
University of Idaho Compare | INR 18.04 L - 25.73 L | B++ | #1001 QS, 2025 |
ETSU Compare | INR 11.88 L - 23.77 L | C | #299 US News, 2024 |
USMStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
University of Southern Mississippi Notable Alumni
A few of the names included in the USM notable alumni list are Phil Bryant, Catherine Cora, Brian Dozier, Gary Grubbs, etc. Given below are professions of the University of Southern Mississippi notable alumni:
|
Names |
Professions |
|---|---|
|
Catherine Cora |
Chef, TV Personality |
|
Brian Dozier |
Baseball player |
|
Gary Grubbs |
Film and TV actor |
|
Ray Guy |
Football player |
|
Robert L. Stewart |
Astronaut |
|
Phil Bryant |
Politician |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
Q: Who are the most famous USM alumni?
A few names included in the list of Southern Miss notable alumni are given below:
Names | Professions |
|---|---|
Catherine Cora | Chef, TV Personality |
Ray Guy | Football player |
Gary Grubbs | Film and TV actor |
Phil Bryant | Politician |
Ray Guy | Football player |
Robert L. Stewart | Astronaut |
Brian Dozier | Baseball player |
USM Vs Texas A&M University Kingsville Vs Arkansas State
According to the USM facts, it is a Carnegie R1 research institute and one of the leading America’s research universities. Moreover, the university is one of only 39 institutions in USA that is accredited in the Theatre, Design, Art, and Music. A comparison of USM along with the similar ranking universities namely Texas A&M University Kingsville and Arkansas State University is given below:
|
Particulars |
USM |
Texas A&M Kingsville |
Arkansas State University |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rankings |
#352 |
#352 |
#361 |
|
Tuition Fees |
|
|
|
Commonly asked questions On Others
Q: Is the University of Southern Mississippi good as compared to other similarly ranked US Universities?
The University of Southern Mississippi is one of the Top 400 Universities in the US. It is a highly-rated public university situated in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Popular majors at the university include Psychology; Business Administration and Management; Liberal Arts and Sciences, etc. A comparison of USM along with the similar ranking universities is given below:
Particulars | USM | Texas A&M Kingsville | Arkansas State University |
|---|---|---|---|
Rankings | #352 | #352 | #361 |
Tuition Fees |
|
|
|
USM
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 months ago
There are several key factors involved in securing a scholarship or a place in the TFWS at the University of Southern Mississippi:
Scholarships: Various criteria, such as your academic performance, participation in an extracurricular activity, money need and specific scholarship requirements, determ
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 8 months ago
The University of Southern Mississippi housing rate varies as per the type of accommodation and occupancy. Given below are the housing rates for the academic year Fall 2023 – Spring 2024:
Particulars | Housing Prices Range |
|---|---|
Double Room Occupancy | USD 2,000 – USD 4,000 |
Single Room Occupancy | USD 3,000 – USD 4,100 |
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 8 months ago
The University of Southern Miss offers on-campus housing facility to first-year students. After getting admitted to the university, students shall be able to apply for housing by logging into the university’s housing portal. The housing options are Century Park, Vann Hall, Hillcrest Hall, Scott Hall
Contributor-Level 10
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| University City | Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA |
USMContact Information
118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, United States
Hattiesburg ( Mississippi)
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