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Key Takeaways
Best artificial intelligence degree programs: Mississippi College, Belhaven, Rust College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,100 to $28,800/year
Itawamba Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,100/yr
Artificial Intelligence degree programs available: 5 associate's, 1 master's, 1 doctoral in Mississippi
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Mississippi community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
5 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman
Tech hubs in Jackson and Gulfport
Hakia Research 2026
Artificial Intelligence degree programs near 43+ cities across Mississippi
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Mississippi Artificial Intelligence programs
We rank 11 accredited artificial intelligence programs in Mississippi using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Mississippi Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Artificial Intelligence Degree Rankings in Mississippi
Compare the top-ranked Artificial Intelligence programs in Mississippi by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi offers 5 accredited associate's degree programs in artificial intelligence, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Itawamba Community College, Northwest Mississippi Com..., Copiah-Lincoln Community ..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Mississippi offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,742/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $45,348 in Mississippi.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Mississippi's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among artificial intelligence schools in Mississippi, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their artificial intelligence degrees in Mississippi.
Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi ranks among the nation's top destinations for artificial intelligence education, with 4 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 0 public and 4 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Mississippi College, Belhaven, Rust College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Mississippi artificial intelligence programs earn a median salary of $70,083, 29% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $10,258 to $28,800 annually, with an average of $17,672/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 90%, with the highest reaching 95%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Mississippi's leading technology employers. For students seeking artificial intelligence degrees in Mississippi, these top-ranked artificial intelligence schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi offers 1 master's degree programs in artificial intelligence, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Mississippi College, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Mississippi earn a median salary of $82,450, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $20,246/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Mississippi's artificial intelligence schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Artificial Intelligence Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi is home to 1 doctoral programs in artificial intelligence, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Jackson State are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Mississippi PhD holders earning a median of $103,063, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Mississippi programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing artificial intelligence degrees in Mississippi, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Artificial Intelligence Degree Costs & Tuition in Mississippi
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,295/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $25,738/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,574/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $61,772 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $15,442 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Artificial Intelligence Students in Mississippi
State Aid Programs
Mississippi residents pursuing artificial intelligence degrees have access to several funding opportunities designed to make higher education affordable. The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant is a merit-based award program that recognizes high-achieving Mississippi residents and provides direct financial support for tuition and fees (Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning). Additionally, all students, regardless of state residency, can apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid). Mississippi's public four-year institutions charge an average in-state tuition of $8,642, making state-funded aid programs particularly valuable for qualifying students.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, many Mississippi institutions offering artificial intelligence programs provide institutional scholarships and need-based awards. Community colleges in the state offer significantly lower tuition costs, with institutions like Itawamba Community College charging $3,100 annually, making them an affordable entry point for students beginning their AI studies (IPEDS). Students should explore scholarship opportunities at their chosen institution and consider the Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool, which facilitates seamless transfer from community colleges to four-year universities while preserving financial aid eligibility (Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning). For comprehensive financial planning, students can use the College Scorecard to compare aid packages and graduation rates across Mississippi's AI programs (College Scorecard).
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator, Mississippi
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree in Mississippi. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,967,896
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$147,619
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Artificial Intelligence Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Mississippi metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $91K |
| Gulfport | $87K |
| Hattiesburg | $82K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Artificial Intelligence Graduates in Mississippi
Find artificial intelligence jobs in Mississippi. These major employers across Mississippi metro areas are actively hiring artificial intelligence degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Jackson
MSArtificial Intelligence Jobs in Gulfport
MSTransfer Pathways for Artificial Intelligence Degrees in Mississippi
State Transfer System
Mississippi's community college system provides a cost-effective entry point into artificial intelligence education with clear pathways to bachelor's degrees. The state operates 17 two-year institutions, 5 of which offer artificial intelligence associate's degrees (IPEDS). The Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool facilitates seamless credit transfer agreements between community colleges and four-year universities. Leading community colleges, including Itawamba Community College (12 AI completions), Northwest Mississippi Community College (10 completions), and Copiah-Lincoln Community College (8 completions), offer comprehensive AI coursework that transfers directly to bachelor's programs at Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, and University of Mississippi.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students benefit from significantly lower initial costs: community college tuition averages $3,100–$3,500 annually, compared to $8,520–$9,665 at public four-year institutions (IPEDS). This pathway allows students to complete general education and foundational AI coursework before transferring to complete upper-level specializations. Mississippi's articulation agreements ensure credits transfer without loss, protecting both time and financial investment. Many four-year institutions offer dedicated transfer advising and guaranteed admission for students completing approved transfer pathways. State financial support through the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant rewards high-achieving transfers, further reducing educational costs. For related fields, students may explore data science, computer science, or machine learning programs with comparable transfer structures.
Why Pursue an Artificial Intelligence Degree in Mississippi?
Industry & Workforce
Mississippi is building a growing artificial intelligence education ecosystem with 11 institutions offering AI programs across multiple degree levels (IPEDS). From associate's degrees through doctoral studies, the state provides accessible pathways into this high-demand field. In 2023, Mississippi institutions awarded 37 associate's degree completions, 25 bachelor's degrees, 1 master's degree, and 2 doctoral degrees in artificial intelligence (IPEDS). This growth reflects both institutional commitment and student demand for AI education in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Salary Outlook
The state's leading institutions rank competitively on national scales. Mississippi State University's AI bachelor's program leads the state, while Jackson State University offers strong undergraduate and graduate pathways with exceptional affordability. Mississippi's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is just $8,642, significantly below the national average (College Scorecard). Major employers including Walmart, Nissan, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center are actively recruiting AI-trained professionals across the Jackson, Gulf Coast, and North Mississippi regions. Students can also explore related fields through machine learning programs in Mississippi and data science degrees to broaden their career opportunities.
Artificial Intelligence Program Availability in Mississippi
Source: IPEDS 2024
Artificial Intelligence Job Market & Salary Data in Mississippi
Employment Outlook
Mississippi's artificial intelligence job market is emerging within a broader technology landscape characterized by growing demand across multiple sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state offers competitive opportunities for AI professionals in major metropolitan areas including Jackson, Gulfport-Biloxi, and Hattiesburg. The Capital District centered on Jackson serves as the primary hub for technology employment, supported by significant institutional and corporate investment. While Mississippi currently hosts 11 institutions offering AI programs across associate's, bachelor's, and graduate levels, the state's tech sector continues to expand, creating pathways for skilled professionals in data science, machine learning, and computational applications.
Salaries by Metro
Mississippi's average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions remains remarkably affordable at $8,642, making education in AI accessible compared to national averages. The state's higher education infrastructure, governed by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, supports student progression through the Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool, enabling seamless transitions from community colleges to universities. Students interested in AI careers should explore related programs including Machine Learning in Mississippi, Data Science in Mississippi, and Computer Science in Mississippi. The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant provides merit-based support for high-achieving residents, offsetting education costs and enabling focus on career preparation.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Artificial Intelligence Programs in Mississippi
Online Programs
0 available in Mississippi
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Artificial Intelligence Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $5,800
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $9,800
- Total Programs
- 177
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 62
- Median Tuition
- $8,600
- Total Programs
- 112
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Mississippi: FAQ
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Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Mississippi salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.