Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Mississippi 2025
Mississippi State University
118 computer engineering graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Jackson State University
34 computer engineering graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
Mississippi College
17 computer engineering graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
- 1.Mississippi offers 12+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Mississippi State University leads with 92% graduation rate
- 3.Mississippi software developers earn median $82,450 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg
- 5.Cost of living index: 83.3% of US average (below average)
Computer Engineering Education in Mississippi: Overview
Mississippi offers 12 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 250 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, with major employers including C Spire, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin.
With a median software developer salary of $82,450 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 83.3% compared to the US average, Mississippi offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Mississippi Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi State University | Mississippi State, MS | Public | $9,665 | 92% | 77.8 |
| 2 | Jackson State University | Jackson, MS | Public | $8,520 | 100% | 56.8 |
| 3 | Mississippi College | Clinton, MS | Private | $20,246 | 84% | 55.8 |
| 4 | Belhaven University | Jackson, MS | Private | $28,800 | 95% | 54.1 |
| 5 | University of Mississippi | University, MS | Public | $9,252 | 70% | 44.7 |
| 6 | Rust College | Holly Springs, MS | Private | $11,385 | — | 42.4 |
| 7 | Tougaloo College | Tougaloo, MS | Private | $10,258 | — | 39.7 |
| 8 | Itawamba Community College | Fulton, MS | Public | $3,100 | — | 32.7 |
| 9 | University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | Public | $9,508 | — | 31.2 |
| 10 | Northwest Mississippi Community College | Senatobia, MS | Public | $3,400 | — | 30.8 |
| 11 | Copiah-Lincoln Community College | Wesson, MS | Public | $3,500 | — | 30 |
| 12 | Mississippi Delta Community College | Moorhead, MS | Public | $3,450 | — | 27.6 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Mississippi: Side-by-Side
| School | Mississippi State | Jackson State | Mississippi College | Belhaven | U of Mississippi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,665 | $8,520 | $20,246 | $28,800 | $9,252 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 100% | 84% | 95% | 70% |
| Annual Graduates | 118 | 34 | 17 | 9 | 23 |
| Acceptance Rate | 76% | 91% | 49% | 53% | 98% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 77.8/100 | 56.8/100 | 55.8/100 | 54.1/100 | 44.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Mississippi
Mississippi offers 8 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $57,715 in the Mississippi market.
A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Mississippi
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Mississippi State | $9,665 | 92% | 118 | 77.8 |
| #2 Jackson State | $8,520 | 100% | 34 | 56.8 |
| #3 Mississippi College | $20,246 | 84% | 17 | 55.8 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Mississippi
For graduate study, Mississippi offers 2 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include Mississippi State University, Mississippi College. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Mississippi reaching $107,185 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer engineering master's programs for more options beyond Mississippi.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Mississippi
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Mississippi State | $9,665 | 92% | 8 | 49.0 |
| #2 Mississippi College | $20,246 | 84% | 1 | 46.1 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Mississippi
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Mississippi are at Itawamba Community College ($3,100/year), Northwest Mississippi Community College ($3,400/year), Mississippi Delta Community College ($3,450/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Mississippi's competitive tech salaries.
At Itawamba Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $12,400 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $57,715, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Mississippi (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Itawamba Community College | $3,100 | $12,400 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 Northwest Mississippi... | $3,400 | $13,600 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #3 Mississippi Delta... | $3,450 | $13,800 | 0.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in Mississippi
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in Mississippi, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,665 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 118 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 77.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 118 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 77.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (118 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees with online options and access to specialized research facilities including high-performance computing and high voltage laboratories. Students can pursue accelerated programs and benefit from MSU's 95% career success rate that exceeds national averages.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.00/4.00 GPA for graduate M.S. program, 3.50/4.00 GPA for graduate Ph.D. program
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 95% successful career outcomes within six months for MSU graduates overall
- Top Employers: International Paper, Paccar, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Department of Agriculture, MSU, Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District, Meridian Public Schools, MSU Extension Service, Rankin County School District
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- MSU's successful career outcomes rate exceeds the national average according to NACE FDS reports
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,520 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 34 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 56.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 34 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 56.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (34 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $20,246 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 17 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 49%
- • Ranking Score: 55.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 17 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 55.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (17 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (49% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $28,800 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 53%
- • Ranking Score: 54.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 9 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 54.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (53% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Mississippi
University, MS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,252 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 70% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 44.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 70% graduation rate
- 23 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 44.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (70%), program size (23 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (98% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg
- You're seeking lower cost of living (83.3% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like C Spire or Raytheon
- You prefer Mississippi's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Mississippi's 12)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Engineering in Mississippi FAQ
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Mississippi-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Mississippi salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.