Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Mississippi 2025
Mississippi State University
99 computer science graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
University of Mississippi
52 computer science graduates annually, 70% graduation rate
Jackson State University
26 computer science graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
- 1.Mississippi offers 17+ accredited computer science 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 Science Education in Mississippi: Overview
Mississippi offers 17 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 357 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 science programs in the state are led by Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, Jackson State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Mississippi Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi State University | Mississippi State, MS | Public | $9,665 | 92% | 77.6 |
| 2 | University of Mississippi | University, MS | Public | $9,252 | 70% | 57.3 |
| 3 | Jackson State University | Jackson, MS | Public | $8,520 | 100% | 55.9 |
| 4 | Belhaven University | Jackson, MS | Private | $28,800 | 95% | 54.9 |
| 5 | Mississippi College | Clinton, MS | Private | $20,246 | 84% | 54.2 |
| 6 | University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | Public | $9,508 | — | 47.8 |
| 7 | Alcorn State University | Alcorn State, MS | Public | $7,869 | — | 47.4 |
| 8 | Mississippi Valley State University | Itta Bena, MS | Public | $7,892 | — | 43.5 |
| 9 | Rust College | Holly Springs, MS | Private | $11,385 | — | 42.9 |
| 10 | Tougaloo College | Tougaloo, MS | Private | $10,258 | — | 40.2 |
| 11 | Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | Perkinston, MS | Public | $3,300 | — | 38.8 |
| 12 | Holmes Community College | Goodman, MS | Public | $2,700 | — | 32.5 |
| 13 | Itawamba Community College | Fulton, MS | Public | $3,100 | — | 32.5 |
| 14 | Northwest Mississippi Community College | Senatobia, MS | Public | $3,400 | — | 31.4 |
| 15 | Copiah-Lincoln Community College | Wesson, MS | Public | $3,500 | — | 30.6 |
| 16 | East Mississippi Community College | Scooba, MS | Public | $3,500 | — | 30.6 |
| 17 | Mississippi Delta Community College | Moorhead, MS | Public | $3,450 | — | 27.9 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Mississippi: Side-by-Side
| School | Mississippi State | U of Mississippi | Jackson State | Belhaven | Mississippi College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,665 | $9,252 | $8,520 | $28,800 | $20,246 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 70% | 100% | 95% | 84% |
| Annual Graduates | 99 | 52 | 26 | 9 | 11 |
| Acceptance Rate | 76% | 98% | 91% | 53% | 49% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 77.6/100 | 57.3/100 | 55.9/100 | 54.9/100 | 54.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Mississippi
Mississippi offers 10 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, Jackson State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $57,715 in the Mississippi market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Mississippi
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Mississippi State | $9,665 | 92% | 99 | 77.6 |
| #2 U of Mississippi | $9,252 | 70% | 52 | 57.3 |
| #3 Jackson State | $8,520 | 100% | 26 | 55.9 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Mississippi
For graduate study, Mississippi offers 5 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Mississippi State University, Jackson 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 science master's programs for more options beyond Mississippi.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Mississippi
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Mississippi State | $9,665 | 92% | 16 | 53.1 |
| #2 Jackson State | $8,520 | 100% | 9 | 48.5 |
| #3 Mississippi College | $20,246 | 84% | 1 | 46.1 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Mississippi
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Mississippi are at Holmes Community College ($2,700/year), Itawamba Community College ($3,100/year), Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College ($3,300/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Mississippi's competitive tech salaries.
At Holmes Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $10,800 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 Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Mississippi (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Holmes Community College | $2,700 | $10,800 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 Itawamba Community College | $3,100 | $12,400 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #3 Mississippi Gulf Coast... | $3,300 | $13,200 | 0.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Mississippi
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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 Science Graduates: 99 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 77.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 99 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 77.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (99 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Mississippi State's Computer Science program offers comprehensive degree options including an accelerated BS/MS program and focuses on six core competency areas for national prominence including AI, graphics, and software engineering. The program is ABET-accredited and supported by a well-established Cooperative Education Program operating since 1955.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 128 credit hours
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Mississippi
University, MS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,252 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 70% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 52 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 57.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 70% graduation rate
- 52 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (70%), program size (52 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (98% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Mississippi Computer Science program offers flexible degree tracks including security and data science emphases with 127 credit hours. Students can gain real-world experience through co-ops, internships, and research in areas like machine learning and high-performance computing.
Admission Prerequisites
- •College Preparatory Curriculum including 4 units English
- •4 units Mathematics with Algebra I
- •3 units Science with Biology I
- •3 units Social Studies
- •1 unit Art
- •2 units Advanced electives
- •0.5 unit Technology
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.20 for Mississippi residents with CPC completion, or 2.50 with ACT 16+, or 2.00 with ACT 18+
Program Details
- Credits: 127
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- Ole Miss students won the award for Best Google Cloud Hack at the 2022 VandyHacks
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,520 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 26 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 55.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 26 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (26 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (91% 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 Science Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 53%
- • Ranking Score: 54.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 9 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 54.9 / 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.
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $20,246 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 49%
- • Ranking Score: 54.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 11 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 54.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (11 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (49% 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.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.
Computer Science 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 17)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in Mississippi FAQ
Based on 17 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science 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.