Mississippi university campus representing information security education
Updated December 2025

Best Information Security Programs in Mississippi: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 8 top accredited information security programs in Mississippi. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg.

Programs Ranked8
Median Salary$82,450
Cost of Living83.3%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Information Security Programs in Mississippi 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Jones County Junior College

Ellisville, MSPublic

13 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$4K
Tuition/yr
46.4
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State, MSPublic

3 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
44.9
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MSPublic

2 information security graduates annually, 92% graduation rate

$10K
Tuition/yr
92%
Grad Rate
44.0
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Mississippi offers 8+ accredited information security programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Jones County Junior College leads with strong% 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)

Information Security Education in Mississippi: Overview

Mississippi offers 8 accredited information security programs, producing approximately 61 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 information security programs in the state are led by Jones County Junior College, Alcorn State University, Mississippi State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Mississippi Information Security Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Jones County Junior CollegeEllisville, MSPublic$3,750โ€”46.4
2Alcorn State UniversityAlcorn State, MSPublic$7,869โ€”44.9
3Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State, MSPublic$9,66592%44
4Hinds Community CollegeRaymond, MSPublic$3,550โ€”34.6
5East Mississippi Community CollegeScooba, MSPublic$3,500โ€”31.4
6Copiah-Lincoln Community CollegeWesson, MSPublic$3,500โ€”29.1
7East Central Community CollegeDecatur, MSPublic$3,560โ€”29.1
8Meridian Community CollegeMeridian, MSPublic$3,658โ€”27.9

Top 5 Information Security Programs in Mississippi: Side-by-Side

SchoolJones County Junior CollegeAlcorn StateMississippi StateHinds Community CollegeEast Mississippi...
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$3,750
$7,869
$9,665
$3,550
$3,500
Graduation Rate
N/A%
N/A%
92%
N/A%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
13
3
2
20
10
Acceptance Rate
N/A
25%
76%
N/A
N/A
Type
Public
Public
Public
Public
Public
Score
46.4/100
44.9/100
44.0/100
34.6/100
31.4/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Security in Mississippi

Mississippi offers 2 bachelor's-level information security programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Alcorn State University, Mississippi State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $57,715 in the Mississippi market.

A bachelor's in information security typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Security Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Information Security Bachelor's Programs in Mississippi

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Alcorn State
$7,869
N/A%
3
44.9
#2 Mississippi State
$9,665
92%
1
42.6

Top Information Security Schools for Master's Degrees in Mississippi

For graduate study, Mississippi offers 1 master's-level information security programs. Leading institutions include Mississippi State University. 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 information security master's programs for more options beyond Mississippi.

Top 3 Information Security Master's Programs in Mississippi

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Mississippi State
$9,665
92%
2
44.0

Most Affordable Information Security Colleges in Mississippi

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information security programs in Mississippi are at East Mississippi Community College ($3,500/year), Copiah-Lincoln Community College ($3,500/year), Hinds Community College ($3,550/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Mississippi's competitive tech salaries.

At East Mississippi Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $14,000 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $57,715, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years. See our Most Affordable Information Security Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Information Security Programs in Mississippi (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 East Mississippi...
$3,500
$14,000
0.6 years
Public
#2 Copiah-Lincoln Community...
$3,500
$14,000
0.6 years
Public
#3 Hinds Community College
$3,550
$14,200
0.6 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Security Schools in Mississippi

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information security 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.

#1

Jones County Junior College

Ellisville, MS โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $3,750 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 13 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 46.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 13 information security graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 46.4 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (13 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State, MS โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,869 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 3 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 25%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 44.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 3 information security graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 44.9 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (25% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $9,665 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 2 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 44.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 92% graduation rate
  • 2 information security graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 44.0 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Hinds Community College

Raymond, MS โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $3,550 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 20 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 34.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 20 information security graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 34.6 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (20 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

East Mississippi Community College

Scooba, MS โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $3,500 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 10 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 31.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 10 information security graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 31.4 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$57,715
Starting Salary
$82,450
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
73
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$89,837

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$81,404

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$90,190
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$88,283

Database Administrator opportunities in Mississippi with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$77,384

Information Security Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Mississippi if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Mississippi's 8)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration

Information Security in Mississippi FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Information Security degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

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.