Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Mississippi 2025
Mississippi State University
99 information technology graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
University of Mississippi
52 information technology graduates annually, 70% graduation rate
Jackson State University
26 information technology graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
- 1.Mississippi offers 13+ accredited information technology 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)
Information Technology Education in Mississippi: Overview
Mississippi offers 13 accredited information technology programs, producing approximately 284 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 technology 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 Information Technology 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% | 55.5 |
| 5 | University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | Public | $9,508 | — | 47.8 |
| 6 | Alcorn State University | Alcorn State, MS | Public | $7,869 | — | 47.4 |
| 7 | Mississippi College | Clinton, MS | Private | $20,246 | 84% | 46.1 |
| 8 | Mississippi Valley State University | Itta Bena, MS | Public | $7,892 | — | 43.5 |
| 9 | Strayer University-Mississippi | Jackson, MS | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | 41.6 |
| 10 | Holmes Community College | Goodman, MS | Public | $2,700 | — | 32.5 |
| 11 | Northwest Mississippi Community College | Senatobia, MS | Public | $3,400 | — | 31 |
| 12 | East Mississippi Community College | Scooba, MS | Public | $3,500 | — | 30.6 |
| 13 | Itawamba Community College | Fulton, MS | Public | $3,100 | — | 26.1 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Mississippi: Side-by-Side
| School | Mississippi State | U of Mississippi | Jackson State | Belhaven | U of Southern Mississippi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,665 | $9,252 | $8,520 | $28,800 | $9,508 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 70% | 100% | 95% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 99 | 52 | 26 | 10 | 46 |
| Acceptance Rate | 76% | 98% | 91% | 53% | 99% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 77.6/100 | 57.3/100 | 55.9/100 | 55.5/100 | 47.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Mississippi
Mississippi offers 8 bachelor's-level information technology 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 information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology 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 Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Mississippi
For graduate study, Mississippi offers 5 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include Belhaven University, Mississippi State University, Jackson 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 technology master's programs for more options beyond Mississippi.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Mississippi
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Belhaven | $28,800 | 95% | 10 | 55.5 |
| #2 Mississippi State | $9,665 | 92% | 16 | 53.1 |
| #3 Jackson State | $8,520 | 100% | 9 | 48.5 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Mississippi
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Mississippi are at Holmes Community College ($2,700/year), Itawamba Community College ($3,100/year), Northwest Mississippi Community College ($3,400/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 Information Technology Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Technology 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 Northwest Mississippi... | $3,400 | $13,600 | 0.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Technology Schools in Mississippi
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information technology 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)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 99 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 77.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 99 information technology 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.
University of Mississippi
University, MS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,252 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 70% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 52 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 57.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 70% graduation rate
- 52 information technology 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.
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,520 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 26 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 55.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 26 information technology 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)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 53%
- • Ranking Score: 55.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 10 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 55.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (53% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,508 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 46 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 99%
- • Ranking Score: 47.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 46 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (46 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (99% 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.
Information Technology 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 13)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Information Technology in Mississippi FAQ
Based on 13 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology 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.