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Key Takeaways
Best information technology degree programs: Mississippi State, U of Mississippi, Jackson State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,700 to $28,800/year
Holmes Community College offers the most affordable option at $2,700/yr
Information Technology degree programs available: 4 associate's, 5 master's, 1 doctoral in Mississippi
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online information technology degree programs in Mississippi
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Mississippi community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
4 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
Information Technology 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 Information Technology programs
We rank 18 accredited information technology 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 Information Technology Degree Programs in Mississippi Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Technology Degree Rankings in Mississippi
Compare the top-ranked Information Technology programs in Mississippi by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Technology Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi offers 4 accredited associate's degree programs in information technology, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Holmes Community College, Northwest Mississippi Com..., East Mississippi Communit..., 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 $3,175/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 information technology schools in Mississippi, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information technology degrees in Mississippi.
Best Bachelor's Information Technology Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi ranks among the nation's top destinations for information technology education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 6 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Mississippi State, U of Mississippi, Jackson State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Mississippi information technology 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 $7,869 to $20,246 annually, with an average of $10,835/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 86%, with the highest reaching 100%. 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 information technology degrees in Mississippi, these top-ranked information technology schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Mississippi State University
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Mississippi College | Clinton, MS | Private | $20,246 | 84% | 46.1 |
| #7 | Mississippi Valley State University | Itta Bena, MS | Public | $7,892 | — | 43.6 |
| #8 | Strayer University-Mississippi | Jackson, MS | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | 41.7 |
Best Master's Information Technology Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi offers 5 master's degree programs in information technology, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State, Belhaven, 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 $12,872/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 information technology schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Mississippi State University
Best Doctoral Information Technology Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi is home to 1 doctoral programs in information technology, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Mississippi 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 information technology 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.
Information Technology Degree Costs & Tuition in Mississippi
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $9,860/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $24,650/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,465/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $59,160 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $14,790 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Technology Students in Mississippi
State Aid Programs
Mississippi students pursuing Information Technology degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways, beginning with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through Federal Student Aid, students can explore federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities available regardless of state residency. The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning administers state-specific funding through the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant, a merit-based award designed for high-achieving Mississippi residents. This grant recognizes academic excellence and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for qualifying students enrolled in bachelor's and advanced degree programs across the state's public institutions.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, individual institutions offer competitive scholarships and assistantships. Mississippi State University, the state's leading IT producer with 119 completions, along with Jackson State University and the University of Southern Mississippi frequently provide departmental scholarships and research assistantships to IT students. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office directly, as many schools offer need-based and merit-based packages tailored to IT majors. The Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool also helps community college students manage costs by helping seamless transfer pathways, allowing students to begin at affordable two-year institutions before completing bachelor's degrees. For detailed guidance on federal aid eligibility and application deadlines, prospective students should reference the College Scorecard and consult with institutional financial aid counselors.
Information Technology Degree ROI Calculator, Mississippi
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information technology 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.
Information Technology Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information technology degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+692%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,279,487
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$114,286
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
Information Technology 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 Information Technology Graduates in Mississippi
Find information technology jobs in Mississippi. These major employers across Mississippi metro areas are actively hiring information technology degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Technology Jobs in Jackson
MSInformation Technology Jobs in Gulfport
MSTransfer Pathways for Information Technology Degrees in Mississippi
State Transfer System
Mississippi provides seamless transfer pathways for Information Technology students through the Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool, which facilitates credit transfer from community colleges to four-year universities (Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning). This system supports the 17 two-year institutions in Mississippi, including Holmes Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and Northwest Mississippi Community College, enabling students to complete associate's degrees affordably before transitioning to bachelor's programs. Community college tuition averages just $3,000–$3,500 annually, compared to $8,642–$13,183 at four-year institutions, making the 2+2 pathway economically advantageous for many students (College Scorecard). Students earning associate's degrees in IT at community colleges can transfer credits directly to universities like Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi with minimal loss of credit. This structured pathway reduces overall degree costs while maintaining educational quality.
How Transfers Work
Articulation agreements between Mississippi's community colleges and universities ensure that coursework in database management, network administration, systems support, and IT fundamentals transfers seamlessly as lower-division requirements for bachelor's programs. Holmes Community College, the top-ranked associate's program, and other community colleges have established formal partnerships with Mississippi's universities to streamline student progression. Students following the transfer pathway often complete general education and foundational IT courses at community colleges, then enroll in upper-level courses, specializations, and capstone projects at four-year institutions. For students pursuing online education, Jackson State University's #1-ranked online bachelor's program accommodates transfer students and flexible scheduling. Additional pathways exist in Information Systems in Mississippi, Cybersecurity in Mississippi, and Cloud Computing in Mississippi, offering students multiple options to tailor their educational journey and career trajectory.
Why Pursue an Information Technology Degree in Mississippi?
Industry & Workforce
Mississippi offers a strong ecosystem for Information Technology education, with 20 institutions across the state offering IT programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, Mississippi institutions awarded 243 bachelor's degrees, 74 master's degrees, 31 associate's degrees, and 4 doctoral degrees in Information Technology, demonstrating strong educational pathways from entry-level to advanced study. The state's four-year institutions average $8,642 in public in-state tuition, making Mississippi an affordable choice compared to national averages (College Scorecard). Leading programs like Mississippi State University, which produced 119 completions, and the University of Southern Mississippi, with 81 completions, provide instruction and industry connections.
Salary Outlook
Mississippi's major employment centers. Jackson, Gulfport-Biloxi, Hattiesburg, and Oxford, host technology-focused employers including the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Walmart, and Nissan, creating abundant career opportunities for IT graduates. The state's commitment to workforce development is reflected through merit-based financial aid programs like the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning), which supports high-achieving residents. For students seeking specialized pathways, Mississippi offers focused degree options in complementary fields such as Information Systems in Mississippi, Network Administration in Mississippi, Cloud Computing in Mississippi, and Cybersecurity in Mississippi, allowing learners to tailor their education to specific career goals.
Information Technology Program Availability in Mississippi
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Technology Job Market & Salary Data in Mississippi
Employment Outlook
Mississippi's information technology job market is supported by a diverse employer base across multiple regions and metro areas. The state's largest cities. Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Tupelo, and Oxford, each serve as employment hubs for IT professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mississippi's tech sector continues to grow, with opportunities spanning healthcare, retail, agriculture, and automotive industries. The Capital District (Jackson metro), Gulf Coast (Gulfport-Biloxi), and Hattiesburg regions represent the strongest job markets for IT talent in the state.
Salaries by Metro
Students pursuing information technology degrees in Mississippi benefit from strong regional employment opportunities. 20 institutions across the state offer IT programs at various levels, from associate's through doctoral degrees, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the workforce. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is $8,642, making Mississippi an affordable option for aspiring IT professionals. Graduates from top-ranked programs like Mississippi State University and Jackson State University compete effectively in regional and national job markets. For broader career context, explore related specializations including Information Systems in Mississippi, Cybersecurity in Mississippi, and Cloud Computing in Mississippi.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Technology Programs in Mississippi
Online Programs
1 available in Mississippi
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Technology Programs in Other States
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- 20
- Median Tuition
- $5,400
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- 31
- Median Tuition
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- Total Programs
- 123
- Median Tuition
- $1,500
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- 27
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- $7,300
- Total Programs
- 137
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 138
- Median Tuition
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Information Technology Degree Programs in Mississippi: FAQ
What are the best information technology degree programs in Mississippi?
How much do information technology degree programs cost in Mississippi?
What salary can information technology degree graduates earn in Mississippi?
Are there online information technology degree programs in Mississippi?
What companies hire information technology degree graduates in Mississippi?
Is an information technology degree program worth it in Mississippi?
How long do information technology degree programs take in Mississippi?
What financial aid is available for information technology degree students in Mississippi?
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.