Top 3 Machine Learning Programs in Mississippi 2025
Belhaven University
9 machine learning graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Mississippi College
10 machine learning graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
Jackson State University
2 machine learning graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
- 1.Mississippi offers 9+ accredited machine learning programs across public and private universities
- 2.Belhaven University leads with 95% 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)
Machine Learning Education in Mississippi: Overview
Mississippi offers 9 accredited machine learning 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 machine learning programs in the state are led by Belhaven University, Mississippi College, Jackson State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Mississippi Machine Learning Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belhaven University | Jackson, MS | Private | $28,800 | 95% | 54.9 |
| 2 | Mississippi College | Clinton, MS | Private | $20,246 | 84% | 53.6 |
| 3 | Jackson State University | Jackson, MS | Public | $8,520 | 100% | 43 |
| 4 | Rust College | Holly Springs, MS | Private | $11,385 | — | 42.9 |
| 5 | Tougaloo College | Tougaloo, MS | Private | $10,258 | — | 40.2 |
| 6 | Itawamba Community College | Fulton, MS | Public | $3,100 | — | 32.2 |
| 7 | Northwest Mississippi Community College | Senatobia, MS | Public | $3,400 | — | 31.4 |
| 8 | Copiah-Lincoln Community College | Wesson, MS | Public | $3,500 | — | 30.6 |
| 9 | Mississippi Delta Community College | Moorhead, MS | Public | $3,450 | — | 27.9 |
Top 5 Machine Learning Programs in Mississippi: Side-by-Side
| School | Belhaven | Mississippi College | Jackson State | Rust College | Tougaloo College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $28,800 | $20,246 | $8,520 | $11,385 | $10,258 |
| Graduation Rate | 95% | 84% | 100% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 9 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 53% | 49% | 91% | 35% | 53% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 54.9/100 | 53.6/100 | 43.0/100 | 42.9/100 | 40.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Machine Learning in Mississippi
Mississippi offers 4 bachelor's-level machine learning programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Belhaven University, Mississippi College, Rust College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $57,715 in the Mississippi market.
A bachelor's in machine learning typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs in Mississippi
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Belhaven | $28,800 | 95% | 9 | 54.9 |
| #2 Mississippi College | $20,246 | 84% | 10 | 53.6 |
| #3 Rust College | $11,385 | N/A% | 3 | 42.9 |
Top Machine Learning Schools for Master's Degrees in Mississippi
For graduate study, Mississippi offers 1 master's-level machine learning programs. Leading institutions include 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 machine learning master's programs for more options beyond Mississippi.
Top 3 Machine Learning Master's Programs in Mississippi
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Mississippi College | $20,246 | 84% | 1 | 46.1 |
Most Affordable Machine Learning Colleges in Mississippi
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable machine learning 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 Machine Learning Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Schools in Mississippi
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 machine learning 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.
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $28,800 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 53%
- • Ranking Score: 54.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 9 machine learning graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 54.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 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)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 49%
- • Ranking Score: 53.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 10 machine learning graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 53.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (49% 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)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 43.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 2 machine learning graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 43.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Rust College
Holly Springs, MS • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,385 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 35%
- • Ranking Score: 42.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 3 machine learning graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 42.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (35% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Tougaloo College
Tougaloo, MS • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,258 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 53%
- • Ranking Score: 40.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 4 machine learning graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 40.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($82,450), and selectivity (53% 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.
Machine Learning 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 9)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Machine Learning in Mississippi FAQ
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Machine Learning 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.