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Key Takeaways
Best machine learning degree programs: Mississippi College, Belhaven, Rust College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,100 to $28,800/year
Itawamba Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,100/yr
Machine Learning degree programs available: 5 associate's, 1 master's, 1 doctoral in Mississippi
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Mississippi community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
5 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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning programs
We rank 11 accredited machine learning 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 Machine Learning Degree Programs in Mississippi Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in Mississippi
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in Mississippi by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Machine Learning Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi offers 5 accredited associate's degree programs in machine learning, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Itawamba Community College, Northwest Mississippi Com..., Copiah-Lincoln Community ..., 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 $4,742/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 machine learning schools in Mississippi, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their machine learning degrees in Mississippi.
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with 4 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 0 public and 4 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Mississippi College, Belhaven, Rust College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Mississippi machine learning 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 $10,258 to $28,800 annually, with an average of $17,672/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 90%, with the highest reaching 95%. 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 machine learning degrees in Mississippi, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Machine Learning Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi offers 1 master's degree programs in machine learning, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Mississippi College, 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 $20,246/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 machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Machine Learning Programs in Mississippi
Program Landscape
Mississippi is home to 1 doctoral programs in machine learning, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Jackson 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 machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree Costs & Tuition in Mississippi
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,295/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $25,738/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,574/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $61,772 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $15,442 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Machine Learning Students in Mississippi
State Aid Programs
Mississippi students pursuing machine learning degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support, starting with the federal aid system. All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at Federal Student Aid to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. Mississippi residents benefit from additional state-level support through the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant, a merit-based award specifically designed for high-achieving residents. This grant program is administered through Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning and recognizes academic excellence, making it an excellent resource for qualifying machine learning students.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, individual institutions offer institutional scholarships and financial aid packages tailored to machine learning programs. For example, Mississippi State University, ranked #1 for bachelor's programs in machine learning, and Jackson State University, which offers strong completion rates in the field, both provide institutional aid opportunities. Community college students should note that Mississippi's transfer system, the Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool, facilitates smooth transitions from two-year to four-year institutions while preserving financial aid eligibility. Students can explore detailed financial aid information and compare aid packages across schools using the College Scorecard, which provides transparent data on costs and aid availability. Related programs like Data Science in Mississippi and Artificial Intelligence in Mississippi may also offer overlapping funding opportunities worth investigating.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, Mississippi
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,967,896
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$147,619
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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Graduates in Mississippi
Find machine learning jobs in Mississippi. These major employers across Mississippi metro areas are actively hiring machine learning degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Machine Learning Jobs in Jackson
MSMachine Learning Jobs in Gulfport
MSTransfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees in Mississippi
State Transfer System
Mississippi's structured transfer system makes it seamless for students to begin machine learning education at community colleges and transition to four-year universities. The Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool facilitates course-by-course credit agreements between 17 two-year institutions and 19 four-year institutions, ensuring that associate's degree completions apply directly toward bachelor's degrees (Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool). Top community college programs, including Itawamba Community College (12 completions), Northwest Mississippi Community College (10 completions), and Copiah-Lincoln Community College (8 completions), prepare students in foundational mathematics, programming, and data fundamentals before upper-level coursework at universities.
How Transfers Work
Many two-year institutions have formal articulation agreements with leading four-year universities like Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, and University of Mississippi, allowing students to lock in credit transfers before enrolling. This pathway reduces tuition costs, community college tuition averages $3,100–$3,500 annually, and enables students to complete general education requirements affordably before pursuing specialized machine learning degrees. The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant supports high-achieving residents with merit-based aid to offset costs at either two-year or four-year institutions (Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant). Explore related transfer-friendly programs through Data Analytics in Mississippi and Computer Science in Mississippi to identify additional stackable credentials.
Why Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in Mississippi?
Industry & Workforce
Mississippi offers a growing landscape for machine learning education, with 11 institutions across the state offering programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). From associate's degrees at community colleges to doctoral research opportunities, students can pursue machine learning credentials that align with their educational goals and career aspirations. The state's higher education system includes 4 four-year institutions and 5 two-year institutions dedicated to machine learning instruction, providing diverse pathways for learners at different stages.
Salary Outlook
Top-ranked programs like Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, and Mississippi College lead the state in machine learning education quality and research output. Students benefit from affordable tuition rates, with average public in-state costs at $8,642 annually for four-year programs (IPEDS). Mississippi's strategic location near major employers, including the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Walmart, and Nissan, creates networking and internship opportunities in growing tech sectors. For career prospects, explore related fields through our guides on Artificial Intelligence in Mississippi, Data Science in Mississippi, and Computer Science in Mississippi to understand the broader technology ecosystem.
Machine Learning Program Availability in Mississippi
Source: IPEDS 2024
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in Mississippi
Employment Outlook
Mississippi's machine learning job market is experiencing steady growth, with opportunities concentrated in key metropolitan areas across the state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technology roles in data and machine learning are increasingly in demand across major employers and sectors. The state's major metro areas. Jackson, Gulfport-Biloxi, and Hattiesburg, represent the primary hubs for machine learning professionals seeking employment. Jackson, as Mississippi's capital, hosts the University of Mississippi Medical Center, one of the state's largest employers, which relies heavily on data analytics and machine learning applications for healthcare innovation and operational efficiency.
Salaries by Metro
The machine learning talent pipeline in Mississippi is supported by 11 institutions offering machine learning programs at various levels, from associate's through doctoral degrees (IPEDS Data). With 37 associate's degree completions, 25 bachelor's degree completions, and advanced credentials at the master's and doctoral levels, Mississippi is developing a qualified workforce ready to enter the field. Geographic diversity of educational institutions means that talent is distributed across regions, with community colleges in the Delta Region, North Mississippi, and Gulf Coast areas feeding into four-year universities. This educational infrastructure positions Mississippi graduates to serve employers throughout the state, from healthcare systems to retail and manufacturing sectors that increasingly depend on machine learning capabilities for competitive advantage.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in Mississippi
Online Programs
0 available in Mississippi
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Machine Learning Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $5,800
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $10,700
- Total Programs
- 179
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Machine Learning Degree Programs in Mississippi: FAQ
What are the best machine learning degree programs in Mississippi?
How much do machine learning degree programs cost in Mississippi?
What salary can machine learning degree graduates earn in Mississippi?
Are there online machine learning degree programs in Mississippi?
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Is a machine learning degree program worth it in Mississippi?
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What financial aid is available for machine learning 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.