2026 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Mississippi

1

Southwest Mississippi Community College
Summit, MS

Southwest Mississippi Community College earned the #1 spot for value among liberal arts schools in Mississippi. Set in the rural area of Summit, Southwest Mississippi Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,080 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,780. Liberal Arts graduates carry a median of $21,057 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $50,292. That is a strong return on a $21,057 median debt.

2

East Mississippi Community College
Scooba, MS

East Mississippi Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts schools. Set in the rural area of Scooba, East Mississippi Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,095, while out-of-state students pay about $7,445. Students borrow a median of $9,875 to complete the liberal arts program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from East Mississippi Community College generally make around $34,012. Set against $9,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Pearl River Community College
Poplarville, MS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pearl River Community College earned it the #3 place for liberal arts. Located in the rural area of Poplarville, Pearl River Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,700 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,100 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for liberal arts graduates is $10,000. Liberal Arts graduates of Pearl River Community College earn a median of $19,354 early in their careers. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Holmes Community College
Goodman, MS

Holmes Community College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts schools. Located in the rural area of Goodman, Holmes Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,710, with out-of-state students paying around $6,610. Students borrow a median of $11,789 to complete the liberal arts program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from Holmes Community College generally make around $25,496. Set against $11,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, MS

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts schools. Located in the rural area of Perkinston, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,850. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete the liberal arts program here. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $34,214. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

Northwest Mississippi Community College
Senatobia, MS

Northwest Mississippi Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts schools. Located in the town of Senatobia, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,740. Liberal Arts graduates carry a median of $6,885 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from Northwest Mississippi Community College generally make around $35,001. That is a strong return on a $6,885 median debt.

7

Jones County Junior College
Ellisville, MS

Jones County Junior College placed #7 among the best values for liberal arts. Located in the town of Ellisville, Jones County Junior College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,700, with out-of-state students paying around $5,700. Students borrow a median of $7,000 to complete the liberal arts program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from Jones County Junior College generally make around $23,319. Set against $7,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

University Of Mississippi Main Campus
University, MS

University Of Mississippi Main Campus earned the #8 position for value in liberal arts this year. University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of University. Students from in state pay about $9,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Students borrow a median of $25,450 to complete the liberal arts program here. Liberal Arts graduates of University Of Mississippi Main Campus earn a median of $50,876 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%.

9

Delta State University
Cleveland, MS

Delta State University came in at #9 for value in liberal arts this year. Delta State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Cleveland. Students from in state pay about $8,605 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,250 to complete the liberal arts program here. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $41,580. Set against $29,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Delta State University admits about 100% of applicants.

10

Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, MS

Alcorn State University earned the #10 position for value in liberal arts this year. Set in the rural area of Alcorn State, Alcorn State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,785. Students borrow a median of $39,250 to complete the liberal arts program here. Liberal Arts graduates of Alcorn State University earn a median of $26,269 early in their careers. Set against $39,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

11

University Of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi earned the #11 position for value in liberal arts this year. Located in the city of Hattiesburg, University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Students borrow a median of $28,438 to complete the liberal arts program here. Liberal Arts graduates of University Of Southern Mississippi earn a median of $37,800 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

12

Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS

Mississippi State University landed the #12 spot for liberal arts value this year. Mississippi State University is a very large public school located in the town of Mississippi State. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Students borrow a median of $28,435 to complete the liberal arts program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from Mississippi State University generally make around $47,383. That is a strong return on a $28,435 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.