Last Updated: October 17, 2021
Mississippi - The Magnolia State
Mississippi is situated in the southeastern part of the United States. The state has an estimated population of about 2.98 million in 2021. The capital city of Mississippi is Jackson, which is also the largest city in the state. It is bordered by Tennessee, Alabama, the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Mississippi received its statehood on December 10, 1817, making it the 20th state of America. The name of the state is derived from the Mississippi River and is also said to have originated from a Native American language where the word implies 'big river'. Mississippi is also popularly known as 'the Magnolia State' because of the presence of numerous Magnolia Trees in the state. Magnolia is the state flower and is also depicted in the State Quarter. Mississippi experiences a humid subtropical climate with extremely hot summers and cool winters.
Major Cities in Mississippi
Jackson
With a population of about 154,000 Jackson is the largest state in Mississippi. It is also the capital city of the state. Jackson was incorporated as a city in 1822 and was named after Major General Andrew Jackson. The city is a major industrial and cultural epicenter. Major institutes of higher learning in Jackson include Belhaven University, Millsaps College, and Jackson State University. Mississippi State Capitol, Mississippi Museum of Art, Medgar Evers Home Museum, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Symphony Orchestra are some of the popular places to visit in Jackson.
Gulfport
Gulfport is the second-largest city in Mississippi with an estimated population of around 73,000. Situated in Harrison County, Gulfport was established as a city on July 28, 1898. The city is generally prone to hurricanes due to its coastal location. However, this is also a popular tourist destination with places such as Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulfport Dragway, Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum, Harbor Square Park, Bayou View Golf Course, Gulf Islands Water Park, and so on.
Southaven
With a population of approximately 55,000, Southaven is the third-largest city in the state of Mississippi. It is situated in DeSoto County and was established as a city on April 15, 1980. It is popularly nicknamed "The Top of Mississippi" or "The Tip of the ‘Sip". Renowned novelist John Grisham is said to be from this city. The Children's Museum of Memphis, Chucalissa Archaeological Museum, BankPlus Sports Center, BankPlus Amphitheater, Central Park Disc Golf, Urban Air Adventure Park, are some of the popular destinations situated in this city.
Economy/Job Market
- Agriculture is the predominant economic sector of the state with the major crops being cotton, soybeans, corn, and rice.
- Apart from agriculture, textile production, electronics production, transportation, advanced manufacturing, commercial fishing, and tourism are some of the important industries in the state.
- Some of the largest companies (based on the number of employees hired) headquartered here are Sanderson Farm, Island View Casino Resort, The Yates Companies, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi Medical Center, North Mississippi Medical Center, and Sims Metal Management Mississippi.
- The covid-19 pandemic was a major blow for Mississippi's economy. According to state economist Corey Miller, the economy of the state is gradually recovering and getting stronger in 2021 but may experience stagnation the next year.
- The unemployment rate has declined from 6.2% in March 2021 to 6.0% in August 2021. However, the unemployment rate is much higher than the national rate of 5.2%.
- The important sectors currently contributing to the state's economic growth are government services, health and education services, trade, transportation, and manufacturing.
Tuition Fee and Living Cost in Mississippi
The cost of living in Mississippi is extremely low. Housing costs are a lot cheaper than the national average followed by the cost of transportation. However, the cost of healthcare services is a bit higher than the national average. Some of the most expensive cities in the state are Oxford, Starkville, Bay St. Louis, and Pass Christian. Aberdeen, Clarksdale, Saltillo, Moss Point, and Senatobia are some of the most affordable cities in Mississippi. Education costs are the most affordable in this state. The only exception here is Millsaps College (Jackson), a private institution that charges a tuition fee of about $44,000 which is higher than the national average.
List of Few Major Universities/Colleges
Some of the top universities/colleges in the state of Mississippi are:
- Mississippi State University This is a reputed public university situated in Mississippi State. It was established on February 28, 1878, as The Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi. The university is known for its great academic quality and its equal importance for community service. With approximately 25,000 students and almost 1,500 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. Some of the most popular majors offered here are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Accounting, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Business, Mechanical Engineering, and Communications. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate and graduate students is about $9,500 and over $25,000 for out-of-state students.
- University of Mississippi Situated in University, this is the another renowned public university of Mississippi. It was founded in 1848 and is popular for its high-quality education, vibrant campus life, and high research activity. With more than 25,000 students and nearly 900 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. Popular majors offered in this university are Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Psychology, and Digital Communication and Media. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate and graduate students is about $9,500 and more than $27,000 for out-of-state students.
- Jackson State University This is a prestigious university situated in the largest city of Jackson. It was established on October 23, 1877, and is a public historically black university. The university is known for its great teaching-learning experience and campus diversity. With around 8,700 students and around 450 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. Popular majors offered here are Biology, Social Work, and Education. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate and graduate students is about $9,500 and around $11,000 for out-of-state students.
- University of Southern Mississippi Located in Hattiesburg, this is another esteemed public university in the state. It was founded on March 30, 1910. This university is widely acclaimed for its high-quality research especially in the areas of ocean science and polymer science. It is also popular for its academic quality and great faculty members. With about 17,000 students and roughly 900 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. Business, Nursing, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Psychology, and Education are some of the most sought-after majors in this university. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate and graduate students is about $9,500 and roughly $12,000 for out-of-state students.
Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students
- NISS - Nissan Scholarship: this is a scholarship program administered by Nissan North America, Inc. to assist newly graduating high school students from Mississippi. To be qualified for the program, the student must be a permanent resident of Mississippi, must plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution in Mississippi on a full-time basis, display economic need, and actively participate in extracurricular activities while displaying leadership qualities.
The student must also secure a minimum GPA of 2.5, and a minimum ACT score of 20 or a minimum SAT score of 940. Along with the application form, academic transcripts, and the FAFSA, the student is required to write an essay on the topic, "How do my plans for the future and my college major support the Automotive industry in Mississippi?" with their signature. The award amount will be used for covering the full tuition fee and book allowance and may vary based on the availability of funds.
- HELP - Higher Ed Legislative Plan: This is a need-based grant initiated by the Mississippi Legislature. To be qualified for the program, the student must be a permanent resident of Mississippi, must have adhered to the HELP Curriculum in high school, and plan to pursue a degree in an accredited institution of higher learning in the state. The student is also required to secure a minimum score of 2.5 GPA in high school, along with a minimum ACT score of 20. The student must also display economic needs and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in college. The award amount covers the entire tuition fee.
- MTAG - Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant: This is a need-based grant administered by the Mississippi Legislature to help high school graduates of Mississippi. To be qualified, the student must be a permanent resident of the state of Mississippi, obtain a minimum score of 2.5 GPA in high school and maintain the score in college, and enroll at an eligible Mississippi institute for an associate or undergraduate degree on a full-time basis. The student is also required to obtain a minimum ACT score of 15. The award amount will be up to $500 for freshmen and sophomores and up to $1,000 for juniors and seniors per academic year.
- MESG - MS Eminent Scholars Grant: This is a merit-based grant for high school graduates of Mississippi. To be qualified for the grant, the student must be a legal resident of the state of Mississippi, graduate from high school while obtaining a minimum score of 3.5 GPA, a minimum ACT score of 29, and a minimum SAT score of 1350. The student must also enroll at an eligible Mississippi institute for an associate or undergraduate degree on a full-time basis. The award amount will be up to $2,500 per academic year.
Tourism
The Magnolia State is not just popular for its beautiful Magnolia trees but is also well-known as the birthplace of blues music. The state is rich in its art, culture, history, and diverse landscapes. Given that Mississippi also has fertile soil, the state is covered with beautiful forests and plantations. Some of the most beautiful places for tourists to visit are Tupelo Automobile Museum, Vicksburg National Military Park, Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jackson Zoological Park, and several others. Given that the Mississippi climate can be unbearably hot, it is best to visit the state from November to April when the temperatures are cooler.
Universities & Colleges in Mississippi
*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
- Recommended program (Top 250)
