The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) functions as a public research institution with its primary campus situated in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to grant bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees.

What is the admission rate of the University of Southern Mississippi?

The University of Southern Mississippi reports a student enrollment of 14,146, an acceptance rate of 99%, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1.

Established in 1910 as the Mississippi Normal College, USM was initially created to prepare educators for rural schools across Mississippi. Over time, the institution has broadened its curriculum and currently provides degrees across multiple disciplines, including business, education, engineering, the arts, and sciences.

What is the annual tuition cost at the University of Southern Mississippi?

The typical annual tuition expense for undergraduate international students at the University of Southern Mississippi is approximately $11,998 or 10.3 Lakh INR.

USM is recognized for its rigorous academic offerings, dynamic campus atmosphere, and dedication to community engagement. The institution houses the sixth-oldest selective Honors College nationwide, and its students consistently contribute more than 100,000 hours of community service annually. In the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges, the University of Southern Mississippi holds a rank of #331-440 among National Universities.

Key Advantages of Attending the University of Southern Mississippi

• Its robust academic programs: The University of Southern Mississippi ranks among the leading public universities in the South, featuring over 100 programs across diverse fields of study.
• Its energetic campus environment: The University of Southern Mississippi boasts a diverse student body alongside numerous student groups and activities. Furthermore, the institution features a competitive athletic department comprising 17 varsity sports teams.
• Its dedication to public service: Students at the University of Southern Mississippi are well known for their active involvement in community service. Together, the student body and faculty contribute over 100,000 hours of volunteer work each year.
• Its geographical setting: The University of Southern Mississippi is situated in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a municipality with a population exceeding 50,000 residents. Hattiesburg is an appealing city offering a lively downtown district, numerous dining and retail options, and various cultural sites.

Average acceptance rate (Undergraduate)

99%

Application Fee

$60

Application Process for The University of Southern Mississippi

UNDERGRADUATE

First-year international candidates must provide the following materials:

• USM Application or Common Application.
• $45 application fee.
• Copies of secondary school transcripts and/or graduation examination scores.
• Verification of English language proficiency.
• Optional: SAT or ACT scores (mandatory for consideration for Freshman Merit Scholarships).

POSTGRADUATE

Individuals applying to the University of Southern Mississippi as international graduate candidates are required to submit:

• Online Application.
• $60 non-refundable application fee.
• Official transcripts along with degree certificates or diplomas from all prior colleges or universities attended.
• Verification of English language proficiency.
• Official score reports for the GRE, GMAT, or MAT from the testing agency (not mandatory for all programs).
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Statement of Purpose or writing sample.
• Immunization records.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Candidates applying to the University of Southern Mississippi as international master's or doctoral applicants should submit:

• Online Application.
• $60 non-refundable application fee.
• Official transcripts and degree certificates or diplomas from all previously attended higher education institutions.
• Verification of English language proficiency.
• Official score reports for the GRE, GMAT, or MAT from the testing agency (not required for all programs).
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Statement of Purpose or writing sample.
• Immunization records.

Required Application Documents for The University of Southern Mississippi

UNDERGRADUATE

The paperwork required for submission by international undergraduate applicants to the University of Southern Mississippi includes:

• Completed Online Application.
• Application Fee.
• Official Transcripts.
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores.
• SAT/ACT Scores.

POSTGRADUATE

The paperwork required for submission by international graduate applicants to the University of Southern Mississippi includes:

• Completed Online Application.
• Application Fee.
• Official Transcripts.
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores.
• Letters of Recommendation.
• Statement of Purpose.
• GRE Scores.
• Immunisation Records.

MASTER'S AND PhD

The paperwork required for submission by international master's or PhD applicants to the University of Southern Mississippi includes:

• Completed Online Application.
• Application Fee.
• Official Transcripts.
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores.
• Letters of Recommendation.
• Statement of Purpose.
• GRE Scores.
• Immunisation Records.

Accepted Examinations at The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi recognizes the following standardized assessments and score thresholds for international students:

• TOEFL: 71 (iBT), 525 (PBT).
• IELTS (Academic): 6.0
• PTE (Academic): 54
• iTEP (Academic): 4.0

Number of campuses the university has 2

Campus locations Mississippi

View on Google Earth

Transportation in the city

Public transportation alternatives in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, consist of the following:

• Hub City Transit: This serves as the primary municipal transit network, operating a fleet of buses across the city and surrounding areas. Services run Monday through Friday from 6 am to 6 pm, and on Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. Ticket prices are $1.25 for adults and $0.50 for children and senior citizens.
• Hattiesburg Trolley: A complimentary trolley system operating during weekends and holidays, making stops at key points of interest in downtown Hattiesburg.
• Grove Transit: A private transportation provider delivering shuttle services, paratransit, and medical transport solutions.
• Taxis: Several cab operators service Hattiesburg, with rates typically averaging around $2 per mile.

University support services

The University of Southern Mississippi provides multiple resources and services to support students, which include:

• Academic Advising: Academic advisors at The University of Southern Mississippi assist students in selecting courses, mapping out their degree paths, and remaining on schedule for graduation.
• Career Services: The Career Services department at USM aids students with job hunting, resume creation, and interview preparation, alongside hosting workshops and seminars on various professional subjects.
• Financial Aid: The Financial Aid office at The University of Southern Mississippi helps students apply for monetary assistance, comprehend their aid packages, and handle their student loans.
• Health Services: The USM Health Services department delivers medical care, mental health support, counseling, and health promotion initiatives to everyone on campus.
• Student Support Services: The Student Support Services office at The University of Southern Mississippi offers assistance tailored to international students and individuals with disabilities, featuring tutoring, academic counseling, and financial aid.

Campus life at The University of Southern Mississippi

• A diverse selection of student groups: With over 220 student organizations at The University of Southern Mississippi, there is something suited for every individual. Ranging from academic societies and Greek life to community service groups, options exist for all kinds of passions.
• A dynamic arts and cultural environment: The University of Southern Mississippi features multiple art galleries, museums, and performance halls. More than 30 student groups focus on the arts, encompassing the symphony orchestra, theater division, and dance troupe.
• A robust athletic division: The University of Southern Mississippi participates in the Sun Belt Conference and maintains 17 varsity sports squads. The institution's football team, the Golden Eagles, regularly competes at the top of the conference.

Campus housing at The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi presents several residential options on campus for students, featuring:

• Residence halls: The campus houses 14 residence halls, each possessing distinct features and character. They generally provide double or triple rooms along with shared spaces like dining facilities, laundry rooms, and study lounges.
• Sorority and Fraternity houses: There are 10 sorority residences designated for women and 9 fraternity houses designated for men on campus. These facilities provide various amenities, including single or double rooms, dining areas, and communal zones.
• Apartments are set aside for upperclassmen, featuring one- or two-bedroom layouts complete with private bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Living-learning communities are organized to unite students sharing similar academic pursuits, such as the Honors College, the ROTC program, or the music school.

Cost: A double occupancy room in a residence hall typically spans from $2,600 to $4,200 per semester. Housing expenses are bundled into the overall tuition and fees for the student.

Faculty statistics at the university

• USM employs over 630 faculty members, maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1.
• Approximately 99.4% of the faculty members work full-time.
• All 100% of tenured faculty members are actively on the tenure track.
• The institution is equally dedicated to diversity and inclusion, with its faculty bringing a wide array of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Faculty members at USM specialize in numerous disciplines, including ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, alongside sports venue safety and security.

Total university endowment value

136300000

Internship prospects at The University of Southern Mississippi

Numerous internship and part-time employment paths are accessible through The University of Southern Mississippi, including:

• Internships: The University of Southern Mississippi arranges diverse internships across sectors such as business, education, engineering, healthcare, and the arts. These internships can be compensated or uncompensated, and may take place on or off campus.
• Part-time jobs: The University of Southern Mississippi provides several part-time employment options, like student worker roles, research assistant positions, and teaching assistant roles. These jobs can be situated on or off campus.

Graduate outcomes at The University of Southern Mississippi

Placement: According to the Career Services website of The University of Southern Mississippi, graduate job placement percentages across different fields of study are as follows:

• Accounting: 92%
• Business Administration: 91%
• Education: 90%
• Engineering: 89%
• Nursing: 97%
• Psychology: 88%
• Social Work: 90%

Hiring Companies: Leading employers for graduates of The University of Southern Mississippi include:

• Cigna
• Entergy
• General Dynamics
• Ingalls Shipbuilding
• Mississippi Power
• Ochsner Health System
• Regions Bank
• Sanderson Farms
• Singing River Health System
• Southern Company
• Trustmark

Salaries: The typical starting salary for graduates of The University of Southern Mississippi is $45,000. However, the average beginning wage for an accounting graduate reaches $50,000, while a nursing graduate starts at $40,000.