University of Southern Mississippi







The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) delivers quality education in one of the most affordable college towns in the U.S. Here, you will experience Southern hospitality and culture at its best.
About the University
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) delivers quality education in one of the most affordable college towns in the U.S. Here, you will experience Southern hospitality and culture at its best.
Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is one of 146 universities included in the 'R1: Doctoral Universities of very high research activity" category by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. As such, USM is currently one of the most affordable R1, Division I Athletics institutions in the US. USM is especially recognized for its programs in Polymer Science and Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Nursing, Biological Sciences, and Psychology.
The College of Business is among 1% of business programs dually accredited in Business and Accounting by AACSB. USM takes the Arts seriously and is among only a handful of universities accredited in all four of the arts disciplines: Music, Art, Dance, and Theater.
Only one hour from Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches, the Hattiesburg campus sits on 300 acres and is conveniently located to on- and off- campus housing, shopping, restaurants, and a vibrant mid-town area. In addition, we are located in close proximity to several major metropolitan areas accessible via car, air, and train (New Orleans, 180 km; Atlanta 600 km; Dallas, 780 km). In fact, our local airport provides daily direct flights to Dallas and Amtrak offers daily rail service from Hattiesburg to New Orleans and Atlanta.
Fast Facts
- University Population: 14146
- 550 International students from 75 countries
- Student Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- Hattiesburg Metro Population: 146,000
- Average Temperature: Average High - 25 Celsius; Average Low - 13
Scholarship Information
Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarships: $3,000 - Full Tuition, Must apply for Fall admission during senior year of high school. Must be admitted by March 1 with a minimum 1060 SAT or 21 ACT and B average grades.
Freshman Academic Housing Scholarship: covers the first year of on-campus housing, must meet the above requirements but have at least a 1450 SAT or 33 ACT
Freshman Honors College Scholarships: Applicants admitted by December 1 with a 3.5 GPA and 1160 SAT are eligible to apply to the Honors College. The Honors College application must be submitted by January 15th. Applicants admitted to Honors receive a minimum of $2,000/year, but all applicants are considered for Presidential and Discovery awards.
International Transfer Scholarship: $4,000 per year for 1-3 years depending on the number of post-secondary credits completed. A 3.0 post-secondary GPA from all institutions attended is required for consideration.
Graduate Assistantships: Amounts vary. Applicants will indicate their interest on their application and academic departments are responsible for selecting and awarding graduate assistantships.
Estimated Costs
Tuition and Fees only: Undergraduate/Graduate Non-Resident (Fall/Spring 2023-24) - $11,618
Total Annual Estimated Costs for Undergraduate/Graduate International Students (Fall/Spring 2024-25) - $28,000 (price includes tuition/fees, room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, and personal expenses)
Application Procedures
Deadlines: Fall Semester (August start date) - May 1; Spring Semester (January start date) - November 1
Undergraduate Required Items: Online application (USM or Common Application), $45 application fee, high school transcripts and/or exam results, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 71, IELTS 6.0, iTEP 4.0 SAT English 480, C in O-Level English), optional for freshmen: SAT/ACT (required for scholarship consideration), transfer applicants must additionally submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended and a foreign credential evaluation of those transcripts
Graduate Required Items: Online application, $60 application fee, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 71, IELTS 6.0, PTE 54, iTEP 4.0), official GRE/MAT or MAT scores (for some majors), 3 recommenders, statement of purpose
Housing Options
USM's Department of Residence Life offers a variety of on-campus housing options for Undergraduate, Graduate, and English Language Institute students. All rooms come with furniture and a microwave/fridge. Utilities, laundry facilities, cable, and Internet service are also included with room and board. FREE tutoring is provided in halls for general courses. Freshmen are required to live on campus during their first year. There are also many nearby off-campus apartment options for graduate and continuing students.
International Student and Scholar Services
Our welcoming staff provides a home away from home for USM international students. In addition to the services offered, it's a great place to just hang out, chat, and be you.
- Immigration, personal and academic counseling
- International student clubs and organizations
- Cultural outings and activities
- Bi-weekly International Coffee Hour
- Annual International Food Fair
Contact University of Southern Mississippi Now
Tuition
$10,000 — $15,000 Year
Fast facts
Affiliation
Public
Top Programs
Biology, Business, Computer Science
Type of School
University
-
School Size
Medium -
Student Body Gender
Co-ed -
Religious Affiliation
No Affiliation -
Scholarships for International Students
Yes -
Conditional Admission Available
Yes -
Setting
Small/College town -
Accreditation and Certification
EnglishUSA Member, UCIEP Member, SACS, AACSB, ABET -
Type of Housing
Residence Hall, Dormitory -
Test Scores
TOEFL: 70+ , IELTS: Band 6+, PTE Academic: 50+