USM Description

One of the largest universities in the state of Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss) is home to one of the most impressive Performing and Visual Arts programs in the country, as well as a range of other academic offerings and a host of opportunities.

Granting bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in Liberal Arts, Humanities, Education, Psychology, Business, Health Sciences and Technology, Southern Miss has a major to suit every educational interest and professional goal.

USM’s Theatre and Music departments are particularly impressive, as its theatre company and students have received national awards and recognition. The Theatre Department has even been selected to perform in national festivals and productions, including one of the most prestigious held at Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

Students in the University Symphony Orchestra have also garnered much attention and achieved great success, having regularly been invited to perform with renowned figures in the classical music industry.

Its science division is also worth mentioning, boasting the renowned Polymer Science Research Center, one of many research centers throughout the university.

There is also no lack of campus activity. Numerous restaurants, lounges, food courts and other meeting places are located throughout the campus.

Even more impressive, Southern Miss is home to more than 280 student clubs and organizations, which cover a wide range of interests.

Since Southern Miss is a state university, Mississippi residents pay a substantially lower tuition. Financial aid is also available to qualifying students with financial need.

SAT scores and one’s academic record are used in evaluating undergraduates in the standard admissions process. However, students with a low performance record may still apply for conditional admission to the university. Graduate admissions policies vary from one department to another.

Quick Facts

Location

Southeast

Setting

Large Town Setting

Type

Public

Size

Very Large (+10,000 Undergrad)

Mascot

Golden Eagles

Nickname

USM

Website

www.usm.edu

On-Campus Housing Available

Yes

In-State Tuition

$5,498

Out-of-State Tuition

$13,148

Selectivity

Highly Selective

Enrollment

15,293

USM Students

Full-Time Undergrad Students
12,062
Freshman Class
1,602
Total Students (Undergrads & Graduate Students)
15,293

Undergraduate vs. Graduate

Undergraduate
78%
Graduate
22%

Full-Time vs. Part-time Students

Full-Time
99%
Part-Time
1%

Students Coming From In-State vs. Out-of-State

In-State
77%
Out-of-State
23%

Gender of Students

Women
65%
Men
35%

Ethnic Diversity

African-American
28%
Asian
1%
Caucasian
64%
Latino
1%
Other
6%

Students State Origin

Mississippi
77%
Louisiana
8%
Alabama
6%
Florida
1%
Georgia
1%
Other
7%

International Students

International
1%
Domestic
99%