About

University Type

Public

University Type

US News National rank

352

US News National rank

Average Living Expenses

$29,070

Average Living Expenses

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a public research university with its main campus located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Southern Mississippi has an enrollment of 14,146 students, an acceptance rate of 96%, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1.

USM was founded in 1910 as the Mississippi Normal College, and its original purpose was to train teachers for the rural schools of Mississippi. Over the years, the university has expanded its offerings and now offers programs in a wide range of fields, including business, education, engineering, the arts, and the sciences. The average annual tuition fee for international students at the University of Southern Mississippi is nearly $11,616 for undergrad.

USM is known for its strong academic programs, its vibrant campus life, and its commitment to community service. The university is home to the sixth-oldest acceptance-based Honors College in the nation, and its students routinely engage in more than 100,000 hours of volunteer service each year. University of Southern Mississippi's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is #331-440 in National Universities.

Top Reasons to Study in the The University of Southern Mississippi

  • Its strong academic programs: The University of Southern Mississippi is ranked among the top public universities in the South, offering 100+ programs in a wide range of fields.
  • Its vibrant campus life: The University of Southern Mississippi has a diverse student body and a wide range of student organizations and activities. The university also has a strong athletic program, with 17 varsity sports teams.
  • Its commitment to community service: The University of Southern Mississippi students are known for their commitment to community service. The university's students and faculty volunteer over 100,000 hours each year.
  • Its location: The University of Southern Mississippi is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a city with a population of over 50,000 people. Hattiesburg is a charming city with a lot to offer, including a vibrant downtown area, many restaurants and shops, and several cultural attractions.

Courses

Cost of Studying at The University of Southern Mississippi

Average tuition fee

Economical

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$27,890

Average living expenses (Masters)

$29,070

Admissions at The The University of Southern Mississippi

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

95%

Application Fee

$60


How to Apply at The University of Southern Mississippi

UNDERGRADUATE

Freshman international applicants should submit the following:

  • USM Application or Common Application.
  • $45 application fee.
  • Copies of high school transcripts and/or school leaving examination results.
  • Proof of English proficiency.
  • Optional: SAT or ACT (required for Freshman Merit Scholarship consideration).

POSTGRADUATE

Students applying to the University of Southern Mississippi as an international graduate applicant should submit the following:

  • Online Application.
  • $60 non-refundable application fee.
  • Official transcripts and degree certificates or diplomas from all previous colleges or universities attended.
  • Proof of English proficiency.
  • Official copy of GRE, GMAT, or MAT score from testing service (not required for all programs.)
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Statement of Purpose or writing sample.
  • Immunization records.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Students applying to the University of Southern Mississippi as an international master's or PhD applicant should submit the following:

  • Online Application.
  • $60 non-refundable application fee.
  • Official transcripts and degree certificates or diplomas from all previous colleges or universities attended.
  • Proof of English proficiency.
  • Official copy of GRE, GMAT, or MAT score from testing service (not required for all programs.)
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Statement of Purpose or writing sample.
  • Immunization records.

Documents Required to Apply to The University of Southern Mississippi

UNDERGRADUATE

Documents needed to be submitted to the University of Southern Mississippi as an international undergraduate applicant are:

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

POSTGRADUATE

Documents needed to be submitted to the University of Southern Mississippi as an international graduate applicant are:

  • 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

Documents needed to be submitted to the University of Southern Mississippi as an international master's or PhD applicant are:

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

Exams Accepted By The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi accepts the following standardised tests and scores from international students:

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

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Rankings for The The University of Southern Mississippi

US News Ranking

#352

US News National rank

The World University Rankings

#1001

The World University Rankings


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Students The University of Southern Mississippi

61

Yocketers applied

55

Yocketers admitted

462

Yocketers interested


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Alumni at The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi has 100,000+ alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Some of the notable alumni are:

  • Ray Guy ('78): Pro Football Hall of Fame punter who played for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders.
  • Natalie Allen ('84): Emmy Award-winning journalist and news anchor.
  • Sammy Winder ('83): Former All-Pro running back who played for the Denver Broncos.
  • Oseola McCarty is the namesake of the Oseola McCarty Community Service Award, given annually to a USM student who demonstrates outstanding community service.
  • Charles Atwood ('70): Former NASA astronaut who flew on four space shuttle missions.
  • Raylawni Branch ('94): Mississippi Supreme Court Justice.
  • Jim Henson ('55): Puppeteer, animator, and creator of The Muppets.
  • John Grisham ('77): Best-selling author of legal thrillers.

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Related Discussion for the Universities

Ask, post and discuss!

Have a question? Ask and discuss with your fellow aspirants!

Sai Nikhil
Sai Nikhil

2 years ago

Hey hi i have a doubt...i went to univ of new haven for vissa stamping...but i want to go for usm university of southern mississippi soo...i changed my changed ny sevis transfer...but did not transfer the college still..
Will i get a problem...during immigration in new york....so when the officer questions me what should be my answer...i am very tensed..could any let me know answer
LikeCount 1 Like
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 Varun G
Varun G

6 years ago

anyone let me know, Do USM giving admits for fall 2019 ? reply please
anyone let me know, Do USM giving admits for fall 2019 ? reply please
LikeCount 1 Like
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pradeep munna
Pradeep Munna

6 years ago

Any admits for university of southern mississippi (USM)??
Any admits for university of southern mississippi (USM)??
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Akhil null
Akhil

8 years ago

Have anyone finalised University of Southern Mississippi (USM)
Have anyone finalised University of Southern Mississippi (USM)
LikeCount 1 Like
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Akhil null
Akhil

8 years ago

Guyz....Any admits for university of southern mississippi (USM)??
Guyz....Any admits for university of southern mississippi (USM)??
LikeCount 1 Like
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Reviews for The University of Southern Mississippi

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
2

Campus locations
Mississippi

View on Google Earth


Transportation in the city

There are a few options for public transportation options in Hattiesburg, Mississippi:

  • Hub City Transit: This is the city's main public transportation system, operating a fleet of buses serving the city and surrounding areas. Buses run Monday through Friday from 6 am to 6 pm, and on Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Fares are $1.25 for adults and $0.50 for children and seniors.
  • Hattiesburg Trolley: This is a free trolley service running on weekends and holidays. It makes stops at popular attractions in downtown Hattiesburg.
  • Grove Transit: This is a private transportation company that offers shuttle rides, paratransit, and medical transportation.
  • Taxis: There are several taxi companies in Hattiesburg. Taxi fares are usually around $2 per mile.

Services offered by the university

The University of Southern Mississippi offers varied services to its students, including:

  • Academic Advising: The University of Southern Mississippi's academic advisors can help students choose classes, plan their degree programs, and stay on track to graduate.
  • Career Services: USM's Career Services office can help students with their job search, resume writing, and interview skills; alongside workshops and events on varied career topics.
  • Financial Aid: The University of Southern Mississippi Financial Aid office can help students apply for financial aid, understand their financial aid packages, and manage their student loans.
  • Health Services: USM’s Health Services office provides medical care, mental health services, counselling, and health education programs, to everyone at the university.
  • Student Support Services: The University of Southern Mississippi's Student Support Services office provides services to international students and students having disabilities, including tutoring, academic advising, and financial assistance.

Student life at The University of Southern Mississippi

  • A wide range of student organizations: There are 220+ student organizations at the University of Southern Mississippi, so there is something for everyone. From academic clubs to fraternities and sororities to service organizations, there is an organization for every interest.
  • A vibrant arts and culture scene: The University of Southern Mississippi is home to varied art galleries, museums, and theatres. There are 30+ student organizations related to the arts, including the symphony orchestra, the theatre department, and the dance company.
  • A strong athletic program: The University of Southern Mississippi is a member of the Sun Belt Conference and has 17 varsity sports teams. The university's football team, the Golden Eagles, is a perennial contender in the conference.

On campus accomodation at The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers several on-campus housing options for students, including:

  • Residence halls: There are 14 residence halls on campus, each with its unique personality and amenities. They usually offer double or triple occupancy rooms, as well as common areas, such as a dining hall, laundry facilities, and study lounges.
  • Sorority and Fraternity houses: There are 10 sorority houses on campus reserved for women, and 9 fraternity houses on campus reserved for men. They offer many amenities, such as single or double-occupancy rooms, a dining hall, and a social space.
  • Apartments are reserved for upperclassmen, and offer one- or two-bedroom units, with private bedrooms and bathrooms.
  • Living-learning communities are designed to bring together students with common interests, such as the Honors College, the ROTC program, or the music school.

Cost: The cost of a double occupancy room in a residence hall usually ranges from $2,600 to $4,200 per semester. The cost of housing is included in the student's tuition and fees.

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FAQ

1. What is the University of Southern Mississippi's acceptance rate?  
The University of Southern Mississippi's acceptance rate for international students is 98.5%. 

2. What is the average tuition fee for international students at the University of Southern Mississippi?
The average University of Southern Mississippi tuition fees is around 8,514 USD- 10,510 USD (6,80,000- 8,40,000 INR) per year for international students. However, the tuition fees for variant courses vary depending on the program you have opted for. 

 3. What are the minimum University of Southern Mississippi GPA requirements?
The University of Southern Mississippi GPA requirement is 2.0

4. When is the deadline to submit the application form to the University of Southern Mississippi?
The Management of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has released the Application Deadline, which is expected to start in February 2021 and close in December 2021. When you apply to the University of Southern Mississippi, several factors influence the exact date.

5. What is the average cost of living while studying at the University of Southern Mississippi?
The cost of living at the University of Southern Mississippi for international students comprises tuition fees, accommodation costs, meals, and other expenses. The living costs, including room, board, and other expenses, are 14,273 USD (11,40,626 INR) when a candidate lives on campus and 13,946 USD (11,14,494 INR) while a candidate lives off campus at the University of Southern Mississippi. For miscellaneous and personal expenses, the charges may vary from person to person.