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10 Best Colleges for Jobs in Mississippi in 2026
As high school graduates explore their college options in 2026, one of their primary considerations is how well a college can enhance their job prospects. With the evolving job market and increasing living costs in the United States, selecting the right institution is more critical than ever.
Mississippi stands out for its strong educational opportunities, featuring renowned research universities and reputable state colleges. Students can pursue diverse majors that equip them with the skills needed for today’s competitive job landscape.
Curious about which colleges in Mississippi offer the best chances for employment after graduation? Utilizing data from IPEDS and College Scorecard, we compiled a list of the most promising colleges for job placement in the state.
The complete list follows, but first, here are the top ten colleges in Mississippi for job seekers:
- University of Mississippi
- Mississippi State University
- Millsaps College
- Delta State University
- Jackson State University
- Mississippi College
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Alcorn State University
- Rust College
- William Carey University
If you’re attending one of these institutions, you’re likely aware of the advantages they offer. However, for those considering their options, read on to discover the exceptional programs these colleges provide to help students thrive in the job market.
How We Determined the Best Schools in Mississippi for Jobs
We analyzed College Scorecard Data to identify the colleges in Mississippi with the highest job placement rates, focusing on employment levels ten years post-graduation. This analysis was confined to 15 public and non-profit, four-year institutions that award at least a bachelor’s degree.
Each college was ranked according to the percentage of graduates employed, and for clarity, the results were rounded to two decimal places. The University of Mississippi emerged as the top institution for job placement in the state.
Best Colleges for Getting a Job in Mississippi
| Rank | College | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Mississippi | 91.42% |
| 2 | Mississippi State University | 90.02% |
| 3 | Millsaps College | 89.97% |
| 4 | Delta State University | 89.92% |
| 5 | Jackson State University | 89.18% |
| 6 | Mississippi College | 89.11% |
| 7 | University of Southern Mississippi | 88.79% |
| 8 | Alcorn State University | 87.68% |
| 9 | Rust College | 87.58% |
| 10 | William Carey University | 87.11% |
| 11 | Belhaven University | 87.02% |
| 12 | Blue Mountain College | 86.53% |
| 13 | Tougaloo College | 86.52% |
| 14 | Mississippi University for Women | 84.32% |
| 15 | Mississippi Valley State University | 82.74% |
Choosing the right college is a vital step toward securing a successful career. The institutions listed above not only offer quality education but also provide strong support for students entering the workforce. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in technology, healthcare, or any other field, these colleges in Mississippi are well-equipped to help you achieve your career goals.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
