University of Southern Mississippi

About the University

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) delivers a 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 130 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: 13,314
• 422 International students from 73 countries
• Student Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Hattiesburg Metro Population: 146,000
• Average Temperature: Average High – 25 Celsius; Average Low – 13

Scholarship Information

International First Year Freshman Merit Scholarship: $2,000 – Full Tuition, Must apply for Fall admission during senior year of high school. Must be admitted by December 1 with minimum 1080 SAT and B average grades.

International Transfer Scholarship: $4,000 per year for 1-3 years depending on number of post-secondary credits completed. 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.

Cost

Tuition and Fees only: Undergraduate/Graduate Non-Resident (Fall/Spring 2019-20) – $10,896

Total Annual Estimated Costs for Undergraduate/Graduate International Students (Fall/Spring 2019-20) – $23,569 (price includes tuition/fees, room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, and personal expenses)

Application Procedures

Deadlines: Fall Semester (August start date) – June 1; Spring Semester (January start date) – November 1

Undergraduate Required Items: Online application (USM or Common Application), $40 application fee, high school transcripts and/or exam results, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 71, IELTS 6.0, SAT English 500, 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), official GRE/MAT or MAT scores, 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 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 can choose to live on or off campus during their first year. There are also many nearby off-campus apartment options for 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

About the English Language Institute at USM

In addition to a wide selection of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree offerings, USM is also home to the English Language Institute (ELI). The ELI has been helping the world learn English since 1947 and is one of the oldest intensive English programs in the United States. Offerings include three semester-length sessions per year, small class sizes, and an academic English preparatory curriculum in a welcoming, yet challenging, language learning environment. 

Estimated Cost per Semester Term of ELI – $11,250 (price includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and health insurance)

Degree