University of Southern Mississippi SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Southern Miss, the 99% acceptance rate means admission is usually within reach if you meet basic requirements. Since testing is required and 99% submit the ACT, aim for a 25 or higher to land in the stronger half of the school’s 20-29 ACT range.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of Southern Mississippi facts and stats
University of Southern Mississippi enrolls about 10,193 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Southern Miss has a 72% freshman retention rate, slightly above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 49% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. Southern Miss is test-required for admissions.
Hattiesburg, MS
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Key University of Southern Mississippi application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
—
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Southern Miss requires SAT or ACT scores, so take your first test by spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year plus senior fall for retakes. Since the priority financial aid deadline is March 15, a December retake should still leave time for scores to arrive, but earlier retakes give you more room to improve your score.
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What you'll actually pay
Southern Miss is a public university in the Sun Belt Conference, with in-state tuition of $9,998 and out-of-state tuition of $11,998. About 52% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 15.
At Southern Miss, out-of-state tuition is $11,998, while Mississippi residents pay $9,998, with room and board adding about $11,920. Financial aid is a meaningful part of the cost picture: 52% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $13,761. Merit awards average $8,470, which can significantly lower the billed price for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $25,684.
Student life at University of Southern Mississippi
19% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 9% of men join fraternities, and 10% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, MSAcceptance rate: 45.3%
SAT: 795–1023
ACT: 15–19
Belhaven University
Jackson, MSAcceptance rate: 49.8%
SAT: 1000–1190
ACT: 19–24
Blue Mountain Christian University
Blue Mountain, MSAcceptance rate: 88.9%
SAT: 1040–1140
ACT: 19–24
Coahoma Community College
Clarksdale, MSAcceptance rate: 100%
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