Mississippi University for Women

Don't let the small size fool you—MUW packs 70+ majors into its four academic colleges, with nursing and business administration dominating enrollment. The university boasts a 100% pass rate on national nursing exams and recently ranked #1 in Mississippi for women's education. While its English program slipped 33% in national rankings, The W compensates with strong gender studies offerings and a faculty praised for being 'understanding and professional' (Niche).

• Top Programs: Nursing (100% board pass rate), Business Administration, Public Health
• Unique Offerings: Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies BA
• Faculty Vibe: 3.87/5 rating on Niche for approachability

MUW cultivates what it calls a 'stimulating' campus culture focused on leadership development—a notable feat for a commuter-heavy population. The Instagram-savvy university (@muwedu) highlights nursing pinning ceremonies and historic campus beauty, while Facebook posts reveal an active calendar of affordable local events. With no Greek system to dominate social life, students create their own fun through 50+ organizations and campus traditions like the annual 'Tie One On' apron-making contest honoring the school's home economics roots.

Here's where The W truly shines: its graduates earn a median $63,197 within four years—the highest in Mississippi and $4,000 above state peers. The 63% graduation rate outpaces similar institutions, with students typically finishing in 4.4 years. Perhaps most impressively, bachelor's recipients see an average $17,400 annual earnings bump post-degree. These numbers explain MUW's recent accolades for social mobility and best value.

• Median Earnings: $63,197 (4 years post-grad)
• Graduation Rate: 63% (4-year)
• Earnings Increase: +$17,400/year for bachelor's holders

MUW wears its affordability as a badge of honor, with net prices?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. as low as $12,691 after aid—nearly $4,000 below the Southeast average. The average aid package totals $6,710, combining merit scholarships (like the $3,000 'Be Bold' award) with need-based grants. Smart budgeting tools include personalized net price calculators and a transparent 'Out of Pocket Cost' breakdown for families.

• Net Price: $12,691-$16,459 after aid
• Average Aid Package: $6,710
• Tuition Rank: Among lowest in Southeast

MUW is that rare breed—a no-nonsense public university where the nursing clinicals rival those at elite private colleges, yet the vibe remains unpretentious. Its secret sauce? A laser focus on employable skills (hence the sky-high earnings) wrapped in a supportive, women-centered legacy?LegacyAn applicant whose parent (or sometimes other close relative) attended the college. Some schools give a small edge to legacy applicants. that now welcomes all genders. Where else can you find a gender studies seminar in a historic hall that once trained Mississippi's homemakers—and walk out to a campus buzzing with future nurse practitioners and business owners?