University of Mississippi

With 16 academic divisions and over 100 majors, Ole Miss shines in business, health professions, and law—its accountancy program is particularly renowned. The university punches above its weight in producing Rhodes Scholars (tied with Vanderbilt for most in the SEC) and maintains a robust honors college. Graduate programs emphasize specialized research, though undergraduates dominate the 21,000-strong student body. Classes are described as 'engaging but manageable,' with the academic culture leaning more toward professional preparation than intellectual intensity. Notable quirks: its Center for the Study of Southern Culture and strong creative writing program.

Greek life reigns supreme—30% of students join fraternities or sororities, and rush week dominates the social calendar. Football Saturdays (especially the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State) are sacrosanct, with the Grove tailgating area dubbed 'the Holy Grail of tailgating.' Only 31% of students live on campus, creating a divide between Greek-affiliated students in university housing and commuters. Over 300 student organizations exist, but the party-school reputation persists (TikTok videos showcase a 'huge party scene'). The compact Oxford campus blends historic columns with modern facilities, though some note a lack of racial and socioeconomic diversity.

Ole Miss grads face mixed outcomes: the 4-year graduation rate is just 55% (below national averages), though this climbs to 68% over six years. Alumni earn $36,427 median income one year post-graduation, with business and health majors faring best. The low graduation rate sparks debate—some attribute it to lax admissions standards, others to Mississippi's underfunded K-12 system. That said, the university's alumni network is potent in-state, particularly in law and politics (it produced both of Mississippi’s current U.S. Senators).

A bargain for Mississippians ($428 per credit hour) but pricey for out-of-staters ($1,295/credit). The average net price is $14,946 after aid, with 44% of students receiving financial assistance (average package: $15,661). Merit scholarships are plentiful for high-achieving locals—the flagship 'Academic Excellence Scholarship' covers full tuition for Mississippi residents with 30+ ACT scores. However, 83% of students take loans, and median debt at graduation is $24,250. Work-study and part-time jobs are common, especially in Oxford's service economy.

Ole Miss is unapologetically Southern—from its Confederate-tinged traditions (the 'Rebel Black Bear' mascot replaced Colonel Reb in 2010) to its powerhouse tailgating. Yet it defies stereotypes with unexpected academic strengths: more Rhodes Scholars than Berkeley, a writing program nurtured by Barry Hannah, and a law school that’s a feeder for Mississippi’s political elite. The tension between its party-school rep and scholarly ambitions creates a unique vibe—where else can you join a Faulkner studies seminar by day and chant 'Hotty Toddy' at a frat party by night? For better or worse, it’s the cultural and academic epicenter of Mississippi.