Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
University, Mississippi
97.8% Acceptance Rate
University of Mississippi — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
97.8%Acceptance Rate
3.6Avg GPA
1187Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$27,692Annual Cost
$50,994Grad Salary
22.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
97.8%
Avg GPA
3.6
Avg SAT
1187
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1020–1210
ACT Middle 50%
21–29
Avg Net Price
$13,164
Need-Based Aid
22.4% receive Pell
University of Mississippi is a major, public research university that emphasizes academic excellence, professional development, and community impact. Admissions focus on the strength of a student's high school record and their readiness for a large, diverse campus environment. The university seeks intellectually ambitious students who are ready to contribute to its vibrant campus community and take advantage of its extensive array of research and professional opportunities.
Successful applicants should highlight their success in rigorous coursework and their initiative in school or community projects. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning such as participating in research or relevant extracurricular fields can significantly strengthen an application. A strong personal statement reflects a clear understanding of how the university's research-intensive environment will prepare the student for their specific career aspirations, as the admissions team prioritizes students with a focused, ambitious vision for their professional future.
University of Mississippi Acceptance Rate
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 97.8%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 97.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.60 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.40 – 3.59
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.15
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
University of Mississippi Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for University of Mississippi is August 1 for Fall Final applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 11 days left — Fall Final
Fall Final
August 1
Spring
December 15
Fall Priority
April 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Ole Miss GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Ole Miss is 3.6. Ole Miss is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.80-4.00 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.30 and 3.6, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Ole Miss GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Ole Miss utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.6, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.60 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.40 – 3.59
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.20 – 3.39
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.19
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Automatic admission uses separate GPA/test tables for residents vs. nonresidents tied to completion of the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC); Mississippi residents who don't meet the standard thresholds can enter a campus-based comprehensive screening/testing process instead of being denied outright
- Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, Croft Institute (International Studies, ~50 admits/year), and the Chinese/Arabic Language Flagship Programs all apply through one shared Competitive Academic Programs Application (CAPApp), separate from general UM admission, with their own essays and deadlines (Honors EA: Nov. 1; final: Jan. 10)
- Fewer than 5% of entering freshmen receive an Honors College scholarship; recent Honors cohort averaged a 30.3 ACT and 3.92 unweighted GPA, far above the general applicant pool
- Croft Scholars and Honors College Scholarships are each worth $8,000/year ($32,000 over four years) and are stackable with most other university aid; Croft requires at least one semester studying abroad and a senior thesis defense
- The Rigor Metric: At Ole Miss, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Ole Miss
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Mississippi's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Ole Miss Without SAT or ACT?
University of Mississippi considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
University of Mississippi Average SAT Score: 1187
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Mississippi is 1187 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1187 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1187 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1210 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Mississippi allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1020, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Ole Miss. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 555 | 510 | 600 |
| SAT Reading | 560 | 510 | 610 |
| SAT Composite | 1187 | 1020 | 1210 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1020 then you are below most of the admitted students at Ole Miss and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1210 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) are good but the admission staff at Ole Miss tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Ole Miss is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes University of Mississippi slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 25 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 20 | 27 |
| ACT English | 26 | 21 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 21 | 29 |
Can I get into University of Mississippi with a 29 ACT?
A 29 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Mississippi — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of Mississippi use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of Mississippi — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of Mississippi uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 29 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Ole Miss
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Ole Miss provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Run Ole Miss's automatic-admission formula for the student's specific residency status - Mississippi residents and nonresidents use different tables entirely
Mississippi residents qualify automatically through one of several GPA/test-score combinations tied to completion of the College Preparatory Curriculum (e.g., a 3.2 CPC GPA alone, or a 2.5 CPC GPA plus a 16 ACT/760 SAT, or top-half class rank plus a 16 ACT/760 SAT); nonresidents instead need a 2.5-2.75 CPC GPA (the higher figure applying to graduating classes of 2016 and later) combined with a 21 ACT/980 SAT. Because these are genuinely different tables, don't assume a nonresident family's numbers translate directly from what an in-state neighbor needed - run the right table for the student's actual residency.
If the student wants the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, know that fewer than 5% of incoming freshmen receive an Honors scholarship - so write to both audiences in the same application
The Honors College application is submitted through the same portal as the university's Special Programs & Scholarship Application, with an Early-Action deadline of November 1 (decision by December 20) and a final deadline of January 10 - and that single application also functions as the scholarship application, since fewer than 5% of entering freshmen receive an Honors-specific scholarship. The essay prompts require choosing from several options (e.g., describing a problem solved or one the student wants to solve, 500-700 words, evaluated on style, grammar, imagination, and substance) - and the admissions committee can see both the Honors essay and the separate scholarship-application essay, so the two must be genuinely different pieces of writing, not variations on the same idea.
For International Studies-track students, treat the Croft Institute as a parallel application with its own bar - roughly 50 students admitted per year
Croft applicants typically rank near the top of their class with a 28+ ACT (1250 SAT critical reading/math, or 1310+ SATR) and a 3.50+ unweighted GPA, or hold valedictorian/salutatorian status - but Croft explicitly tells well-rounded students or those with strong foreign-language skills to apply even if test scores fall short. The Croft application is submitted through the same Competitive Academic Programs Application (CAPApp) portal used for the Honors College, the Arabic and Chinese Language Flagship Programs, and the Trent Lott Leadership Institute - a student can and should apply to several of these simultaneously rather than picking just one, since admission decisions are made independently for each.
Use the Chinese Language Flagship Program as a genuine differentiator if the student has any Chinese-language background or serious interest
Ole Miss is one of only twelve universities nationally with a federally supported Chinese Language Flagship Program, and it's frequently cited as the strongest of the twelve - a meaningfully rare offering for a public flagship with a ~97% overall acceptance rate. A student with any prior Mandarin exposure, heritage-language background, or strong interest in U.S.-China relations should apply to the Flagship program through the same CAPApp portal as Croft and Honors, since this kind of specific, checkable distinctive feature is exactly the sort of detail that separates a generic "Ole Miss is a fun SEC school" narrative from a genuinely differentiated one.
Expert Insight:
Because Ole Miss's overall acceptance rate sits near 97-98% with no required general-admission essay, families can wrongly assume the entire Ole Miss experience is low-stakes - but the Honors College, Croft Institute, and Flagship programs run admit rates and academic profiles (the most recent Honors cohort averaged roughly a 30.3 ACT and 3.92 unweighted GPA) that are dramatically more selective than the headline university number. Counselors should make sure a strong student doesn't skip the competitive-programs application simply because the general Ole Miss application felt easy.
Ole Miss Profile
Full Name
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
City
University
State
Mississippi
ZIP Code
38677-1848
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Ole Miss Degree Worth It?
Getting into Ole Miss can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Ole Miss offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Ole Miss is $53,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.64%.
How much does a degree from Ole Miss Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Mississippi is $27,692. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Mississippi is $13,164.
22.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 32.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Ole Miss and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Mississippi, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Ole Miss as your choice in the form.
How much does a Ole Miss Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $50,994. An average Ole Miss graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Mississippi. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls, GA | 1155 | 23 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu, HI | 1155 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Mississippi. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Mississippi. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Ole Miss
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Ole Miss Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $50,994 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $27,692 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
22.4% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of University of Mississippi is 97.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.6. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.3, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.3, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.2 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.6, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of Mississippi is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1187 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1020–1210.
The application deadline for University of Mississippi is August 1 for Fall Final applicants.
The application fee for University of Mississippi is 40. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is December 15, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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