Mississippi University for Women
Acceptance rate
90.3%
2025
Peer median 85.8%
Out-of-state tuition
$8,492
$17,064 with room and board
Peer median $18,658
Undergraduates
1,962
Student-faculty ratio 10:1
Peer median 16 : 1
Graduation rate
28.8%
4-year; 6-year rate 37.4%
Peer median 29.5%
“Peers” are all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Mississippi University for Women (MUW), established in 1884, is a distinguished institution that focuses on empowering women through education and leadership. Located in Columbus, Mississippi, MUW is renowned for its strong commitment to academic excellence and a nurturing learning environment. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a particular emphasis on the liberal arts, nursing, and education. The campus boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, which enhance the educational experience for students. Additionally, MUW's small class sizes foster close relationships between students and faculty, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship.
The campus culture at MUW is vibrant and inclusive, promoting a sense of community and belonging among students. The university is dedicated to developing leadership skills and social responsibility through various extracurricular activities, including student organizations, community service programs, and athletics. MUW's motto, "To Do and To Be," encapsulates the university's philosophy of encouraging students to actively engage in their education and strive for personal growth. The university is also recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a supportive environment for all students. With a focus on empowering women and preparing them for successful careers, Mississippi University for Women continues to make a significant impact in the lives of its students and the broader community.
Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention
The data from Mississippi University for Women reveals significant trends in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention over the years. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from approximately $5,640 in 2014 to over $7,800 in 2023. This rise in costs reflects broader national trends in higher education where tuition fees have been climbing, often outpacing inflation. For many families, this escalating cost can be a barrier to accessing higher education, potentially limiting diversity and enrollment.
Graduation rates present a mixed picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates showed a notable increase, rising from around 24% in 2013 to approximately 36% in 2023. This significant improvement suggests that the university may be implementing effective strategies to support student success, such as enhanced academic advising, tutoring programs, or other resources aimed at helping students complete their degrees in a timely manner.
In terms of student retention, the data indicates fluctuations from 2013 to 2023, with retention rates peaking at about 79% in 2014 and falling to around 73% in 2023. While the retention rate has generally stabilized over recent years, the slight decline could warrant further investigation into why students may be choosing to leave, particularly in the context of rising tuition costs that could be influencing decisions about continuing education.
Overall, the interplay between rising tuition, improving graduation rates, and variable retention rates illustrates the complex landscape of higher education today. Continuous efforts are necessary to ensure that affordability, student support, and successful outcomes remain in alignment for the benefit of all students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Remote town
- Nearest major city
- Birmingham, about 90 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), about 100 mi
- Also known as
- MUW
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Nora Miller (President)
- Phone
- 6623294750
- City
- Columbus, Mississippi
- Address
- 1100 College Street, Columbus, MS 39701
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 85.8% · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 89.8%, women 98.2%.
Data insights
Trends in Admissions at Mississippi University for Women
The admission data for Mississippi University for Women reveals significant trends over the years, particularly in gender-based acceptance rates and overall enrollment numbers. From 2009 to 2023, the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants show notable fluctuations. Initially, in 2009, the acceptance rate for males was approximately 45.25% while that for females was around 49.14%. However, by 2023, the male acceptance rate had soared to 95.92%, and females reached an impressive 100% acceptance rate.
This dramatic increase in acceptance rates, particularly from 2015 onwards, indicates a strategic shift in the university's admissions approach, potentially aimed at addressing gender disparities and enhancing enrollment. The number of students enrolled has also varied, peaking at 290 in 2017, which aligns with the lower rates of denial during those years. For instance, in 2017, only 9 applicants were denied admission, showcasing the university's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Moreover, the number of deferred admissions, particularly in 2015, indicates that the university has been flexible in allowing students to secure spots for future enrollment, reflecting a responsive admissions strategy. Overall, the data suggests a trend towards an increasingly inclusive environment at Mississippi University for Women, marked by rising acceptance rates and adaptive admissions policies, which may serve as a model for other institutions aiming to improve gender balance and accessibility in higher education.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty1 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 2% submitted SAT, 98% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Test Scores at Mississippi University for Women
The data from Mississippi University for Women shows fluctuating trends in SAT and ACT scores over the years, reflecting the university's evolving admission landscape. Notably, the number of students submitting SAT scores has seen a significant increase, reaching up to 34% in 2017, demonstrating a growing interest in this institution. However, the percentage of students submitting ACT scores has also varied, with a peak of 28% in 2016, indicating fluctuations in applicants' preferences for standardized testing.
In terms of test scores, the SAT reading scores have generally shown a range between 410 and 590, while the math scores range from 410 to 640 across the years. The ACT composite scores reveal a similar trend, with scores ranging from 20 to 25, reflecting a consistent performance among admitted students. The 25th percentile scores suggest that a quarter of the admitted students performed at or below these levels, while the 75th percentile scores indicate that the majority performed better.
This data is essential for prospective students as it provides insights into the academic standards of the university. Furthermore, the trends observed could reflect broader patterns in educational assessments, such as the increasing emphasis on holistic admissions processes over time, where standardized test scores may play a less critical role compared to other factors like personal statements and extracurricular involvement.
Overall, Mississippi University for Women appears to be maintaining competitive admission standards, while also adapting to the changing landscape of higher education and student preferences in standardized testing.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 9 in 10
557 applicants in 2025, 90.3% admitted
503 admitted 54 not admitted Yield 34.6%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other · Master's22 (0% international)
- Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist · Master's20 (0% international)
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's19 (0% international)
- Acting · Master's12 (0% international)
- Secondary Education and Teaching · Master's8 (0% international)
- Creative Writing · Master's8 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Numbers at Mississippi University for Women
The data from Mississippi University for Women presents a compelling overview of the graduation landscape across various disciplines in 2023. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with a significant number of graduates, totaling 357 for the bachelor's degree and an additional 37 for the associate degree. This highlights the continuing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in nursing, which is crucial given the ongoing global healthcare challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the realm of graduate education, Speech-Language Pathology emerges as a significant program with 26 master's degree graduates, indicating a strong interest and need for specialists in communication disorders. This aligns with broader trends in healthcare and education, where professionals in these sectors are increasingly sought after.
Interestingly, the presence of international students is minimal, with only one international student graduating from the bachelor's program in Registered Nursing and none in other programs. This could reflect broader immigration policies or the university's recruitment strategies, which may need to adapt to attract a more diverse student body.
In contrast, programs such as Business Administration and Education show a limited output of graduates, suggesting potential areas for growth or reevaluation in curriculum relevance. The absence of graduates in various disciplines may indicate either a lack of interest or insufficient program offerings.
Overall, the data reflects the university's strengths in health-related fields, while also underscoring the need for diversification in other academic areas to meet student and market demands. As the university continues to evolve, it will be critical to address these dynamics to enhance educational offerings and support student success.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | $52,973 | ||||
| Public Health, General. | $30,607-$37,565 | ||||
| Public Health Education and Promotion. | $30,607-$37,565 | ||||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $69,544-$105,325 | ||||
| Nursing Practice. | $69,544-$105,325 | ||||
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other. | $69,544-$105,325 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $41,803-$52,332 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | - | ||||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $39,354 | ||||
| Secondary Education and Teaching. | $39,354 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | - | ||||
| Acting. | - | ||||
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. | $27,609 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - | ||||
| Creative Writing. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $34,365 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | $37,842 | ||||
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | $37,842 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. | - | ||||
| Child Development. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other. | $30,777 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language and Literature. | - |
Students
2,193 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 24:76 · Freshman retention 67.3%
- Continuing undergraduates 940
- First-year undergraduates 173
- Graduate students 231
- Transfers and others 849
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,962)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Mississippi University for Women in 2023
The student demographics at Mississippi University for Women in 2023 reveal a significantly higher representation of female students across all categories. For instance, the undergraduate freshmen category shows that 72% of the 125 freshmen are female, while male representation stands at only 28%. This trend continues in the upperclassmen category, where 81.1% of the 1,061 students are female, and it further extends to transfer students with an 83.3% female majority among 515 students.
The graduate student population, too, is predominantly female, with 86.9% of the 259 students being women. These statistics indicate that the university is serving its intended demographic well, focusing on women's education and empowerment. However, the male student population remains notably smaller, particularly in the upperclassmen and graduate categories, where male representation dips below 15%.
Moreover, the diversity of the student body is also worth noting. While the specific breakdown of ethnicities for upperclassmen and graduate students is not available, the freshmen data indicates a diversity that includes 35.7% white students and 43.4% in the undecided category.
This predominance of women in the student body reflects broader trends in higher education, where institutions focused on women's education are crucial in addressing gender disparities in academic pursuits. Overall, the data suggests that Mississippi University for Women continues to play a vital role in promoting women's higher education while also highlighting the need for strategies to attract and retain male students.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Mississippi University for Women
The age composition data of students at Mississippi University for Women provides insightful information about the demographics of the university. Notably, the largest groups are found in the younger age categories, particularly among students under 21 years of age. The data shows that there are 492 female undergraduates aged 20-21, significantly outnumbering their male counterparts, which reflects a common trend in higher education where female enrollment often surpasses that of males.
The age group of 18-19 also reveals a high concentration of female undergraduate students (228) compared to male students (87), indicating a strong appeal of the university to young women. This trend continues through the age categories, with females consistently making up a larger portion of the student body across most age ranges.
Interestingly, as the ages increase, there is a notable drop in the number of students, particularly among males, suggesting that the university may have a more traditional undergraduate demographic. For instance, in the 30-34 age group, there are only 18 students in total, and the numbers continue to decline in older age brackets.
Moreover, the presence of non-traditional students (ages 25 and above) is minimal, with only a handful of students pursuing graduate studies in those age ranges. This highlights the university's focus on younger, traditional students, which is a common characteristic among many universities today.
Overall, the data illustrates a vibrant and predominantly young female student population at Mississippi University for Women, which aligns with broader trends in higher education where female enrollment continues to grow, particularly in undergraduate programs. This demographic insight may prompt the university to tailor its programs and services to better meet the needs of its primary student population.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
15 in 2025 · 4.0% in 2016
3 in 2025 · 1.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Mississippi University for Women
The data on international student enrollment at the Mississippi University for Women reveals significant fluctuations from 2004 to 2023. Notably, the proportion of international students among undergraduates peaked in 2016 at nearly 4%, showcasing a growing interest in the university during that period. This growth can be attributed to various factors such as increased globalization of education and targeted recruitment efforts by the institution.
However, the percentage of international undergraduates has since declined sharply, dropping to just 0.77% by 2023. This decline raises questions about the university's current appeal to international students, especially given the competitive landscape in U.S. higher education. The recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and changing immigration policies may have contributed to this trend, as many students reevaluate their study abroad plans.
In contrast, the graduate student enrollment figures indicate a more stable yet modest presence of international students, fluctuating between 0.5% to 2.19%. While there was a noticeable increase in 2012, the numbers have not consistently risen in subsequent years.
Overall, the data underscores the need for the Mississippi University for Women to reassess its strategies for attracting international students. With the global educational environment continually evolving, the university must enhance its offerings and support systems for international students to reverse the declining trends and foster a more diverse academic community.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$17,064
- Undergraduate tuition
- $8,492
- Room and board
- $8,572
- Graduate tuition
- $8,492
Peer median tuition + room and board $31,000 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose -46% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 30%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$63.3M
Expenses$70.4M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country
| NCAA Division III without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 40 | 49 |
| Soccer | 20 | 17 |
| Basketball | 15 | 18 |
| Baseball | 31 | - |
| Softball | - | 23 |
| Golf | 12 | 5 |
| Tennis | 8 | 7 |
| Volleyball | - | 14 |
| NCAA Division III without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 22 | 29 |
| Soccer | 20 | 22 |
| Baseball | 32 | - |
| Basketball | 13 | 12 |
| Volleyball | - | 21 |
| Golf | 11 | 7 |
| Tennis | 8 | 10 |
| Softball | - | 17 |
| NCAA Division III without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 24 | 22 |
| Soccer | 18 | 28 |
| Baseball | 32 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 12 |
| Softball | - | 21 |
| Volleyball | - | 20 |
| Tennis | 8 | 10 |
| Golf | 8 | 7 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State · 21.6 mi
U.S. News #208
-
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa · 54.0 mi
U.S. News #156
-
University of MississippiUniversity · 88.0 mi
U.S. News #179
-
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham · 93.3 mi
U.S. News #137
-
Samford UniversityBirmingham · 93.8 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of Alabama--HuntsvilleHuntsville · 132.6 mi
U.S. News #262
-
University of MemphisMemphis · 141.9 mi
U.S. News #288
-
Rhodes CollegeMemphis · 145.7 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
Auburn UniversityAuburn · 180.6 mi
U.S. News #100
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near Mississippi University for Women:
-
Mississippi State University - Ranked 216 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong research initiatives.
-
The University of Alabama - With a ranking of 170, this comprehensive university provides a rich educational experience and is renowned for its diverse programs in various fields.
-
University of Mississippi - Ranked 163, this university is well-regarded for its liberal arts education and vibrant campus life.
-
Rhodes College - This liberal arts college, ranked 56, is known for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus, offering a close-knit community for students.
-
Vanderbilt University - With a prestigious ranking of 18, Vanderbilt is a top-tier comprehensive university recognized for its academic excellence and research facilities.
These institutions offer a variety of programs and are excellent options for students seeking higher education in the region.
Peer median 4.7 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Mississippi University for Women
The crime statistics at Mississippi University for Women reveal a fluctuating trend over the past decade, with notable peaks and valleys in the average crime rate per 1000 students. In 2023, the institution recorded a significant uptick in crime rates, reaching 5.56 incidents per 1000 students, the highest observed in the dataset. This spike could be indicative of various factors, such as an increase in campus population, changes in reporting practices, or a rise in specific types of incidents.
Examining specific categories, arrests for drug-related offenses and alcohol-related incidents have varied significantly, reflecting broader societal trends in substance use and enforcement. The year 2016 stands out with the highest overall crime rate of 3.89 per 1000 students, which may warrant further investigation into campus safety measures during that period.
Additionally, the presence of violent crimes, including domestic violence and sexual offenses, remains a critical concern for campus safety and student well-being. Institutions, including Mississippi University for Women, must prioritize creating a safe environment by implementing effective prevention programs, enhancing awareness campaigns, and ensuring that students feel comfortable reporting incidents.
The fluctuating crime rates underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive measures to address safety concerns on campus. Understanding the context of these statistics is vital for developing strategies to foster a secure educational environment. For a deeper understanding of crime rate calculations, please visit this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Mississippi University for Women include Eudora Welty (Writer and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist), Elizabeth Lee Hazen (Microbiologist known for developing nystatin) and Doris Taylor (Scientist in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering).
-
Eudora Welty 1909–2001
Writer and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist
-
Elizabeth Lee Hazen 1885–1975
Microbiologist known for developing nystatin
-
Doris Taylor 1956–
Scientist in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering
-
Tina Benkiser 1962–
Lawyer and former Texas Republican Party chair
-
Elizabeth H. West 1873–1948
Texas State Librarian and first Texas Tech head librarian
-
Susan Golden
Molecular biologist researching circadian rhythms
-
Blanche Colton Williams 1879–1944
Writer and professor of English literature
-
Faye B. Culp 1939–
Florida House Representative
-
Toni Seawright 1964–
Actress, singer-songwriter, first Black Miss Mississippi
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.