The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a vibrant institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Established in 1910, USM has a rich history and offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, education, health, and the arts. The university is particularly renowned for its strong emphasis on research, with notable contributions in areas such as marine science, polymer science, and health services. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories, libraries, and recreational centers, providing students with an enriching learning environment.

USM fosters a dynamic campus culture that encourages student involvement and personal growth. The university's motto, "To Be, Rather Than to Seem," reflects its dedication to integrity and authenticity in education. Students participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and community service, which promotes a well-rounded educational experience. The Golden Eagles, USM's athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I sports, instilling a sense of pride and community among students and alumni alike. With its commitment to student success and a supportive environment, the University of Southern Mississippi continues to prepare graduates for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at the University of Southern Mississippi

The data from the University of Southern Mississippi reveals several important trends that merit discussion. One of the most notable changes is in the graduation rates. The percentage of undergraduate students graduating on time has seen a significant increase from approximately 22% in 2014 to over 30% in 2023. This upward trend suggests improvements in student support services and academic resources, potentially reflecting the university's efforts to enhance the overall educational experience, which is critical in a competitive higher education landscape.

Conversely, the retention rate of undergraduate students has shown some fluctuation, peaking at about 75% in 2013 and dropping to around 69% by 2023. This decline raises concerns about student satisfaction and the challenges faced by students in their academic journey. The university may need to investigate the factors contributing to this decrease to ensure that students continue their education through to graduation.

Another significant aspect is the increase in tuition fees. The cost for in-state undergraduate students has risen from about $6,744 in 2014 to approximately $9,450 in 2023, marking a substantial increase of around 40%. This rise in tuition could potentially affect student enrollment numbers and accessibility, especially for those from lower-income backgrounds. It is essential for universities to balance the need for revenue with the imperative to maintain affordability.

Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduates has remained relatively stable, with women consistently representing a larger portion of the student body, reflecting broader trends in higher education where female enrollment has surpassed that of males in many institutions. This gender dynamic could influence campus culture and the type of programs that gain traction among students.

In summary, while graduation rates at the University of Southern Mississippi are on the rise, challenges in retention and increasing tuition costs highlight critical areas for improvement. Addressing these issues will be vital for the university to maintain its reputation and ensure that it provides a supportive and accessible environment for all students.

Analysis of Graduation Data from University of Southern Mississippi

The graduation data from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2023 reveals intriguing trends across various disciplines. Notably, the field of Elementary Education and Teaching stands out with the highest number of bachelor's degree graduates, totaling 212, which highlights the university's strength in preparing future educators. This aligns with national trends where there is a consistent demand for qualified teachers, particularly in early childhood education, amid ongoing discussions about educational reforms.

In the health sector, Registered Nursing also shows a robust output with 168 bachelor's degree graduates. This reflects the growing need for healthcare professionals, especially in light of recent global health crises that have underscored the importance of a strong healthcare workforce. The inclusion of international students in the nursing program, albeit limited with only one international graduate, indicates the university's commitment to fostering a diverse educational environment.

Interestingly, Library and Information Science presents a unique case with a significant number of master's degree graduates (125), accompanied by one international student. This may signal a growing recognition of the evolving role of librarians and information specialists in today’s digital age, where information management is paramount.

Moreover, the data shows a stark absence of graduates in several fields, such as Environmental Science and International Relations, suggesting potential areas for growth and development. With global issues such as climate change and geopolitical tensions at the forefront, these programs could attract more students if adequately promoted.

Overall, the graduation statistics reflect both the strengths and challenges of the University of Southern Mississippi, revealing areas of high demand and potential for expansion in its academic offerings.

The University of Southern Mississippi's admission data over the past decade reveals some interesting trends. From 2009 to 2023, the university's US News ranking has fluctuated, with a notable decline in recent years, reaching 352 in 2024. In terms of acceptance rates, the data shows a significant increase. From 2009 to 2013, the acceptance rates for both men and women hovered around the mid-50% to mid-60% range. However, from 2018 onwards, the rates surged dramatically, exceeding 97% for both genders by 2023. This shift suggests a more lenient admission policy or a potential decline in application numbers, prompting the university to accept more students to meet enrollment targets. Interestingly, despite the high acceptance rates in recent years, the actual number of students enrolling each year has not shown a proportional increase. For example, in 2019, the acceptance rate was around 97%, yet only 2080 students enrolled. This discrepancy might be due to the high number of students deferring their admission. The deferment numbers have seen a steep rise, peaking at 7653 in 2021, indicating that many accepted students chose to delay their studies, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Moreover, the number of students denied admission has drastically decreased, from over 2000 in most years prior to 2018, to just 105 in 2023. This aligns with the increased acceptance rates and suggests a strategic shift by the university to be more inclusive or competitive with other institutions. Overall, the University of Southern Mississippi's recent data reflects broader trends in higher education, such as the impacts of global events on enrollment and shifting admission strategies to adapt to changing applicant behaviors and needs.

The University of Southern Mississippi's standardized test scores and submission rates from 2007 to 2023 demonstrate interesting trends. Over the years, the SAT Reading scores for the 25th to 75th percentile have fluctuated between 430 and 590, indicating a relatively stable range with occasional dips and peaks. The Math scores follow a similar pattern, suggesting a consistent academic standard among admitted students.

An evident trend is the relatively low percentage of students submitting SAT scores, which never exceeded 7% and hovered around 4-6% in most years. This might reflect a broader national trend where the ACT is more popular in certain regions, or a shift towards test-optional admissions policies. The ACT scores, on the other hand, show a bit more stability, with the composite scores typically ranging from 20 to 25, and English and Math scores following closely.

The increase in the number of SAT submissions in 2011 and the subsequent drop could be attributed to changes in admission policies or regional testing preferences. The consistency in test scores suggests a stable academic profile for the university, but the low submission rates indicate that other factors, such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal statements, might play a more critical role in the admissions process.

These trends might also reflect broader shifts in higher education, where many institutions are moving away from standardized test requirements. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this shift, as seen by the steady percentages post-2020, aligning with many universities adopting test-optional policies during this period.

Overall, while standardized test scores provide a glimpse into the academic standards of admitted students, the low submission rates highlight a growing trend towards a more holistic admissions process at the University of Southern Mississippi.

The student composition at the University of Southern Mississippi for 2023 reveals interesting insights into gender and racial diversity across different student categories. The data shows that undergraduate freshmen, undergraduate continuing students, undergraduate transfer students, and graduate students have a predominantly female population, with women comprising 66.4%, 64.2%, 65.4%, and 66.0% respectively. This trend highlights a significant female majority in the student body, which could be indicative of broader national trends where women are increasingly outnumbering men in higher education enrollment.

Breaking down the racial demographics, white students form the largest racial group in each category, followed by African American, Latino, Asian, and other minority groups. For instance, among undergraduate freshmen, white students number 843, African American students 605, Latinos 71, Asians 28, and Pacific Islanders and others 21, with international students contributing a small number to the mix. This racial composition is reflective of the broader demographics of the state of Mississippi, where the university is located, but also suggests a relatively modest level of racial diversity.

The gender distribution within these racial groups also shows some variance. For example, among white undergraduate freshmen, 31.9% are male and 68.1% are female, while the African American freshmen have a higher female representation at 69.3%. Such disparities might be reflective of cultural or socio-economic factors influencing educational participation among different demographics.

Overall, the student composition data not only underscores the gender and racial makeup of the University of Southern Mississippi but also provides a snapshot of broader educational trends and demographic patterns within the region. Understanding these dynamics can help in better addressing the needs and challenges faced by different student groups, fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Age Composition of Students at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2023

The age composition of students at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2023 provides insightful trends about the institution's demographic structure. The data reveals a predominant concentration of undergraduate students aged 18-21. Specifically, there are 886 undergraduate males and 1,892 undergraduate females in the 18-19 age range. This trend continues in the 20-21 age range with 1,210 undergraduate males and 2,454 undergraduate females, indicating a significant majority of the student body falls within this youthful age group. This is reflective of a typical university setting where the bulk of the student population is freshly out of high school.

Interestingly, the number of graduate students sees a noticeable increase in older age brackets, particularly from age 25 and above. For instance, in the 25-29 age group, there are 316 graduate males and 511 graduate females, highlighting that many students pursue advanced degrees after gaining some professional experience. This trend is consistent across subsequent age brackets, with a significant representation of graduate students even in the 50-64 age range, where there are 76 male graduates and 197 female graduates.

The data also indicates a higher proportion of females across most age groups, particularly in the undergraduate and graduate categories. This could reflect broader national trends where female enrollment in higher education has outpaced that of males.

Such age and gender distributions can influence university policies, including academic offerings, campus facilities, and support services. For instance, the higher number of older graduate students may necessitate more evening classes or online learning options to accommodate working professionals. Additionally, the significant female majority might impact the university's approach to housing, safety, and health services.

Overall, the age composition data underscores the dynamic and diverse nature of the student population at the University of Southern Mississippi, requiring nuanced strategies to meet the varied needs of its students.

University of Southern Mississippi International Student Trends: A 20-Year Overview

Over the past two decades, the University of Southern Mississippi has demonstrated fluctuating trends in the enrollment of international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduate students remained relatively low, averaging around 0.93% at the beginning and peaking at 2.07% in 2017 before stabilizing around 1.85% in 2023. This modest yet notable increase suggests a growing but still limited international presence among the undergraduate population.

In contrast, the graduate student body showed a more substantial and consistent percentage of international students. In 2004, international students made up 7.20% of the graduate population, increasing to a peak of 10.44% in 2015. Although there was a dip to 5.10% in 2021, the numbers rebounded to 9.06% by 2023. This trend highlights the university's stronger appeal to international students at the graduate level, likely due to specialized and advanced research opportunities that attract global talent.

These trends align with broader patterns observed in U.S. higher education, where graduate programs tend to attract more international students due to the research-focused nature of these programs and the availability of assistantships and scholarships. Meanwhile, undergraduate programs face more competition from universities worldwide, which offer diverse and competitive options.

Moreover, the fluctuating numbers reflect broader geopolitical and economic factors, such as visa regulations, global economic conditions, and shifting trends in international education preferences. For instance, the recent decline in international graduate student numbers in 2021 could be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions, which impacted global student mobility.

Overall, the University of Southern Mississippi's data reveals a gradual but steady integration of international students, particularly at the graduate level, which enriches the academic and cultural fabric of the institution. Continuous efforts to enhance the attractiveness of both undergraduate and graduate programs to international students will be crucial for maintaining and growing this diverse student body in the future.

Here are some notable universities surrounding the University of Southern Mississippi:

1. Tulane University of Louisiana - Ranked 73rd in 2024, Tulane is a private research university located in New Orleans, known for its strong programs in law, business, and the liberal arts.

2. Loyola University New Orleans - This private university is ranked 260th in 2024. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on social justice and community service.

3. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College - With a ranking of 185th, LSU is a public research university located in Baton Rouge, known for its vibrant campus life and strong programs in engineering, business, and the sciences.

4. Mississippi State University - Ranked 216th, this public research university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and is particularly recognized for its engineering and agriculture disciplines.

5. The University of Alabama - This public university, ranked 170th, is known for its strong emphasis on research and offers a variety of programs across different fields, particularly in business and law.

6. University of Mississippi - Also known as Ole Miss, it is ranked 163rd and is celebrated for its programs in law, business, and the humanities.

7. Emory University - A prestigious private research university ranked 24th, Emory is known for its strong programs in health sciences, law, and business.

These institutions provide a diverse range of educational opportunities and contribute to the rich academic landscape surrounding the University of Southern Mississippi.

The University of Southern Mississippi's campus crime data from 2013 to 2023 reveals some interesting trends and concerns regarding student safety. Over the years, the crime rate per 1000 students has shown significant fluctuations, with notable peaks in 2016 (5.61) and 2023 (4.18). The overall trend reflects both progress and setbacks in campus safety efforts.

A closer look at the subdata reveals various types of incidents. For instance, arrests for gun possession and drug-related offenses have been consistently reported, reflecting ongoing issues with substance abuse and weapon violations. Additionally, there have been instances of serious violent crimes such as rape, assault, and robbery. Notably, the data from 2016 stands out with a higher rate of reported crimes, including several violent offenses like rape and assault.

Comparatively, the years 2020 and 2021 show a decrease in crime rates, which might be attributed to the pandemic's impact on campus population and activities. However, the recent rise in 2023 suggests that the return to normalcy has brought back some of the pre-pandemic challenges.

The university's efforts to address campus safety can be seen in the varying numbers of arrests and disciplinary actions taken over the years. The presence of data on offenses like stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence underscores the importance of comprehensive safety programs and support systems for victims.

In conclusion, while the University of Southern Mississippi has seen periods of improvement in campus safety, the fluctuating crime rates highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and effective safety measures. The detailed breakdown of different types of crimes provides valuable insights for shaping future policies and interventions aimed at creating a safer campus environment. For more details on the calculation method, refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.