Mississippi has a limited number of in-state accelerated BSN programs, but both options are public university pathways with relatively low tuition compared with many private ABSN programs. Students can compare the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the University of Southern Mississippi based on campus location, start term, cost, clinical access, and admissions requirements.
Quick Take: Mississippi ABSN Options
- Choose University of Mississippi Medical Center if you want an academic health science campus with major hospitals on site.
- Choose University of Southern Mississippi if you want a Gulf Coast program with strong early NCLEX outcomes.
- Choose UMMC Oxford if you want the lowest UMMC tuition estimate.
- Choose USM if you want to explore Bower Foundation scholarship support.
Compare Mississippi ABSN Programs
| School | Location | Length | Format | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Mississippi Medical Center | Jackson / Oxford | 3 semesters | Campus | ~$24,846–$28,845 with professional fees |
University of Southern Mississippi | Long Beach | 3 semesters | Campus | ~$15,591 in-state tuition |
Mississippi ABSN Programs
University of Mississippi Medical Center ABSN
The University of Mississippi Medical Center offers Mississippi’s first accelerated second-degree BSN program. The program is available at the Jackson campus and the Oxford instructional site. Jackson students study on a 160-acre academic health science campus with four major hospitals nearby: University Hospital, Children’s of Mississippi, Wallace Conerly Critical Care Hospital, and Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants.
Key Facts
- Locations: Jackson and Oxford
- Length: 3 semesters
- Jackson start: Spring
- Oxford start: Fall
- Estimated cost: ~$24,846–$28,845 with professional fees
- GPA requirement: 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
Why UMMC Stands Out
- UMMC offers the state’s original ABSN program.
- Jackson students study near four on-campus hospitals.
- Oxford students get the same program structure near the University of Mississippi’s flagship campus.
- The program includes clinical practicum courses in all three semesters.
View University of Mississippi ABSN Program
University of Southern Mississippi ABSN
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a 12-month ABSN pathway at its Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. The program has posted 100% first-attempt NCLEX pass rates across its first two graduating cohorts, according to the provided school copy. USM also offers potential Bower Foundation support, which may cover tuition, fees, and a living stipend for eligible students.
Key Facts
- Location: Long Beach
- Length: 3 semesters
- Starts: Fall and Spring
- Estimated tuition: ~$15,591 in-state
- GPA requirement: 2.5 prerequisite GPA
- Entrance exam: USM Nursing Entrance Exam
Why USM Stands Out
- USM is one of the lowest-cost ABSN options in Mississippi.
- The Gulf Park campus gives students a coastal Mississippi option.
- Eligible students may receive Bower Foundation funding.
- Simulation and clinical practice are built into the program.
View University of Southern Mississippi ABSN Program
Cheapest ABSN Programs in Mississippi
Both Mississippi ABSN options are public university programs, so the state is relatively strong for cost. USM lists an estimated in-state tuition of about $15,591, while UMMC estimates about $24,846–$28,845 after professional fees depending on campus. Students should still confirm current tuition, fees, clinical costs, supplies, insurance, and transportation expenses before applying.
Jackson vs Oxford vs Gulf Coast
Jackson is the best fit for students who want an academic medical center setting. UMMC’s Jackson campus gives students direct access to major hospital facilities on the same campus.
Oxford may appeal to students who want the UMMC ABSN structure near the University of Mississippi flagship campus.
Long Beach may fit students who want a Gulf Coast location through USM and want to explore scholarship support.
How to Choose a Mississippi ABSN Program
Start with location. Mississippi’s ABSN options are spread across Jackson, Oxford, and the Gulf Coast.
Then compare costs. Both programs are affordable compared with many private ABSN options, but professional fees and clinical expenses can change the real total.
Next, compare admission rules. UMMC requires a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA, while USM lists a 2.5 prerequisite GPA requirement.
Finally, review start dates. UMMC has campus-specific starts, while USM offers Fall and Spring entry.
Looking for More ABSN Options?
Students who want more program choices may also compare ABSN programs in nearby states such as:
Nearby states may offer more campus options, private university choices, or hybrid ABSN formats.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi does not have a large ABSN market, but its two in-state options are both worth comparing. UMMC offers a strong academic health science setting with major hospital access, while USM offers a low-cost Gulf Coast pathway with strong early NCLEX results and possible scholarship support.