The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a public institution with a reputation for accessible education. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), USM reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 98.5%, reflecting its commitment to providing broad access to higher education. This high acceptance rate is influenced by factors such as a stable applicant pool, regional demand for affordable education, and the university’s mission as a public institution. While USM does not always publish detailed admission statistics for every cycle, historical data from sources like the Common Data Set and the official admissions website (usm.edu/admissions) provide insight into its selectivity trends.
Over the past few years, the University of Southern Mississippi has maintained a consistently high acceptance rate, often near or above 95%, reflecting its role as an accessible public university rather than a highly selective institution. Unlike more competitive schools, USM does not show significant fluctuations in selectivity due to early action or international admissions. Compared to peer institutions in the region, such as other mid-tier public universities in Mississippi and neighboring states, USM’s acceptance rate is notably inclusive, prioritizing student access over exclusivity. This trend aligns with its mission to serve a diverse student body, including first-generation and local students seeking affordable higher education options.
