
Mississippi University for Women also referred to as MUW or The W, is located in Columbus, Mississippi, and was established in 1884. Originally known as the Industrial Institute and College, the school was the first public institution established for women in the US. The school was renamed Mississippi State College for Women in 1920, to better indicate the role of the school and its purpose. In 1974 all state colleges operating in Mississippi were renamed as universities, including MUW which received its current name and an expansion into graduate level studies. The school has offered enrollment for men since 1982.
Academics
MUW is a public four year institution that offers educational opportunities for both women and men, but places a continued emphasis on the betterment and education for women. The school offers bachelor's degrees in a variety of majors, requiring the completion of upper and lower division courses, general education courses and electives in order to develop a complete curriculum. Additionally, the school offers graduate level studies which require applying and admission to specific programs, as well as excellent graduate level test scores, a completed undergraduate degree, and strong academic record.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals interested in enrollment at MUW should submit an application along with transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation which will be reviewed by committee, after which a decision regarding admission will be made. All decisions will be based on the quality of the application and the merits of the applicant, and after the decision is reached the applicant will be notified. If admitted, the student will receive information regarding reparation for entry into the school. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships which are awarded based on the level of need as determined by an applicant's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Admission Requirements & Details
The information regarding admissions below may give you an idea of the applicants Mississippi University for Women accepts. The details may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP or college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
The total student enrollment at Mississippi University for Women is about 2,700, where graduate students make up roughly 9% of the student body.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $10,900. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition range estimates:
- State Residents: $5,700-$6,800
- Out-of-State: $16,000-$18,900
- Charges for part-time students are:
- State Residents: $240-$290 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $660-$790 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 99% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 98% | $8,354 |
Receiving Student Loans | 63% | $6,335 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, Mississippi University for Women may provide services to students including:- Distance learning
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Helping students find work after graduation
- Day care for children
Graduation Rates
Mississippi University for Women has an overall graduation rate which is approximately 37%.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 20% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 12% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 4% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Art and Design Program
- Music Program
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
- Nursing (MSN, DSN) Program
- Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN) Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Mississippi University for Women by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (B)
- Commerce (B)
- Accounting (B)
- Ecommerce (M)
Communications and Journalism
- Communications (B)
Education
- Elementary Education (B)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (M)
- Reading Teacher and Literacy Specialist (M)
- Health Teacher Education (M)
- Education, Teaching of the Gifted and Talented (M)
- Secondary Education (M)
- Art Teacher Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
English Language and Literature
- English (B)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- Women's Studies (B)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Family Systems (B)
Foreign Languages and Literature
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A, B, C, M)
- Public Health Education and Promotion (B)
- Speech and Language Pathology (B, M)
- Nursing Practice (D)
History
- History (B)
Interdisciplinary Studies
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (B)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (B)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B)
Personal and Culinary Services
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry (B)
- Physical Sciences
Psychology
- Psychology (B)
Public Administration and Social Services
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Sports Medicine (B)
Social Sciences
- Social Science (B)
- Political Science (B)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Visual and Performing Arts (B)
- Music (B)
- Acting
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Mississippi University for Women.
- Marion Military Institute in Marion, AL (88 miles away)
- University of Montevallo in Montevallo, AL (91 miles away)
- University of North Alabama in Florence, AL (100 miles away)
- Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS (108 miles away)
- Athens State University in Athens, AL (123 miles away)
Also, you can compare schools by looking through our list of colleges & universities:
- Browse through our complete list of colleges in Mississippi
- See all public colleges in Mississippi