Ole Miss Acceptance Rate: Stats & Tips (2026)
Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.
Ole Miss Acceptance Rate: Stats & Tips (2026)
The University of Mississippi — better known as Ole Miss — is the flagship university of Mississippi, located in the literary town of Oxford. With an acceptance rate of approximately ~80%, Ole Miss provides broad access while cultivating nationally recognized programs in accountancy, creative writing, and pharmacy. The university’s Grove, where tailgating is an art form, and its deep connection to southern literary tradition give it a campus culture that is genuinely distinctive.
Oxford itself is a destination town — home to Square Books, a thriving restaurant scene, and the legacy of William Faulkner. The combination of small-town charm and SEC athletics creates an experience that draws students from across the South and increasingly from around the country.
Admissions Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Acceptance Rate | ~80% |
| In-State Acceptance Rate | ~86% |
| Out-of-State Acceptance Rate | ~75% |
| Total Applicants (2025 cycle) | ~25,000 |
| Enrolled Freshman Class | ~4,200 |
| Average GPA | ~3.55 |
| Middle 50% SAT | ~1070–1280 |
| Middle 50% ACT | ~22–29 |
| Test-Optional | No (scores required) |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 |
Ole Miss requires standardized test scores for admission. The ACT is predominant among applicants, reflecting regional testing norms, but the SAT is also accepted. Test scores are used for both admissions and scholarship placement.
What Ole Miss Looks For
Ole Miss uses a formula-based admissions approach with holistic elements for competitive programs:
College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC): Mississippi’s College Board-mandated CPC requires specific coursework in English, math, science, and social studies. Completing the CPC with a minimum GPA is the baseline requirement for admission.
GPA and Test Score Combination: Ole Miss evaluates applicants using a sliding scale that pairs GPA with ACT/SAT scores. Students with a 3.2+ GPA and a 22+ ACT (or 1100+ SAT) are generally in strong position for admission.
School of Accountancy: Ranked among the top programs nationally, Ole Miss’s Patterson School of Accountancy is a flagship academic unit. Students apply for upper-division admission after completing introductory coursework. CPA exam pass rates from this program consistently exceed national averages.
MFA in Creative Writing: Ole Miss’s creative writing program, anchored by the literary heritage of Oxford and Faulkner, attracts aspiring writers from across the country. While this is primarily a graduate program, undergraduates interested in English and creative writing benefit from the program’s faculty and literary culture.
Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College: The Honors College is one of Ole Miss’s strongest academic draws. It requires a separate application with essays and an interview, and typically admits students with a 28+ ACT and a 3.5+ GPA. The Honors College community is known for intellectual rigor and a tight-knit student culture.
Pharmacy and Health Sciences: Ole Miss’s School of Pharmacy is the only one in the state and a major regional draw. Pre-pharmacy students must complete rigorous prerequisite coursework before applying to the professional program.
Acceptance Rate by Application Type
| Application Type | Deadline | Estimated Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Deadline | November 15 | ~84% |
| Regular Deadline | January 5 | ~79% |
| Late/Rolling | After Jan 5 | ~72% |
Ole Miss does not have a formal Early Action program, but the November 15 priority deadline functions similarly by providing first-priority consideration for scholarships and the Honors College.
Applying by January 5 ensures full consideration for all programs and remaining scholarship funds. Late applications are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Financial Aid and Cost
| Cost Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | ~$9,500/year | ~$26,500/year |
| Room & Board | ~$12,600/year | ~$12,600/year |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$22,100/year | ~$39,100/year |
| Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant | Up to ~$2,500/year | N/A |
| Average Merit Scholarship (OOS) | — | ~$5,000–$16,000 |
| Average Need-Based Aid Package | ~$9,200 | ~$10,500 |
Ole Miss offers some of the lowest in-state tuition among SEC institutions, making it a strong value for Mississippi residents. State-funded programs like the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant and the Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP) Grant provide additional support for qualifying families.
Out-of-state students benefit from Ole Miss’s tiered merit scholarship program. The Academic Excellence Scholarship, the Provost’s Scholarship, and the nonresident Flagship Scholarship offer awards ranging from ~$5,000 to full tuition based on GPA and ACT scores. The Stamps Scholarship is Ole Miss’s premier full-ride award, covering tuition, room, board, and enrichment experiences for a select group of students.
The university also offers regional tuition discounts through the Academic Common Market for students from southern states pursuing programs not available in their home states.
Key Takeaways
- Accessible with strong niches: An ~80% acceptance rate provides broad access, but accountancy, the Honors College, and pharmacy are competitive programs that elevate the academic experience.
- Test scores required: Ole Miss is not test-optional, and scores drive both admissions and scholarship placement.
- Apply by November 15 for best results: The priority deadline maximizes your scholarship and Honors College consideration.
- Exceptional in-state value: With tuition under $10,000 for Mississippi residents, Ole Miss is one of the most affordable SEC options.
- Oxford is the experience: The town’s literary heritage, food culture, and small-town charm make Ole Miss’s campus environment a genuine differentiator.
Next Steps
Ready to explore Ole Miss? These resources will guide your planning:
- SAT vs. ACT: Which Should You Take? — Ole Miss requires scores, so choose the test that best showcases your abilities.
- Financial Aid Guide — Understand FAFSA, state grants, and Ole Miss’s merit scholarship tiers.
- How to Write a Standout College Essay — Strong writing matters for the Honors College application.
- Scholarship Search Guide — Find external awards to supplement Ole Miss merit aid.
Verify all admissions data with the institution directly. Acceptance rates and requirements change annually.