Mississippi University for Women
General Information
Overview
Mississippi University for Women (MUW), commonly referred to as “The W,” is a public co‑educational institution located in Columbus, Mississippi that was founded in 1884 as the first state‑supported college for women in the United States. Over time the institution expanded its mission to serve all qualified students and admitted men beginning in 1982, while preserving its historic identity and commitment to women’s leadership and empowerment.
The campus offers a combination of liberal arts education, professional preparation and graduate programs—blending a small‑college atmosphere with broader academic offerings. With a focus on student learning, leadership, service and value, MUW highlights its affordability, low average student debt, and recognition for social mobility in recent rankings. The institution therefore appeals to students seeking a strong sense of community, accessible education pathways, and programs aligned with regional workforce and leadership needs.
Contact Informations
Address: 1100 College Street, Columbus, Mississippi 39701 USA
Phone Number: 662‑329‑4750 (general information) or toll free 877‑462‑8439
Email Address: Admissions inquiries: admissions@muw.edu
School Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1884 |
| Motto | “We Study for Light to Bless with Light” (historic motto) |
| Institutional Type | Public university (originally women’s college) |
| Location | Columbus, Mississippi, USA |
| Accreditation | Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) |
| Nickname | Owls |
Mississippi University for Women Rankings
| Ranking Category | Rank / Position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Value / Social Mobility Ranking | Ranked #15 among public Southern regional universities for value (recent) |
| U.S. Acceptance Rate | Approximately 99% (open admissions model) |
| Global Ranking | Not broadly reported for specialized regional universities |
Mississippi University for Women Academics
Mississippi University for Women Faculties / Departments
- College of Professional Studies & Workforce Education
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Nursing, Natural and Health Sciences
- College of Graduate Studies
- Honors College and First‑Year Experience Programs
Mississippi University for Women Courses and Programs / Majors
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
- Master of Science in Speech‑Language Pathology
- Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
- Certificate and Minor programs in Women’s Leadership, Health Sciences, Music Therapy
Online Learning
Mississippi University for Women offers online and hybrid course and degree formats, catering to non‑traditional students, adult learners and those balancing career and family responsibilities. Online graduate programs, continuing education and flexible scheduling enhance access and support for professional advancement. While on‑campus instruction remains central for many degree tracks, the blended and fully online components increase institutional adaptability and convenience for learners statewide and beyond.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Range / Typical Data |
|---|---|
| SAT | Average composite around 1100 |
| ACT | Average composite around 21 |
| GRE | Not publicly reported for most graduate programs |
Retention and Graduation Rates
MUW reports retention and graduation metrics within its institutional disclosures and emphasizes student success through support services, advising and career readiness. As a small public university with a commitment to value and social mobility, the institution focuses on student persistence and timely completion. While the traditional graduation rate (within 150% of time) may be lower than large research institutions, MUW’s leadership highlights student outcomes, affordability, and debt‑management as key performance indicators.
Mississippi University for Women Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Mississippi University for Women admits a broad range of students and does not publish a strict minimum GPA or test‑score threshold. Admissions criteria emphasize high school diploma or GED equivalent, college‑prep coursework or placement readiness, and alignment with institutional mission. Applicants are encouraged to engage with admissions counselors and showcase preparedness for college‑level work rather than focusing solely on standardized test scores.
Mississippi University for Women Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 99% |
Mississippi University for Women Application Requirements
Applicants to Mississippi University for Women must submit a completed undergraduate application, provide official high school transcripts or GED certification, submit any required placement or readiness assessments, and may be required to provide personal statements, recommendation letters or additional documentation depending on major. Transfer and graduate students submit college transcripts and meet program‑specific criteria. The admissions process is designed to support students entering from varied backgrounds, including first‑generation and adult learners, and the university emphasizes advising and orientation to ensure successful transition into academic programs.
Application Process
- Submit undergraduate application to university admissions
- Provide official high school transcript or GED documentation
- Complete placement testing or college‑readiness evaluation if required
- For transfer students, submit prior college transcripts and meet transfer equivalency standards
- Attend new student orientation, meet with academic advisor and register for classes
Mississippi University for Women Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester Priority | Early due date recommended (varies by year) |
| Rolling Admissions | Many programs admit on rolling basis until capacity filled |
| Graduate Program Deadlines | Specific to each college or department |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
Certain programs at Mississippi University for Women may require a personal statement or essay demonstrating the applicant’s motivation, leadership potential, career goals and alignment with the institution’s mission—especially for competitive majors or scholarship applications.
Mississippi University for Women Scholarships
Mississippi University for Women offers a variety of institutional scholarships, merit‑based awards, and need‑based funding. The university actively supports students through its Foundation, alumni contributions, and external scholarship opportunities. All admitted students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA, meet scholarship deadlines and engage with the financial aid office to maximize available funding and minimize debt.
Mississippi University for Women Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Cost Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| In‑state Undergraduate Tuition | Approximately US $8,092 per year |
| Out‑of‑state Undergraduate Tuition | Similar for non‑resident status in recent estimates |
| Average Net Price After Aid | Approximately US $12,054 per year (for typical student) |
Mississippi University for Women Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
The student body at Mississippi University for Women includes a majority of female students, reflecting its historic mission, though men have been enrolled since 1982. As a regional public university, many students are traditional college‑age (18‑24) but there is also representation of adult and non‑traditional learners. Racial and ethnic composition reflects the region, with White, Black or African American, Hispanic/Latino and other populations present on campus, contributing to diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A substantial proportion of students at MUW receive federal Pell Grants and institutional assistance, underscoring the university’s commitment to access and social mobility. Support services for students with disabilities, first‑generation status, and those from under‑represented backgrounds are part of the university’s student success infrastructure, helping bridge academic and resource gaps.
Student Body
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | Approximately 2,300 students |
| Full‑time Undergraduate Students | Majority of total enrollment |
| Part‑time/Graduate Students | Included within total; specific breakdown varies |
University Diversity
Mississippi University for Women actively embraces its legacy as a women’s institution while evolving to serve a broader student population. The campus culture reflects a blend of tradition, leadership and service alongside modern academic and professional preparation. Even though the name highlights women, the institution admits men and cultivates an inclusive environment, supporting students of various backgrounds, life stages and credentials. The diversity of age, gender, academic focus and socioeconomic status creates a community where learners feel visible and supported. Small class sizes, accessible faculty and strong support services help ensure students from under‑represented backgrounds find pathways to success. Programs like the Honors College, dual‑enrollment for high school students and adult learner orientation further enhance inclusivity, and the university’s recognition for social mobility demonstrates its commitment to lifting students into meaningful careers regardless of their starting point.
Average Earnings
Graduates of Mississippi University for Women enter a range of fields including nursing, education, business, health sciences, and social services—areas that traditionally hire generously in the regional economy. The relatively low tuition and strong value rankings suggest that alumni achieve solid returns on their educational investment. Many graduates earn competitive starting salaries in nursing or allied health professions, while others pursue leadership or graduate training. The institution reports low average debt and emphasizes career readiness and affordability, allowing graduates to realize earnings growth efficiently. While precise average earnings vary by major, the institution’s commitment to student outcomes and regional workforce needs positions alumni to build successful careers with manageable debt burdens.
Mississippi University for Women Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Mississippi University for Women employs a faculty body characterized by small class sizes and personalized teaching, with professors who often engage directly with students in advising, research, service and professional development. Support staff in student success, residence life, career services, accessibility services and alumni relations enhance the learning environment. The university prides itself on fostering a close‑knit academic community where students know their instructors and receive mentoring tailored to their ambitions.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at MUW include educators and scholars in liberal arts, health sciences, education, leadership studies and business. Some hold distinguished records in their disciplines, engage in regional scholarship, professional practice or service‑learning projects. For example, the university’s nursing faculty oversees high licensure‑pass rates and strong program reputation. The university’s historical commitment to women’s leadership and professional preparation manifests in faculty mentorship, experiential learning opportunities and collaborative student‑faculty research or service activities.
Mississippi University for Women Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus offers residential living options including traditional halls and apartments, as well as commuter student support. Housing is designed to foster student engagement, leadership and community, with amenities tailored to undergraduate life. Student organizations—such as Greek life, honor societies, student government, leadership programs, and cultural clubs—provide opportunities for involvement, networking and personal growth. Athletics (Division III) and recreational programs contribute to balanced student life, while campus events, arts and service programs enhance the holistic experience. Housing costs vary by residence hall and include meal plan options; the university provides financial‑aid counselling to help students manage residence costs and minimize debt.
Transportation
Mississippi University for Women’s campus in Columbus is situated in a small city context with readily accessible roads and campus parking for commuters. For students commuting, the university offers parking facilities, and campus transit options or shuttle services may be available during peak events or athletic game days. The campus layout allows for walkability between academic buildings, residence halls, student center and recreational areas. The city of Columbus offers regional bus services and nearby airports in regional hubs allow travel connectivity. Overall the transportation infrastructure supports traditional residential students, commuters and adult learners alike.