Best Online Education Programs in Columbus, MS (2026)
Columbus, Mississippi has a population of about 23,616. The city’s median household income is $40,588 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 25.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. In Mississippi, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, Postsecondary at a median $85,670 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Columbus
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Columbus city center.
No Columbus-area programs are currently indexed in our directory.
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Mississippi schools on the Mississippi education page.
Education Wages Near Columbus
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Mississippi, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $49,340 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $48,440 |
| Middle School Teacher | $49,720 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $61,150 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $81,760 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $85,670 |
| Tutor | $52,060 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $59,630 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Columbus at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,616 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $40,588 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 25.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Education-related employment in Lowndes County | 156 workers, 14 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Columbus-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Starkville, MS – 24.2 mi away (32,441 pop)
- Northport, AL – 50.1 mi away (25,045 pop)
- Tupelo, MS – 55.2 mi away (46,095 pop)
- Meridian, MS – 79.3 mi away (39,478 pop)
- Bessemer, AL – 83.7 mi away (26,511 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the highest-paying education roles in Mississippi?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying education-related roles in Mississippi are: Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($85,670), Education Administrator, K-12 ($81,760), Education Teacher, Postsecondary ($61,150). Wages for Columbus workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Starkville instead of Columbus?
Starkville, MS is 24.2 miles from Columbus and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Columbus an affordable place to study education?
Columbus’s median household income of $40,588 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Columbus while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Mississippi public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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