Best Online Education Programs in Hattiesburg, MS (2026)
Hattiesburg, Mississippi has a population of about 48,507. The city’s median household income is $44,140 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 35.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 2 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Hattiesburg, with tuition ranging from $9,090 to $39,167 per year. 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 Hattiesburg
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Hattiesburg city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson State University | Jackson, MS | 86.1 mi | $9,090 - $28,611 | – |
| Mississippi College | Clinton, MS | 92.6 mi | $21,698 - $39,167 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Mississippi schools on the Mississippi education page.
Education Wages Near Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg is part of the Hattiesburg, MS metro area (BLS area code 25620). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Mississippi statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $48,320 | Hattiesburg, MS | $55,160 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $47,300 | Hattiesburg, MS | $53,995 |
| Middle School Teacher | $48,610 | Hattiesburg, MS | $55,491 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $61,150 | MS statewide | $69,806 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $77,010 | Hattiesburg, MS | $87,911 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $85,670 | MS statewide | $97,797 |
| Tutor | $52,060 | MS statewide | $59,429 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $61,010 | Hattiesburg, MS | $69,646 |
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.
Hattiesburg at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,507 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $44,140 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 35.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 87.6 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Education-related employment in Forrest County | 591 workers, 11 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Hattiesburg-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Laurel, MS – 28.7 mi away (26,433 pop)
- Gulfport, MS – 62.6 mi away (222,131 pop)
- Biloxi, MS – 63.7 mi away (45,975 pop)
- Slidell, LA – 75.7 mi away (94,320 pop)
- Brandon, MS – 77.8 mi away (23,826 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Hattiesburg, MS?
Our directory lists 2 education programs within 100 miles of Hattiesburg. The closest is Jackson State University in Jackson, MS (86.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Mississippi College (92.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles near Hattiesburg?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying education-related roles near Hattiesburg are: Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($85,670), Education Administrator, K-12 ($77,010), Education Teacher, Postsecondary ($61,150). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Mississippi statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Laurel instead of Hattiesburg?
Laurel, MS is 28.7 miles from Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg an affordable place to study education?
Hattiesburg’s median household income of $44,140 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Hattiesburg 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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