Best Online Engineering 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. There are 5 accredited engineering programs within 100 miles of Columbus, with tuition ranging from $3,420 to $33,200 per year. In Mississippi, the top-earning engineering-related role is Architectural and Engineering Manager at a median $136,010 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Engineering Schools to Columbus
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer engineering programs. Distances are calculated from Columbus city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State University | Mississippi State, MS | 22.0 mi | $9,815 - $26,922 | – |
| East Mississippi Community College | Scooba, MS | 47.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Itawamba Community College | Fulton, MS | 53.0 mi | $3,420 - $11,557 | – |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 54.2 mi | $11,900 - $33,200 | – |
| Shelton State Community College | Tuscaloosa, AL | 56.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Mississippi schools on the Mississippi engineering page.
Engineering Wages Near Columbus
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Mississippi, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $103,940 |
| Electrical Engineer | $100,840 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $90,730 |
| Chemical Engineer | $102,470 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $96,810 |
| Biomedical Engineer | N/A |
| Environmental Engineer | $81,780 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $136,010 |
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) |
| Engineering-related employment in Lowndes County | 72 workers, 11 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Columbus-Area Cities With Engineering 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
How many accredited engineering programs are near Columbus, MS?
Our directory lists 5 engineering programs within 100 miles of Columbus. The closest is Mississippi State University in Mississippi State, MS (22.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Shelton State Community College (56.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying engineering roles in Mississippi?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying engineering-related roles in Mississippi are: Architectural and Engineering Manager ($136,010), Civil Engineer ($103,940), Chemical Engineer ($102,470). 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 engineering 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 engineering?
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
- Online Engineering Programs in Mississippi
- Main Engineering Degree Guide
- Engineering Programs by State
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