Best Online Engineering Programs in Laurel, MS (2026)
Laurel, Mississippi has a population of about 17,129. The city’s median household income is $37,781 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 20.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited engineering programs within 100 miles of Laurel, with tuition ranging from $3,932 to $14,975 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 Laurel
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer engineering programs. Distances are calculated from Laurel city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jones County Junior College | Ellisville, MS | 7.7 mi | $4,000 - $14,975 | – |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | 27.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| East Central Community College | Decatur, MS | 51.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Meridian Community College | Meridian, MS | 52.4 mi | $3,932 - $13,402 | – |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | Perkinston, MS | 63.1 mi | $3,950 - $12,908 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Mississippi schools on the Mississippi engineering page.
Engineering Wages Near Laurel
| 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.
Laurel at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,129 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $37,781 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 20.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Engineering-related employment in Jones County | 78 workers, 11 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Laurel-Area Cities With Engineering Programs
- Hattiesburg, MS – 28.7 mi away (81,995 pop)
- Meridian, MS – 54.6 mi away (39,478 pop)
- Brandon, MS – 63.8 mi away (23,826 pop)
- Pearl, MS – 68.3 mi away (26,485 pop)
- Jackson, MS – 75.8 mi away (342,607 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited engineering programs are near Laurel, MS?
Our directory lists 5 engineering programs within 100 miles of Laurel. The closest is Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, MS (7.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (63.1 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 Laurel workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Hattiesburg instead of Laurel?
Hattiesburg, MS is 28.7 miles from Laurel 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 Laurel an affordable place to study engineering?
Laurel’s median household income of $37,781 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Laurel 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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