Best Online Liberal Arts 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 3 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Hattiesburg, with tuition ranging from $8,373 to $61,025 per year. In the Hattiesburg, MS metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $66,930 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Hattiesburg
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Hattiesburg city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millsaps College | Jackson, MS | 86.5 mi | $43,815 - $61,025 | – |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond, LA | 87.4 mi | $8,373 - $22,647 | – |
| Mississippi College | Clinton, MS | 92.6 mi | $21,698 - $39,167 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Mississippi schools on the Mississippi liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,990 | Hattiesburg, MS | $70,765 |
| Management Analyst | $66,930 | Hattiesburg, MS | $76,404 |
| Technical Writer | $62,680 | MS statewide | $71,553 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $44,160 | MS statewide | $50,411 |
| Editor | $49,510 | MS statewide | $56,518 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $44,730 | Hattiesburg, MS | $51,062 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $48,820 | Hattiesburg, MS | $55,731 |
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 |
Other Hattiesburg-Area Cities With Liberal Arts 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 liberal arts programs are near Hattiesburg, MS?
Our directory lists 3 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Hattiesburg. The closest is Millsaps College in Jackson, MS (86.5 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 liberal arts roles near Hattiesburg?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Hattiesburg are: Management Analyst ($66,930), Technical Writer ($62,680), Public Relations Specialist ($61,990). 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 liberal arts 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 liberal arts?
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
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in Mississippi
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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