University of Mississippi Acceptance Rate 2026: 97.4% Admit Rate, GPA, SAT, ACT & Admissions Guide
Direct answer: The University of Mississippi acceptance rate for 2026 planning is about 97.4%, based on a recent Common Data Set reference showing 37,621 applicants, 36,635 admitted students and 5,458 enrolled first-year students.
Ole Miss is accessible for many prepared students, but “high acceptance rate” does not mean “ignore requirements.” Admission still depends on your College Preparatory Curriculum, GPA, residency, ACT/SAT situation, transcript and available space.
Use this guide for the answers students actually need: acceptance rate, GPA paths, SAT/ACT ranges, test-optional rules, in-state vs out-of-state odds, application steps, scholarship deadline, cost, international requirements, video guide and FAQs.
Recent CDS reference: 36,635 admits from 37,621 applicants.
Fall 2025 incoming class average GPA was reported at 3.58.
Middle 50% benchmark among enrolled students who submitted SAT.
Middle 50% benchmark among enrolled students who submitted ACT.
Quick navigation for Ole Miss applicants
University of Mississippi acceptance rate 2026: answer, numbers and meaning
| Search question | Recent data | What it means for applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Ole Miss acceptance rate 2026 | About 97.4% | Admission is accessible, but students still need to meet freshman requirements. |
| Total applicants | 37,621 | Ole Miss receives a large applicant pool, so apply early and send complete documents. |
| Total admitted | 36,635 | Most applicants who meet requirements are admitted. |
| First-year enrolled | 5,458 | Housing, orientation and scholarships still require early action after admission. |
| Is it selective? | Not highly selective by admit rate. | Focus on eligibility, scholarships, program fit and cost rather than fear of rejection. |
Ole Miss in-state vs out-of-state acceptance rate
For most applicants, Ole Miss is not much harder from out of state. The bigger difference is usually cost, scholarship strategy and the testing guidance for nonresident applicants.
| Applicant group | Applicants | Admitted | Calculated admit rate | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi residents | 4,307 | 4,230 | About 98.2% | Follow Mississippi CPC, GPA and score pathways. |
| Out-of-state applicants | 32,875 | 31,976 | About 97.3% | Nonresidents with 3.2+ unweighted GPA may have scores optional. |
| International applicants | 439 | 429 | About 97.7% | Transcripts, English proficiency and visa/cost proof matter. |
Ole Miss GPA, SAT and ACT: what is competitive?
GPA answer
3.2 is an important number for several admission paths. Mississippi residents can qualify with CPC and 3.2 GPA; nonresidents with 3.2+ unweighted GPA may have ACT/SAT optional.
Freshman GPA context
The Fall 2025 freshman class entered with an average GPA of 3.58, showing that admitted students are generally solid college-prep students.
SAT answer
990–1175 SAT is the recent middle 50% benchmark among enrolled score submitters, with a reported median around 1080.
ACT answer
21–29 ACT is the recent middle 50% benchmark among enrolled score submitters, with a reported median around 25.
| Academic item | Ole Miss detail | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi resident GPA path | CPC + 3.2 GPA can qualify one admission route. | Confirm your CPC coursework and GPA calculation. |
| Resident score path | CPC + 2.5 GPA or top-half rank + ACT 16 / SAT equivalent is another route. | Submit scores if they support required eligibility. |
| Lower GPA score route | CPC + 2.0 GPA + ACT 18 / SAT equivalent is listed as another pathway. | Scores matter more if GPA is lower. |
| Nonresident 3.2+ GPA | ACT/SAT is optional for nonresidents with 3.2+ unweighted cumulative GPA. | Submit scores if they help scholarships or placement. |
| Nonresident below 3.2 GPA | ACT/SAT is strongly recommended. | A good score can reduce risk and support admission review. |
| Superscoring | Ole Miss accepts same-test ACT/SAT superscores for admission. | Send official scores if your superscore helps your profile. |
Ole Miss freshman admission requirements: simple decision guide
| Applicant type | What Ole Miss reviews | What to do before applying |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi applicant | Application, College Preparatory Curriculum, unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT if provided or needed. | Check CPC units before senior year ends. |
| Nonresident applicant | Same core items plus ACT/SAT guidance, curriculum rigor and available seats. | If GPA is below 3.2, strongly consider submitting a score. |
| Homeschooled applicant | Homeschool transcript or portfolio plus ACT/SAT and GPA based on admission rules. | Prepare a clear transcript and final official notarized transcript. |
| International freshman | High school transcript, English proficiency when required and freshman admission rules. | Start translations, English testing and visa/cost documents early. |
| Competitive programs | Some competitive programs and scholarships require extra application steps. | Watch the January 10 CAPApp and Freshman Scholarship Application deadline. |
University of Mississippi application materials
Ole Miss says applicants can use the university application or the Common App. The core application file should be simple, complete and submitted early enough for processing.
| Material | Why it matters | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Six-semester transcript | Ole Miss asks for your high school transcript through junior year. | Waiting for final senior transcript before applying. |
| Senior course schedule | Shows whether you are completing college-prep coursework. | Taking an easy senior year that weakens preparation. |
| ACT/SAT | May support admission, placement, superscoring and scholarships. | Assuming test optional means scores never matter. |
| Application status | Ole Miss says processing can take about three to four weeks after all materials arrive. | Not checking myOleMiss or the status portal. |
| Scholarship forms | Freshman Scholarship Application and CAPApp deadline is January 10. | Getting admitted but missing scholarship deadlines. |
Ole Miss admissions video guide
Watch the video, then use the checklist below to decide whether Ole Miss is a likely, target or scholarship-focused option for you.
Scholarships, financial aid and cost: what matters before you apply
| Money question | Official detail / useful answer | Action step |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarship application deadline | January 10 for the Freshman Scholarship Application and CAPApp. | Apply for admission first, then submit scholarship forms before Jan. 10. |
| FAFSA | Ole Miss directs students to submit the FAFSA after applying/admission steps. | Use Ole Miss FAFSA code 002440. |
| Mississippi state aid | Mississippi residents should also apply for state aid. | Do not rely only on institutional scholarships. |
| Cost estimate | Ole Miss cost page gives direct and indirect cost estimates by student type. | Compare in-state, out-of-state, housing, food, travel and personal costs. |
| Out-of-state students | Out-of-state tuition is much higher than resident tuition. | Use GPA/test scholarships and net price tools early. |
International applicants: quick Ole Miss requirements
Ole Miss international freshman pages describe rolling admission, meaning students can apply and usually expect a decision within a few weeks once complete.
The transcript should include at least six semesters of secondary coursework; international documents may need official English translation.
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE-A or other approved proof may be needed unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.
Applicants below certain English scores may request conditional admission if they meet other undergraduate requirements.
Ole Miss application checklist: scan before submitting
Common mistakes that hurt Ole Miss applicants
- Assuming 97.4% means no requirements: Ole Miss still checks CPC, GPA and score rules.
- Ignoring the 3.2 GPA mark: This number matters for both resident pathways and nonresident test-optional strategy.
- Skipping ACT/SAT too quickly: Scores can help if your GPA is lower or if scholarships require them.
- Missing January 10: Freshman scholarships and competitive programs use a separate deadline.
- Waiting until the last minute: Ole Miss says processing can take three to four weeks after materials arrive.
- Not sending official scores when needed: If using scores for eligibility or scholarships, send them properly.
- Not checking application status: Use the portal instead of assuming everything arrived.
- Forgetting housing timing: Freshmen are required to live in university-managed housing, so admitted-student steps matter.
- Only comparing tuition: Housing, food, transportation and personal costs change the real budget.
- International students delaying documents: Translations, English testing and visa cost proof take time.
Official Ole Miss links and sources
The key details are summarized above. Use these official pages to verify current rules before submitting your application, scholarship forms or financial aid documents.
Official annual CDS reports for admissions, academics, cost, aid and enrollment data.
Freshman admission requirements, resident and nonresident rules, CPC and GPA pathways.
Application materials, transcript, senior schedule, ACT/SAT, superscoring and status checks.
Ole Miss application links for undergraduate freshman, transfer and international applicants.
Estimated direct and indirect costs for different student types.
Scholarship application, aid steps, FAFSA and financial aid office details.
FAQs about University of Mississippi acceptance rate 2026
What is the University of Mississippi acceptance rate for 2026?
For 2026 planning, use about 97.4% as the recent Common Data Set acceptance-rate reference. The data shows 37,621 applicants and 36,635 admitted students.
Is Ole Miss hard to get into?
Ole Miss is not highly selective by overall admit rate. Admission is accessible for many students who complete college-prep requirements and meet GPA/score rules.
What GPA do you need for Ole Miss?
Mississippi residents can qualify through several GPA/score pathways, including CPC plus 3.2 GPA, or CPC plus 2.5 GPA/top-half rank with ACT 16 or SAT equivalent. Nonresidents with 3.2+ unweighted GPA may have scores optional.
Is Ole Miss test optional?
Ole Miss has test-optional options for many applicants. Nonresidents with a 3.2 unweighted GPA or higher may apply without ACT/SAT, while scores are strongly recommended below 3.2 and may help with scholarships.
What SAT score is good for Ole Miss?
A recent benchmark shows the SAT middle 50% at 990–1175 among enrolled students who submitted scores. A score inside or above this range can support admission, scholarships or placement.
What ACT score is good for Ole Miss?
A recent benchmark shows the ACT middle 50% at 21–29 among enrolled students who submitted scores. Ole Miss also accepts same-test superscores for admission.
Does Ole Miss use the Common App?
Yes. Students can apply using the Ole Miss undergraduate application or the Common App.
Does Ole Miss offer Early Action or Early Decision?
The recent Common Data Set reference lists Early Decision and Early Action as not offered. Students should still apply early because processing can take three to four weeks and scholarship deadlines are separate.
What is the Ole Miss scholarship deadline?
The Freshman Scholarship Application and Competitive Academic Programs Application deadline is January 10.
Is Ole Miss harder for out-of-state students?
The recent data shows very similar admit rates: about 98.2% in-state and 97.3% out-of-state. Out-of-state students should focus more on cost, scholarships and test-score strategy.