Top Military Schools in Mississippi 2024 | All You Need to Know

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Due to the limited number of military schools in Mississippi, Mississippi is not among the best places to search for military high schools, colleges, and military-friendly academies for troubled youth.

However, the available few have a longstanding reputation of excellence and a structure that effortlessly leads interested cadets into the military upon graduation. 

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Because we understand that searching for the perfect school can be a herculean task because you may have little or no knowledge about these schools, we have put together a guide to help with your search. 

This guide explains the best Mississippi military schools based on reputation, academics, college placement, admission requirements, tuition cost, and academic style.

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Let’s dive in!!!

How Many Military Schools Are In Mississippi?

Mississippi has just 2 military colleges and one military-friendly school: Mississippi Youth ChalleNGe Academy. There are no military high schools in Mississippi.

The two military colleges in Mississippi ready cadets not just to learn skills and become productive members of society, they are ready cadets to join the military.

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Best Military Schools To Apply To In Mississippi 

As stated above, Mississippi is home to both core military schools and military-friendly high schools and colleges.

Here we bring you details about each of these schools, the age requirement for application, and all you need to know to decide whether or not the school is a perfect fit for your child.

#1. University of Mississippi

  • Grades: College
  • School Type: Public 
  • Number of Faculty: 6,000 
  • Number of Students: 20,000 
  • Military Program: Army and Naval ROTC 
  • Location: 115 Northgate Drive, PMB 9445, University, MS 38677

The University of Mississippi popularly referred to as Ole Miss is home to one of Mississippi’s best military programs. The University of Mississippi has an Army and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit. 

Although the school places emphasis on its military science program, it also requires all midshipmen of Ole Miss’ ROTC program to strive for academic excellence. Cadets enrolled on the Army ROTC, not just work toward getting a diploma but also towards becoming better leaders.

Being a military student at the University of Mississippi does not exempt you from being a normal student. All cadets have schedules like other students, just that there is an additional field training and military exercises. 

Also, beyond that, you can participate in events and activities year-round with fellow Cadets that will improve your college experience.

ENROLL ON THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI ROTC 

#2. University of Southern Mississippi AROTC

  • Grades: College
  • School Type: Public 
  • Number of Faculty: 800 
  • Number of Students: 18,000 
  • Military Program: Army ROTC 
  • Location: 118 College Dr, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, United States

Another of the best military schools in Mississippi is the University of Southern Mississippi. The University of Southern Mississippi has an Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program open to college students who intend to join the US Army. 

The University of Southern Mississippi Army ROTC program, prepares students to be innovators and sound leaders. Graduates of the USM Army Reserve Officer Training Corps become lieutenants for the Army, the National Guard, and the US Army Reserves. 

Military classes at the University cover infantry, military intelligence, aviation, engineering, armor, and medical services corps. 

To be accepted into the University of Southern Mississippi Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program, prospective students must demonstrate a capacity for excellence, must be confident that they will be competent Army leaders, and lastly, they must be committed to the Army for the duration and be open-minded about further service.

As one of the best military schools and colleges in Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi AROTC program offers many scholarships for eligible students for two and four years. 

To become a cadet at USM, apply to the University. Then fill out the Questionnaire. 

ENROLL ON THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI AROTC 

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#3. Mississippi Youth ChalleNGe Academy 

  • Grades: 16-18 
  • School Type: Public 
  • Number of Faculty: N/A 
  • Number of Students: N/A
  • Military Program: 22-week residential phase 
  • Location: Bldg. 80 Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, MS 39407, United States

Although the Mississippi Youth ChalleNGe Academy is often regarded as one of the best military schools in Mississippi due to its military training style, it is a military-friendly school.

The Mississippi Youth ChalleNGe Academy is one of the schools open to troubled youth in the state, boys and girls. Under this roof, troubled youths gain structure in character and education. 

The program consists of a 22-week residential phase military-based training and education program that focuses on the development of the whole person.  Emphasis is placed on 8 core training: leadership and followership, community service, gaining job skills, life coping skills, education excellence, responsible citizenship, health, sex education and nutrition and physical fitness.

After the 22-week residential program is a one-year post-residential mentoring program.  The Post Residential Plan focuses on mentorship, advice, assistance, regular monitoring of the graduate’s status, progress in obtaining employment and/or pursuing further education, and providing support within the means of the program.

The Mississippi Youth ChalleNGe Academy is an environment for young men and ladies to take control of their lives. Remember that the Youth ChalleNGe Academy (YCA) is part of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. 

ENROLL AT MISSISSIPPI YOUTH CHALLENGE ACADEMY 

Are There Military High Schools In Mississippi?

As of 2022, there are no military high schools in Mississippi after the closure of Bethel Boys Academy and Chamberlain-Hunt Academy. When it comes to military school in Mississippi, all you can find are colleges. 

If your candidates are of high school age and you need to enroll them into a military high school, look out for other states of the USA, such as Georgia, Indiana, and Michigan.

How Much Does It Cost To Attend Military Schools In Mississippi? 

The Mississippi Youth ChalleNGe Academy does not require any tuition cost as well as other military colleges in Mississippi. 

Although free, schools such as the University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi require prospective students to apply for any scholarships and financial aid before enrollment.

To be sure that the tuition status of each of the schools is the same, visit the school’s website for clarity and updated information. Also, take advantage of the financial aid schemes, scholarships, and payment options for its eligible cadets.

ALSO READ: 10 Best Colleges in Mississippi for Students

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Military Colleges

Are There Free Military Schools In Mississippi?

Yes, the Mississippi National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy is tuition-free and open to at-risk teenagers and troubled youth ages 16-18.  

The University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Mississippi are also free due to the scholarship opportunities offered to students interested in the program ranging from $4,000 to $28,000 annually (4-year total of $12,000 to $112,000).

However, keep in mind that the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Mississippi scholarship comes with a 4 years service in the military after graduation. 

What age range do military schools in Mississippi typically serve?

Military schools in Mississippi are mainly colleges as such, they typically serve students within the college age. The Mississippi National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy, which is the only military-friendly school in Mississippi, is open to candidates between 16-18 years of age. 

What is the Mississippi National Guard Youth Challenge Program?

The Mississippi National Guard Youth Challenge Program is a 22-week residential program in Mississippi open to at-risk youths and teenagers between 16-18. The program seeks to provide an environment for young men and ladies to take control of their lives and accept responsibility for their past, present, and future behavior. 

The Mississippi Youth ChalleNGe Academy is part of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. Upon completion of the program, students become strong leaders in character and academics. Most graduates of this program go on to coach others who were just like them.

Are military academies in Mississippi only for students who plan to join the military?

No, military academies in Mississippi are open to both civilians and people who want to join the military. Only the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Mississippi offer ROTC programs with scholarships that commission you a lieutenant upon graduation into the Army.

Schools such as the Mississippi Youth ChalleNGe Academy are not weird to make you join the Army or any force upon graduation. So while some students may want to pursue a military career, others may want to pursue other careers that require strong leadership skills, such as business or politics.

What opportunities are available for graduates of military schools in Mississippi?

Graduates of military schools in Mississippi come out ready for any career of their choice including the military. Also, some get to join law enforcement, and other professions that require strong leadership skills.

What is the application process for military schools in Mississippi?

Because of the varying difference in requirements from school to school in Mississippi, the application for military schools in the state are not the same. However, most of these schools require a similar application process and requirements. 

The application process for military academies in Mississippi typically involves submitting

  • Transcripts
  • Test scores
  • Application
  • Personal statement.
  • Letters of recommendation

Keep in mind that some schools may also require an interview or an admissions test. Researching individual schools to determine their specific application requirements and deadlines is important.

Conclusion 

Scouting for military schools and colleges in Mississippi is quite a task owing to the very few colleges and the absence of military high schools in the state.

With the available few, Mississippi military colleges are equipped to train college students to become better citizens, leaders in character and actions, and better excellent students in academics and military training. You can be sure that upon graduation, your ward is ready to face life’s challenges with utter discipline and without losing character. 

To make a good choice, we advise you to carefully go through the different school’s websites and verify their school requirements and apply. Ensure to choose the school whose program best suits your preference. 

We hope you find it a perfect pick for your child. If not, visit our website to explore other states in the USA and the available military schools. 

References

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