MSU ranks high on Forbes’ 2025 list of best Mississippi employers
Contact: Carl Smith
STARKVILLE, Miss.—When it comes to the best places to work in the Magnolia State, Mississippi State is extremely high on the list.

Forbes is honoring the state’s leading land-grant institution with a top spot on its 2025 America’s Best Employers by State list, ranking it third overall in Mississippi. The university is the state’s highest-ranked educational organization and highest-ranked Mississippi-headquartered entity.
The full list is available at www.forbes.com/lists/best-employers-by-state.
“At MSU, you are part of a community that feels like family,” said Leslie Corey, MSU’s chief human resources officer. “Alongside meaningful work and a supportive environment, employees enjoy great benefits, including tuition assistance, generous leave and strong health and retirement plans. It’s a place where people are valued and supported.”
Forbes’ list is based on surveys compiled by market research firm Statista querying more than 160,000 employees who work for companies of at least 500 people. Respondents from across the country were asked how likely they would be to recommend their employer and to evaluate their jobs based on wage parity, work culture, paths to professional advancement, how their organizations handle serious issues and other criteria.
Forbes previously has recognized MSU nationally as one of America’s Best Large Employers, and MSU was the Magnolia State’s only institution of higher learning to earn a spot on the publication’s inaugural America’s Dream Employers list. Other accolades received include spots on Forbes’ 2025 lists of Best Employers for New Grads and Top Colleges.
Also in 2024, MSU achieved dual accolades from the Great Colleges to Work For program—its titular designation for the ninth consecutive year and placement on the Great Colleges Honor Roll—published by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Only 53 four-year institutions received the 2024 Great College to Work For status, and placement on the list represented top scores in multiple categories, including job satisfaction and support, compensation and benefits, professional development, mission and pride, confidence in senior leadership, shared governance, and faculty experience.
To explore career opportunities at MSU, visit www.msujobs.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.