Student Loan in Hattiesburg, MS (2026)

Hattiesburg Overview

Hattiesburg is a key market in Mississippi with a population of 85,086 and a median household income of $42,000. The median home price stands at $145,000, shaping the local borrowing landscape.

Rates & Terms

Federal student loan rates for 2026 are fixed at approximately 5.5% for undergraduates and 7.05% for graduate students.

Parent PLUS loans carry a fixed rate of approximately 8.05% for 2026, plus an origination fee of over 4%.

Requirements in Hattiesburg

Private student lenders in Hattiesburg typically require a minimum credit score of 650 or a creditworthy co-signer.

Income and employment verification may be required for private loans; some lenders offer future-income-based underwriting for medical and law students.

Mississippi Regulations

Mississippi allows payday lending with regulated fee structures.

• Usury Limit: 10% (non-licensed), no limit (licensed)
• Payday Lending: Legal, max $500, 18% fee

Local Market Insights

Graduates in Hattiesburg benefit from a median income of $42,000, which supports manageable student loan repayment.

Local scholarships and employer tuition reimbursement programs in MS can reduce reliance on student loans.

Borrowing Tips for Hattiesburg

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness can eliminate remaining federal loan balances after 10 years of qualifying payments.
• Borrow only what you need; every dollar borrowed accrues interest that increases your total repayment cost.
• Explore income-driven repayment plans after graduation; they cap payments at 10-20% of discretionary income.