We need to keep in mind that there are variables outside of USM's control that are used to generate these rankings:

Alumni giving: our alums are not going to match MIT's, Princeton's or Harvard. The amount they can give will be less than graduates of most other universities outside of Mississippi (keep in mind, Mississippi chronically ranks at the bottom in per capita income).

Faculty resources: USM isn't in a financial position to give its faculty the same resources as other universities due to limited state allocations. We also don't have a med school, engineering school or law school - these types of schools usually provide their faculty with resources that USM can't.

Student selectivity: USM has a mandate to educate just about every breathing high school graduate in the state. We aren't allowed to be more selective.

Graduation rate performance: since USM is mandated to admit the marginally qualified student, its not surprising that those students graduate less frequently than students with better qualifications.

Retention and Graduation: Minimally qualified students tend to drop out, in spite of USM's reluctance to expel students who are chronically on probation and suspension.

Peer assessment: Mississippi has always been poorly regarded by those in other states. Its not surprising that some official in Montana who has never been to Mississippi (or even met someone from Misssissippi) rates the Mississippi universities lower than other non-Mississippi universities.

Can USM do better? Yes. Can USM make the next tier? Perhaps. Can USM be in the top half. No - there are simply too many obstacles outside of USM's control.