Mississippi Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources
Complete directory of Mississippi VA medical centers in Jackson and Biloxi, education programs, veteran employment resources, and support services across the state.
Mississippi serves approximately 156,000 veterans - about 6.9% of the state's adult population. Whether you're transitioning from Keesler Air Force Base, NAS Meridian, or moving to Mississippi for retirement, you need to know what healthcare facilities, education benefits, and job opportunities are available.
This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Mississippi veterans.
Bottom Line Up Front
Healthcare: Mississippi has 2 VA medical centers (Jackson, Biloxi), 7 community-based clinics, 2 Vet Centers, and 4 state veterans homes - excellent VA healthcare coverage for a smaller state
Education: In-state tuition at all Mississippi public universities and colleges for GI Bill users; University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University both offer veteran-specific benefits including non-resident waivers
Employment: State hiring preference for veterans, two major military installations (Keesler AFB, NAS Meridian), veteran unemployment assistance, Show-Me Heroes-style programs
Veteran Population Hotspots: Hinds County (Jackson area - 10,000+), Harrison County (Gulfport/Biloxi - 15,000+), areas near Keesler AFB and NAS Meridian
VA Healthcare Facilities in Mississippi
VA Medical Centers
Mississippi has two full VA medical centers providing comprehensive care.
1. G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans' Administration Medical Center (Jackson)
Address: 1500 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216 Phone: (601) 362-4471 Main line: 1-800-949-1009
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health services (comprehensive PTSD treatment)
- Surgery (general, orthopedic, vascular)
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Women's health
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory services
- Radiology/imaging
- Physical therapy/rehabilitation
- Dental services
Specialty programs:
- Mental health residential rehabilitation
- PTSD clinical team
- Substance abuse treatment (inpatient and outpatient)
- Homeless veteran services
- Post-deployment health services
- Military sexual trauma treatment
- Telehealth services
Service area: Northern and central Mississippi
Location advantage: Located in state capital, easily accessible via I-20 and I-55
Parking: Large parking lots available on-site (free)
History: Named for G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, longtime Mississippi congressman and champion of veterans' benefits who served in WWII and represented Mississippi for 30 years.
2. Biloxi VA Medical Center (Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System)
Address: 400 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39531-2410 Phone: (228) 523-5000 Toll-free: 1-800-296-8872
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health services
- Emergency care
- Surgery (general, orthopedic)
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Neurology
- Women's health
- Dental services
- Audiology
- Physical therapy
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory services
- Radiology/imaging
Specialty programs:
- Mental health services
- Telehealth services
- Women's health
- Homeless veteran programs
- Polytrauma/TBI care
Service area: South Mississippi and parts of Alabama, Florida panhandle
Location advantage: Located on Mississippi Gulf Coast near Keesler Air Force Base, serves large coastal veteran population
Parking: On-site parking available (free)
Part of: VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, which also has 4 community-based outpatient clinics in Mobile, AL; Pensacola, FL; Panama City, FL; and Eglin Air Force Base, FL
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)
Mississippi VA operates 7 CBOCs to extend healthcare access across the state, all part of the Jackson VA Healthcare System.
Columbus VA Clinic
Address: 824 Alabama Street, Columbus, MS 39702-5436 Phone: (662) 244-6950
Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory
Counties served: Lowndes, Clay, Monroe
Location: Near Columbus Air Force Base
Greenville VA Clinic
Address: 1651 Highway 1 South, Suite 1D, Greenville, MS 38701-7803 Phone: (662) 332-9872
Services: Primary care, mental health
Counties served: Washington, Bolivar, Sunflower (Mississippi Delta region)
Hattiesburg VA Clinic
Address: 5003 Hardy Street, Tower B, Suite 402, Hattiesburg, MS 39402-1331 Phone: (601) 296-3530
Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory
Counties served: Forrest, Lamar, Perry
Location: Near University of Southern Mississippi, Camp Shelby
Kosciusko VA Clinic
Address: 405 West Adams Street, Kosciusko, MS 39090-3617 Phone: (662) 289-1900
Services: Primary care, mental health
Counties served: Attala, Leake, Winston
McComb VA Clinic
Address: 1308 Harrison Avenue, McComb, MS 39648-2830 Phone: (601) 684-7204
Services: Primary care, mental health
Counties served: Pike, Amite, Lincoln
Meridian VA Clinic
Address: 2103 13th Street, Meridian, MS 39301-4045 Phone: (601) 482-7154
Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory
Counties served: Lauderdale, Kemper, Noxubee
Location: Near Naval Air Station Meridian
Natchez VA Clinic
Address: 105 Northgate Drive, Suite 2, Natchez, MS 39120-9162 Phone: (601) 442-7141
Services: Primary care, mental health
Counties served: Adams, Wilkinson, Jefferson
Tupelo VA Clinic (VA Memphis Healthcare System)
Address: 1114 Commonwealth Boulevard, Tupelo, MS 38804-4753 Phone: (662) 844-4865
Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth
Counties served: Lee, Pontotoc, Union (Northeast Mississippi)
Part of: VA Memphis Healthcare System (Tennessee)
Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)
Vet Centers provide free counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members. No VA enrollment required.
Services at both locations: PTSD counseling, substance abuse counseling, employment counseling, family counseling, bereavement counseling, sexual trauma counseling
No appointment needed for crisis counseling
Hours: Monday-Friday, some evening hours available by appointment
How to Enroll in VA Healthcare
Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit any VA medical center or clinic with your DD-214
Documents needed:
- DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
- Social Security card
- Insurance information (if you have other coverage)
- Income information (for copay determination)
Best practice: Enroll as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you have other insurance. This locks in your eligibility and priority group.
State Veterans Homes (Long-Term Care)
Mississippi operates four state veterans homes providing skilled nursing care - excellent facilities at reasonable costs.
1. Mississippi State Veterans Home - Jackson
Address: 4607 Lindbergh Drive, Jackson, MS 39209 Phone: (601) 364-7100
Capacity: 150 beds
Services: Skilled nursing care, long-term care, rehabilitation services
Features:
- Private and semi-private rooms
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
- Activities and recreation
- On-site medical director
- 24-hour nursing care
Location: Mississippi's capital city, near G.V. Montgomery VA Medical Center
2. Mississippi State Veterans Home - Oxford
Address: 119 County Road 383, Oxford, MS 38655 Phone: (662) 234-9481
Capacity: 156 beds
Services: Skilled nursing care, long-term care
Location: North Mississippi, near University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
3. Mississippi State Veterans Home - Collins
Address: 93 Magnolia Street, Collins, MS 39428 Phone: (601) 765-6244
Capacity: 150 beds
Services: Skilled nursing care, long-term care, rehabilitation
Location: South-central Mississippi
4. Mississippi State Veterans Home - Kosciusko
Address: 200 Veterans Drive, Kosciusko, MS 39090 Phone: (662) 289-3000
Capacity: 150 beds
Services: Skilled nursing care, long-term care
Location: Central Mississippi
NEW: Mississippi State Veterans Home - Tradition
Expected Opening: February 2025 (largest in the state)
This new facility will be double the size of the four existing homes and will significantly expand Mississippi's capacity to serve veterans requiring long-term care.
Eligibility for State Veterans Homes
Who qualifies:
- Veterans who served in U.S. Armed Forces and received other than dishonorable discharge
- Spouses of eligible veterans (at some facilities)
- Mississippi resident
Cost: Sliding scale based on income
- VA aid and attendance benefits can help cover costs
- Medicaid accepted
- Medicare coverage for skilled nursing
- Private pay rates competitive with civilian nursing homes
How to apply: Contact facility directly or Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board:
- Phone: 1-866-632-8182
- Website: msva.ms.gov
Education Benefits for Mississippi Veterans
In-State Tuition for Veterans (Choice Act)
Under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Mississippi public schools regardless of residency duration.
Eligibility:
- Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
- Living in Mississippi while attending school
- Enrolling within 3 years of discharge from 90+ days active duty
What this means: Out-of-state veterans pay the same tuition as Mississippi residents when using GI Bill benefits.
Mississippi Tuition Assistance for Children of Veterans
Children and stepchildren of qualified veterans may receive five standard academic years (ten semesters) at any Mississippi state-supported institution of higher learning at the in-state tuition rate.
Important 2024 Change: Beginning with applications received after July 1, 2024:
- Tuition is limited to the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Cap
- Required textbooks and fees are limited to a combined $2,000 total per student each semester
Eligibility: Children of veterans who:
- Were killed in action
- Died as a result of injuries in wartime service
- Were 100% permanently and totally disabled as a result of wartime service
- Are currently rated 100% service-connected disabled
How to apply: Contact Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board
Major Universities for Veterans
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) - Oxford
Veteran Services: Office of Veteran and Military Services Phone: (662) 915-7691 Website: vms.olemiss.edu
Benefits:
- Honorably discharged veterans are granted in-state tuition for all degrees by virtue of honorable service
- Once veterans exhaust their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, they gain access to the non-resident scholarship to pay for the remainder of their out-of-state tuition costs
- This covers the entire time they're enrolled in any Ole Miss academic program (undergraduate through law school)
Student veterans: 500+ military-connected students
Yellow Ribbon Program: Participates
Mississippi State University - Starkville
Veteran Services: Veterans Resource Center Phone: (662) 325-8826 Website: veterans.msstate.edu
Benefits:
- Non-resident waiver for military-connected students who do not live in Mississippi but are enrolled at MSU
- In-state tuition for qualifying veterans and dependents
- Yellow Ribbon Program participation
- VetSuccess on Campus counselor
Student veterans: 700+ military-connected students
Yellow Ribbon Program: Participates
University of Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg
Veteran Services: Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families Phone: (601) 266-5117
Benefits:
- In-state tuition for qualifying veterans
- Yellow Ribbon Program participation
- Strong support near Camp Shelby (largest National Guard training site east of Mississippi River)
Student veterans: 1,000+ military-connected students
Community Colleges
Mississippi's 15 community colleges all accept GI Bill benefits and offer in-state tuition to qualifying veterans. Community colleges provide affordable associate degrees and vocational training.
Popular community colleges for veterans:
- Pearl River Community College (near Hattiesburg)
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (near Keesler AFB)
- East Mississippi Community College
- Jones College
Vocational Rehabilitation
Mississippi Vocational Rehabilitation: Available for veterans with service-connected disabilities who need assistance with employment and training.
Contact: Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Phone: 1-800-443-1000
- Website: mdrs.ms.gov
Employment and Job Resources for Mississippi Veterans
State Hiring Preference
Mississippi provides veteran hiring preference for state government positions.
Who qualifies: Honorably discharged veterans
Benefit: Veterans receive additional points on civil service exams and preferential consideration for state jobs
How to claim: Provide DD-214 when applying for state positions
Contact: Mississippi State Personnel Board
- Phone: (601) 359-1406
- Website: mspb.ms.gov
Veteran Employment Resources
Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES)
Veterans Program: Provides employment assistance specifically for veterans
Services:
- Job search assistance
- Resume writing
- Interview preparation
- Skills assessment
- Training referrals
- Unemployment benefits for veterans
Contact:
- Phone: 1-888-844-3577
- Website: mdes.ms.gov
Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board
Employment Services: Connects veterans with employers and provides job placement assistance
Contact:
- Phone: 1-866-632-8182
- Website: msva.ms.gov
Major Military Installations (Civilian Jobs)
Keesler Air Force Base - Biloxi
Location: Biloxi, MS Phone: (228) 377-1110
Population: 10,000+ military and civilian personnel
Civilian opportunities:
- Civil service positions (engineers, IT specialists, administrative)
- Defense contractors (IT, maintenance, support)
- Non-appropriated fund (NAF) positions (recreation, food service, retail)
How to apply:
- USAJOBS.gov for civil service positions
- Contact base civilian personnel office: (228) 377-2268
Major mission: Technical training, 81st Training Wing, 403rd Wing, Hurricane Hunters
Naval Air Station Meridian - Meridian
Location: Meridian, MS Phone: (601) 679-2211
Population: 2,500+ military and civilian personnel
Civilian opportunities:
- Civil service positions (maintenance, administration, IT)
- Defense contractors (aircraft maintenance, support)
- NAF positions
How to apply:
- USAJOBS.gov for federal positions
- Contact base employment office
Major mission: Naval pilot training, Strike Fighter Training
Veteran-Friendly Employers in Mississippi
Major employers with veteran hiring programs:
- Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula) - 11,000+ employees, major Navy ship builder
- Nissan North America (Canton) - 6,000+ employees, auto manufacturing
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing (Blue Springs) - 2,000+ employees
- Chevron (Pascagoula) - Oil refinery
- Sanderson Farms (multiple locations) - Poultry processing
- Viking Range (Greenwood) - Appliance manufacturing
- Mississippi State Government - Veteran preference
Mississippi Veteran Business Programs
Mississippi Veterans Business Alliance
Provides resources and support for veteran-owned businesses.
Services:
- Business counseling
- Access to capital
- Networking opportunities
- Procurement assistance
Contact Mississippi Small Business Development Centers:
- Phone: (662) 325-8684
- Website: mssbdc.org
Federal Contracting Assistance
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification provides access to set-aside federal contracts.
How to verify: verify.sba.gov
Job Market Reality Check
Pros:
- Strong military community near bases
- State government jobs with veteran preference
- Growing manufacturing sector
- Low cost of living means modest salaries go further
- Defense contractors near Keesler AFB and NAS Meridian
Cons:
- Lower average wages than national average
- Smaller job market than larger states
- Higher unemployment rate than national average
- Limited tech industry
- Most opportunities in Jackson, Gulf Coast, or near military bases
Average salaries (Mississippi vs. National):
- Mississippi median household income: $52,985
- National median household income: $75,149
- Mississippi salaries are about 30% lower than national average, but cost of living is 21% lower, making the difference more manageable
Veteran Support Services
Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board
Main Office:
3466 Highway 80 East
Pearl, MS 39208
Phone: 1-866-632-8182
Website: msva.ms.gov
Services:
- Benefits assistance
- Claims help
- Education benefits guidance
- State veterans homes
- Cemetery information
- General veteran support
County Veterans Service Officers
Every Mississippi county has a Veterans Service Officer who can help with VA claims, benefits, and questions.
Find your county VSO: Contact Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board at 1-866-632-8182
American Legion and VFW Posts
Mississippi has numerous American Legion and VFW posts providing camaraderie, support, and assistance.
Find posts:
- American Legion: legion.org
- VFW: vfw.org
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Mississippi DAV Department:
- Phone: (601) 362-0809
- Provides transportation to VA medical appointments
- Benefits counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VA medical center should I use if I live in Jackson?
G.V. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson serves northern and central Mississippi. It's the primary facility for Jackson-area veterans.
Which VA facility serves the Gulf Coast?
Biloxi VA Medical Center serves south Mississippi and the Gulf Coast region. It's near Keesler Air Force Base.
Do I automatically get in-state tuition at Mississippi universities as a veteran?
If you're using GI Bill benefits and living in Mississippi while attending school, you qualify for in-state tuition under the Veterans Choice Act. Contact the school's veteran services office.
Can I use my GI Bill at Mississippi community colleges?
Yes. All 15 Mississippi community colleges accept GI Bill benefits and offer in-state tuition to qualifying veterans.
Does Mississippi have veteran hiring preference for state jobs?
Yes. Mississippi provides veteran hiring preference for state government positions. Provide your DD-214 when applying.
Where can I get help filing VA disability claims in Mississippi?
Contact your county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or the Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board at 1-866-632-8182. DAV also provides free assistance.
Are there jobs at Keesler Air Force Base for veterans?
Yes. Check USAJOBS.gov for civil service positions and contact the base civilian personnel office at (228) 377-2268. Defense contractors also hire near the base.
Do Mississippi state veterans homes accept VA benefits?
Yes. The state veterans homes accept VA aid and attendance benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Contact individual facilities for current rates and availability.
Can I get free healthcare at the VA without a service-connected disability?
It depends on your priority group, which is based on service history, income, and other factors. Apply at va.gov/health-care/apply or call 1-877-222-VETS to determine eligibility.
Is there a Vet Center in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi will have Vet Centers for readjustment counseling. Services are free and don't require VA enrollment. Check va.gov for current locations or call 1-877-222-VETS.
Key Takeaways
Mississippi provides strong support for veterans through:
- Two VA medical centers (Jackson, Biloxi) plus 7 CBOCs providing comprehensive healthcare
- In-state tuition at all public universities and colleges for GI Bill users
- Non-resident waivers at Ole Miss and Mississippi State for all veterans
- Four state veterans homes (plus new facility opening 2025) for long-term care
- Veteran hiring preference for state government jobs
- Civilian job opportunities at Keesler AFB and NAS Meridian
- Free benefits assistance through county VSOs and state veterans board
Honest assessment:
Strengths:
- Excellent VA healthcare coverage for a smaller state
- Strong university veteran support (Ole Miss, MSU)
- Very affordable education (low tuition + GI Bill)
- Active military presence (Keesler, NAS Meridian) creates veteran-friendly culture
- Low cost of living makes modest salaries workable
- State veterans homes provide quality long-term care
Challenges:
- Smaller job market with lower wages than national average
- Limited opportunities outside Jackson, Gulf Coast, or military areas
- Higher unemployment than national average
- Must travel to Jackson or Biloxi for full VA medical center (CBOCs available elsewhere)
Best for: Veterans attending Ole Miss or Mississippi State, transitioning from Keesler AFB or NAS Meridian, retirees prioritizing low cost of living over job market, veterans with VA healthcare needs (good coverage), veterans seeking state government careers.
Resources
- Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board: 1-866-632-8182 | msva.ms.gov
- G.V. Montgomery VA Medical Center (Jackson): (601) 362-4471 | 1-800-949-1009
- Biloxi VA Medical Center: (228) 523-5000 | 1-800-296-8872
- VA Healthcare Enrollment: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) | va.gov/health-care/apply
- Mississippi Department of Employment Security: 1-888-844-3577 | mdes.ms.gov
- Ole Miss Veteran Services: (662) 915-7691 | vms.olemiss.edu
- Mississippi State Veteran Services: (662) 325-8826 | veterans.msstate.edu
Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly for most current information, hours, and services.