University of Mississippi vs Alcorn State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Mississippi comes out ahead: 65/100 to 16/100, a 49-point edge over Alcorn State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Alcorn State University runs $13,265 a year against $13,314 at University of Mississippi - $49 more a year, or about $196 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Mississippi graduates earn a median $50,994 against $36,421 at Alcorn State University. The cost earns itself back in 12.1 years at University of Mississippi and 135.9 years at Alcorn State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Mississippi owing a median $20,000 versus $27,000 at Alcorn State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.48 and 1.00 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Mississippi | Alcorn State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,772 | $8,785 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,600 | $8,785 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,314 | $13,265 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $53,256 | $53,060 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,300 | $26,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,994 | $36,421 |
| Graduation Rate | 71.7% | 57.4% |
| Payback Period | 12.1 yr | 135.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,000 | $27,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $212 | $286 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.48 | 1.00 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.0% | 54.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 66.8% | 36.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 96.6% | 45.3% |
| Enrollment | 21,473 | 2,363 |
| SAT Range | 1000-1200 | 670-998 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Missis... | Alcorn State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $8,945 | $12,613 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $9,217 | $12,344 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,794 | $16,296 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,573 | $18,244 |
| $110,001+ | $21,313 | $17,620 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Missis... | Alcorn State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $87,701 | $93,159 |
| Accounting | $85,482 | $27,472 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $73,870 | $41,403 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,414 | $39,841 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $64,912 | $59,214 |
| Biology | $58,393 | $40,379 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,874 | $41,908 |
| Psychology | $49,974 | $35,015 |
| Social Work | $43,571 | $46,157 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $39,871 | $42,321 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Missis... | Alcorn State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 67 | 10 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 49 | 9 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 76 | 5 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 81 | 55 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 51 | 11 |
| Overall ROI Score | 65 | 16 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Mississippi clearly outperforms Alcorn State University (65 vs 16), a 49-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Alcorn State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Mississippi.
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University of Mississippi
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Alcorn State University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.