University of Mississippi vs Delta 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 29/100, a 36-point edge over Delta 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, University of Mississippi runs $13,314 a year against $13,540 at Delta State University - $226 more a year, or about $904 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Mississippi graduates earn a median $50,994 against $41,991 at Delta State University. The cost earns itself back in 12.1 years at University of Mississippi and 27.8 years at Delta State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Mississippi owing a median $20,000 versus $20,390 at Delta State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.48 and 0.63 - 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 | Delta State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,772 | $8,605 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,600 | $8,605 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,314 | $13,540 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $53,256 | $54,160 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,300 | $32,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,994 | $41,991 |
| Graduation Rate | 71.7% | 48.1% |
| Payback Period | 12.1 yr | 27.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,000 | $20,390 |
| Monthly Payment | $212 | $216 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.48 | 0.63 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.0% | 69.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 66.8% | 56.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 96.6% | 100.0% |
| Enrollment | 21,473 | 1,620 |
| SAT Range | 1000-1200 | 925-1210 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Missis... | Delta State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $8,945 | $12,223 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $9,217 | $10,615 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,794 | $10,625 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,573 | $17,170 |
| $110,001+ | $21,313 | $16,950 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Missis... | Delta State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $87,701 | $76,031 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,414 | $55,424 |
| Biology | $58,393 | $46,266 |
| Psychology | $49,974 | $37,868 |
| Social Work | $43,571 | $47,196 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $47,048 | $43,300 |
| Business Administration and Management | $39,464 | $45,058 |
| Teacher Education | $42,535 | $41,177 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Missis... | Delta State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 67 | 24 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 49 | 18 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 76 | 44 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 81 | 34 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 51 | 38 |
| Overall ROI Score | 65 | 29 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Mississippi clearly outperforms Delta State University (65 vs 29), a 36-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Delta 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
Delta 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.