University of Mississippi vs The University of Texas at El Paso
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 61/100, a 4-point edge over The University of Texas at El Paso. 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, The University of Texas at El Paso runs $9,403 a year against $13,314 at University of Mississippi - $3,911 more a year, or about $15,644 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Mississippi graduates earn a median $50,994 against $50,923 at The University of Texas at El Paso. The cost earns itself back in 12.1 years at University of Mississippi and 11.2 years at The University of Texas at El Paso.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas at El Paso owing a median $18,000 versus $20,000 at University of Mississippi. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.48 and 0.51 - 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 | The University of Texas a... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,772 | $9,744 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,600 | $25,502 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,314 | $9,403 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $53,256 | $37,612 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,300 | $35,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,994 | $50,923 |
| Graduation Rate | 71.7% | 50.2% |
| Payback Period | 12.1 yr | 11.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,000 | $18,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $212 | $191 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.48 | 0.51 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.0% | 63.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 66.8% | 54.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 96.6% | 99.9% |
| Enrollment | 21,473 | 21,005 |
| SAT Range | 1000-1200 | 860-1080 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Missis... | The University of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $8,945 | $7,863 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $9,217 | $8,136 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,794 | $10,120 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,573 | $14,093 |
| $110,001+ | $21,313 | $18,282 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Missis... | The University of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $87,958 | $103,286 |
| Electrical Engineering | $74,931 | $94,122 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,311 | $88,393 |
| Registered Nursing | $87,701 | $89,077 |
| Accounting | $85,482 | $57,389 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $80,488 | $59,668 |
| Civil Engineering | $58,112 | $75,882 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $73,870 | $51,063 |
| Marketing | $69,139 | $49,068 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $69,082 | $36,373 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,414 | $51,506 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $54,947 | $66,491 |
| International Relations | $65,925 | $54,069 |
| Management Information Systems | $63,107 | $62,136 |
| Music | $38,029 | $60,172 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Missis... | The University of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 67 | 84 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 49 | 55 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 76 | 72 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 81 | 39 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 51 | 22 |
| Overall ROI Score | 65 | 61 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Mississippi edges out The University of Texas at El Paso by 4 points (65 vs 61), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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University of Mississippi
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
The University of Texas at El Paso
Fair 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.