Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi · Public · 77.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 54/100 · Below Average Value
Mississippi State University
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,202/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $27,637/yr |
| Average net price | $17,595/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $70,380 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,513 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,142 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $235 |
| Estimated payback period | 12.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 66.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 18,397 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,332 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,372 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,671 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,704 |
| $110,001+ | $22,987 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Mississippi State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $55,993 | C |
| Teacher Education | $40,431 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $50,503 | D |
| Psychology | $41,986 | D |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $42,399 | D |
| Marketing | $61,364 | C+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,893 | B+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $48,493 | D |
| Biology | $51,221 | F |
| Civil Engineering | $81,203 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Mississippi State University is $10,202/year ($27,637/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $17,595/year, or roughly $70,380 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $14,332/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,987/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,142 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $235 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $51,513 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.60 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 75.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 78.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 69.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 72.2% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 77.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 540-680 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 560-670 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-29 |
| Enrollment | 18,397 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 29.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,100 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State University (this school) | 54 | $17,595 | $51,513 |
| University of Louisville | 58 | $17,988 | $53,899 |
| Miami University-Oxford | 54 | $28,384 | $55,076 |
| Montana State University | 52 | $22,499 | $53,263 |
| Delta State University | 29 | $13,540 | $41,991 |
| Alcorn State University | 16 | $13,265 | $36,421 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Mississippi State University is mixed. At $17,595 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry - a payback period of 12.7 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Median debt of $22,142 against $51,513 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.