University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi · Public · 99.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 27/100 · Poor Value
University of Southern Mississippi scores 27 (Poor Value) on the CampusROI scale, driven by a 24.8-year payback period, $33,500 median 6-year earnings, a 49.1% completion rate, and a repayment rate of 68.2%. Nearly 1 in 2 enrolled students does not graduate. In-state tuition of $9,998 and a net price of $21,708 produce an $86,832 four-year total cost -- not outrageous for a flagship-level public, but the earnings outcomes undermine the case for even this modest price. Engineering Technologies leads at $76,114 year-one and Industrial Production Technologies at $75,493 year-one -- both B-grade or B+-grade programs. Registered Nursing (168 graduates, $70,068 year-one, ROI grade B) is the highest-volume strong performer. The institution's broad academic catalog includes 40+ programs in the data, with outcomes ranging from the competitive (engineering, nursing) to deeply poor (Human Development with F-grade, debt-to-earnings 1.034; Social Work at 1.086; Parks and Recreation at 1.162). The nearly-open enrollment (99.1% admission rate) combined with 49.1% completion is the core institutional challenge. The Pell rate of 46.3% indicates the institution primarily serves lower-income Mississippi students.
The data raises concerns about University of Southern Mississippi
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score27/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Payback period24.8 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
University of Southern Mississippi
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,998/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $11,998/yr |
| Average net price | $21,708/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $86,832 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,140 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $33,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $239 |
| Estimated payback period | 24.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 49.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 10,075 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Southern Mississippi is $9,998/year ($11,998/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 $21,708/year, or roughly $86,832 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $19,867/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $26,542/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $239 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $44,140 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.67 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
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 | $19,867 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,432 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,756 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,812 |
| $110,001+ | $26,542 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Students in the 0-30000 income bracket pay $19,867 net price per year at USM -- approximately $79,000 over four years. The 30001-48000 bracket pays $20,432. These are elevated net prices for a Mississippi public institution with a 46.3% Pell rate, reflecting that federal and state aid does not fully bridge the gap for the lowest-income students. A 49.1% completion rate means that low-income students face greater-than-even odds of incurring debt without completing the credential.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $22,756 per year; the 75001-110000 bracket pays $25,812. Aid decreases modestly across the middle-income range. At $22,000-$26,000 per year for a public institution with a 24.8-year payback period from the institutional median, middle-income families are paying a price that requires strong program selection to justify. Engineering and nursing programs deliver payback periods under 7-8 years at these net prices.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 110001-plus bracket pays $26,542 per year -- $106,000 all-in. At this price, USM's Poor Value designation is particularly acute: $33,500 median 6-year earnings and a 24.8-year payback period are not offset by moderate sticker cost. Full-pay Mississippi families with access to better-resourced institutions should consider the investment carefully.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Southern Mississippi with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education | $40,932 | C |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $52,089 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $72,411 | B |
| Psychology | $37,925 | D |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $44,963 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $54,909 | C |
| Biology | $45,471 | D |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $33,936 | F |
| Social Work | $42,390 | F |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $89,904 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing is USM's highest-volume strong-ROI program: 168 graduates, $70,068 year-one, $72,411 four-year, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.359 (ROI grade B). Median debt of $25,125 is modest. The four-year earnings plateau at $72,411 reflects the Mississippi RN pay scale, which is below national medians but still produces a solid ROI at USM's net price. Hattiesburg's healthcare sector and proximity to the Gulf Coast healthcare market support nursing placement.
Engineering Technologies
Engineering Technologies has 56 graduates with $76,114 year-one and $82,848 four-year, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.328 (ROI grade B+). This is USM's strongest ROI program by debt-to-earnings ratio. Graduates enter manufacturing, industrial, and infrastructure roles in the Gulf Coast and Southeast. Median debt of $25,000 produces one of the best debt-to-earnings ratios at the institution. Engineering technology students who complete are among the best-positioned graduates from USM.
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Industrial Production Technologies has 69 graduates with $75,493 year-one and $89,904 four-year, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.414 (ROI grade B). The four-year figure of $90k is the best in USM's data, reflecting the earnings growth in industrial and production management roles. This program taps into Mississippi and Gulf Coast manufacturing and shipbuilding sectors. Median debt of $31,250 keeps the grade at B; the four-year earnings trajectory is the strongest signal.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education is the second-highest volume program with 212 graduates and year-one earnings of $38,766, four-year of $40,932. The flat trajectory between year one and year four, combined with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.626 (ROI grade C), reflects the Mississippi teacher salary scale. Median debt of $24,250 keeps the ratio in C territory. Teacher education at USM provides a regional labor force for Mississippi public schools -- a legitimate social function -- but the financial return is modest for students carrying debt at the institutional average.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 65.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 68.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 59.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 64.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 99.1% |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-29 |
| Enrollment | 10,075 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 46.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,697 |
At 99.1%, USM is effectively open-enrollment. ACT mid-range of 20-29 covers a broad range; SAT data is not reported. The 99% admit rate means the institution accepts essentially everyone who applies, making the 49.1% completion rate the more meaningful metric. Students who enroll should have a clear understanding of which retention-support resources the institution provides.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
USM's Scorecard peers include Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Troy University, Georgia Gwinnett College, and Columbus State University -- all regional publics in the Southeast with similar demographic profiles. ROI scores for these specific peers are not in current files. Within Mississippi's public university system, USM (ROI 27) sits in Poor Value territory. Students evaluating Mississippi publics should compare USM against Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi, which typically post stronger completion and earnings data, before committing.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Mississippi (this school) | 27 | $21,708 | $44,140 |
| Georgia Gwinnett College | 34 | $15,844 | $47,730 |
| Delta State University | 29 | $13,540 | $41,991 |
| Columbus State University | 24 | $13,115 | $44,544 |
| Troy University | 22 | $16,527 | $42,062 |
| Alcorn State University | 16 | $13,265 | $36,421 |
Who Thrives Here
University of Southern Mississippi admits 99.1% of applicants and enrolls 10,075 undergraduates in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. ACT composite mid-range is 20-29; SAT data is not reported. The Pell grant rate of 46.3% reflects the institution's role as the primary public university serving lower-income Mississippians. Students committed to specific career tracks -- nursing, engineering technologies, industrial production -- will find USM a cost-effective pathway with decent regional placement. Students in liberal arts, social sciences, or education face a poor ROI given the 49.1% completion rate and $33,500 median earnings.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about University of Southern Mississippi. With a net cost of $21,708 per year and median graduate earnings of only $44,140 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 24.8 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 49.1% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $22,500 against $44,140 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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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.