Alcorn State University: 29.9% Acceptance Rate

29.9%Acceptance

$8,549Tuition

2,290Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,421Earnings

#4 in MississippiPublic4-yearNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About Alcorn State University

Alcorn State builds careers in agriculture, nursing, and athletics while serving 2,290 students in rural Mississippi. This historically black university has produced NFL quarterback Steve McNair and civil rights leader Medgar Evers. The campus sits in a remote setting where 96% of students are Black and two-thirds are women. Agriculture remains a cornerstone program, reflecting the school's land-grant mission since 1871.

Students pay an average net price of $14,040 after financial aid, with 77% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $36,421 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given the employment rate of 94%. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $13,010.

The Braves compete in NCAA Division I with 335 athletes across 11 sports, supported by over $3 million in athletic scholarships. Students benefit from a 16:1 faculty ratio and strong retention rate of 79%. The rural campus houses most of its 2,109 bed capacity, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. With a 30% acceptance rate, Alcorn State remains selective while maintaining its mission of accessible education.

Academics & Faculty

Alcorn State University built its academic reputation on agriculture and nursing programs that serve Mississippi's rural communities. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship at this historically black university, though the 46% graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face. Agriculture remains a cornerstone program, training students for careers in farming, veterinary science, and food production. The nursing program consistently produces graduates who fill critical healthcare roles across the state. With 95% of students identifying as Black and 77% receiving Pell Grants, Alcorn serves students who often need additional academic support to succeed. The university's legacy includes civil rights leader Medgar Evers, who studied here before becoming a pivotal figure in Mississippi's integration movement.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 53.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 46.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.2%
Retention Rate: 79.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,421
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$56,157
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,179
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$36,141
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$20,140

View all 52 programs →

Campus Life

Two-thirds of students are women, creating a supportive sisterhood atmosphere on this rural Mississippi campus. The university sits 45 minutes southwest of Vicksburg in the rolling hills of the Natchez Trace region. Summers are sweltering with high humidity, while winters are mild enough that you'll rarely need more than a light jacket. About 92% of students live on campus in the residence halls that house 2,109 students, making Alcorn feel like a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other.

Weekends revolve around Brave athletics, particularly football games that draw alumni back to campus. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and often serve as mentors beyond graduation. Greek life plays a significant role in campus culture, with step shows and homecoming celebrations that showcase the school's HBCU traditions. Many students head to Jackson for shopping and entertainment, about an hour drive north. The 335 student-athletes create school spirit that extends far beyond game days, with the marching band and cheerleaders visible across campus year-round.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 2,109 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1871

Campus Safety (2023)

7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	3	0	0	0
Rape	3	0	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 35°–58°F
July Avg: 70°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 58.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting Alcorn State's strength in nursing and education programs. The overwhelming majority of students are Black, fulfilling the university's mission as a historically Black institution serving its community. About 62% come from Mississippi, showing strong regional ties while still drawing students from across the South. Nearly eight in ten students receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students and families with limited financial resources. This creates a tight-knit campus where students often share similar backgrounds and challenges.

Men: 33.7%
Women: 66.3%
White: 2.1%
Black: 95.9%
Hispanic: 0.7%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 61.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 77.4%

Location

Alcorn State University sits in the small town of Alcorn State, Mississippi, about 45 miles southwest of Jackson. The campus occupies 1,756 acres in rural southwest Mississippi, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland that reflect the university's agricultural heritage. With an enrollment of 2,290 students, the university creates its own community in this remote setting. The rural location means students experience a close-knit campus atmosphere where everyone knows each other. The nearest significant population center requires a drive to the state capital. This isolation fosters strong campus traditions and tight bonds among the student body. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare Alcorn State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Alcorn State, Mississippi 39096-7500

Alcorn State University, Oakland Chapel, Alcorn State University Campus, Alcorn vicinity

Literary Society Building, Alcorn State University

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,421
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,285
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Alcorn State University?

Alcorn State accepts 29.93% of applicants, making it moderately selective among historically black colleges and universities. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 903 and 1115 on the SAT, with an average score of 1009.

How much does Alcorn State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,040 after financial aid, with 77.42% receiving some form of financial assistance. The university charges the same tuition rate of $8,549 for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it accessible to students from across the country.

What academic programs is Alcorn State University known for?

Alcorn State has built a strong reputation in agriculture, nursing, and professional preparation programs since its founding in 1871. The university maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, allowing for personalized attention in its specialized fields.

What are the graduation and career outcomes at Alcorn State University?

The university has a 46.20% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $36,421 ten years after graduation. Alumni have achieved notable success, including NFL quarterback Steve McNair and civil rights activist Medgar Evers.

Where is Alcorn State University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in rural Alcorn State, Mississippi, housing 2,109 students in a close-knit community of 2,290 total enrollment. The Braves compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 11 varsity sports, and women make up 66.33% of the student body.

Is Alcorn State University a historically black college?

Yes, Alcorn State is a historically black university where 95.85% of students are Black, maintaining its mission as an HBCU since 1871. The university competes with rival Jackson State University in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, continuing the rich tradition of HBCU athletics and academics.