At $14,040/yr net price, Alcorn State University graduates earn $36,421/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,421/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,040 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,160 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,421/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 23.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,010/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,640/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,450/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,658/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,089/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,157 | $20,375 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,179 | $19,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $36,141 | $29,125 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $27,405 |
The Risk Factor
46.2% of students at Alcorn State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Alcorn State University offers a mixed financial return that depends heavily on your major choice. The nursing program delivers solid ROI with graduates earning over $50,000 annually while carrying debt loads under $21,000. This makes nursing one of the better financial bets at historically black colleges and universities nationwide.
Outside nursing, the financial picture weakens significantly. Biology majors face a particularly poor return, earning just $20,140 ten years after graduation while carrying $27,405 in debt. Allied health programs fall in the middle ground with $36,141 in earnings but higher debt at $29,125.
The 46% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. Nearly half of students who enroll never finish their degree, yet many still accumulate debt. The $14,040 annual net price appears reasonable, but only if you actually graduate.
This school works financially if you're committed to nursing or can secure substantial aid to minimize borrowing. Mississippi's lower cost of living helps stretch post-graduation earnings, though it also means fewer high-paying job opportunities compared to other states.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering biology or other low-earning majors, especially if you're borrowing heavily. The combination of modest earnings potential and below-average graduation rates makes Alcorn State financially risky for uncommitted students or those without clear career paths in higher-paying fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alcorn State University worth the cost?
Alcorn State University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn around $55,000 annually, making the $14,040 net price worthwhile, but other programs like general biology show much lower returns at $20,140.
What is the job market like for Alcorn State University graduates?
Alcorn State graduates earn a median of $36,421 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. The 46% graduation rate also indicates completion challenges that can affect career outcomes.
How much student debt do Alcorn State University students typically graduate with?
Students typically graduate with $27,000 in debt. For nursing majors earning $50,000-plus, this debt level is manageable, but graduates in lower-paying fields may struggle with loan payments.
Which Alcorn State University programs offer the best return on investment?
Nursing programs provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $53,000-$56,000 annually. Other health-related programs also show decent returns, while fields like general biology offer significantly lower earning potential.