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's financial return is weak on paper but hides one clear winner. Ten years out, your median earnings barely clear what many jobs pay without a degree, and you carry $27,000 in debt to get there. With a 46% graduation rate, close to half of you leave without the credential you borrowed for, which is the single biggest financial risk here.
Nursing is the reason to come. It pays roughly $56,000 a decade out on the lowest program debt on this list, around $20,000. That combination of high pay and low borrowing makes it the only program where the math clearly works, and Mississippi's demand for registered nurses gives you a regional job to walk into.
The gap between programs is stark. Allied health graduates earn about $36,000 while carrying more debt than nurses, so the return is thin. Biology is worse: around $20,000 in earnings against $27,000 in debt. If you plan to stop at a bachelor's in biology, the numbers do not support the loan. Treat it as a step toward medical or graduate school, or pick a different major.
The net price tiers are odd. Families earning over $110k pay the least at about $12,000, while the $75-110k bracket pays the most at nearly $17,700. If your family sits in that middle-to-upper range, you get the worst deal here, and you should compare aid offers elsewhere before committing.
This school fits you if you enter with a nursing plan and finish the degree. The 79% retention rate says most first-years come back, but the graduation gap means finishing is not guaranteed. If you want a general degree with no clear career target, the earnings data says look elsewhere.
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.