About Delta State University
Students pay an average net price of $13,778 after financial aid, making it one of Mississippi's more affordable options. The same tuition rate applies to in-state and out-of-state students at $8,605 annually. Graduates earn a median salary of $41,991 ten years after leaving school. Students typically leave with $20,390 in debt and make monthly loan payments of $216. The 52.30% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle to keep up with payments despite the modest debt load.
The Statesmen compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 338 student-athletes across 13 sports. Nearly 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a student body that relies heavily on financial aid. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention, though only 47% of students graduate within six years. About 70% of students come from Mississippi, creating a tight-knit community feel in this Delta town.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 60.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.9%
- Retention Rate
- 73.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,991
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $109,763 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,964 |
Campus Life
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors remember your name and career goals. Delta State built its reputation on teacher education and nursing programs, though business and aviation have grown stronger in recent years. Students gather at the Bologna Performing Arts Center for concerts and theater productions. The Statesmen compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports, with football games drawing crowds to the renovated Parker Field. Weekend options in this town of 11,000 are limited, so students create their own entertainment through Greek life, intramural sports, and campus organizations. Many drive to nearby Greenville or make weekend trips to Memphis or Jackson for bigger city experiences.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,277 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1924
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–51°F
- July Avg
- 72°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 59.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.9%
- Women
- 56.1%
- White
- 52.4%
- Black
- 35.8%
- Hispanic
- 2.5%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 69.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.1%
Location
- Address
- Cleveland, Mississippi 38733
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,991
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,755
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $216/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,390
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Delta State University?
Delta State University accepts 98.61% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for students. The average SAT score is 1110, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a diverse range of academic backgrounds in the Mississippi Delta region.
How much does Delta State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $13,778 per year, with lower costs for lower-income families at just $11,183 for families earning under $30,000. Delta State charges the same tuition rate of $8,605 for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it unusually affordable for non-residents.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Delta State University?
Delta State maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,613 enrolled students. The university is known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, particularly strong in education and business programs that serve the rural Mississippi Delta community.
What are the graduation rates at Delta State University?
Delta State has a 46.9% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median of $41,991 ten years after enrollment. The university serves many first-generation college students and has built a reputation for supporting students from rural backgrounds in completing their degrees.
Where is Delta State University located and what is campus life like?
Delta State sits in Cleveland, Mississippi, a small town in the Mississippi Delta with housing capacity for 1,277 students. The campus is known for its tight-knit community feel and the Statesmen compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports with $1,798,326 in athletic scholarships available.
Does Delta State University have strong diversity representation?
The student body is 52.39% white and 35.77% Black, reflecting Delta State's role in serving the diverse Mississippi Delta region. With 43.14% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university has built its identity around providing educational opportunities for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
