At $13,778/yr net price, Delta State University graduates earn $41,991/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,991/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,778 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,112 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,991/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,991/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,390 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,183/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,200/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,514/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,418/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,117/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. | Master | $109,763 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,964 | $26,702 |
The Risk Factor
46.9% of students at Delta 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
Delta State University gives you a modest but functional financial return. At $13,778 a year in net price and $41,991 in median earnings ten years out, you're not overpaying, but you're not landing in high-income territory either. Median debt of $20,390 stays close to a single year's earnings, which keeps repayment manageable if you finish.
Finishing is the catch. A 46.90% graduation rate means fewer than half of you cross the finish line, and the 73.58% retention rate shows some of you leave after the first year. If you take on debt and don't graduate, you carry the loans without the earnings bump, which is the biggest financial risk here.
The net price tiers work in favor of lower-income families. If your household earns under $48k, you pay around $11,200 a year. Cross into the $48-75k range and the price jumps to $15,514, then to roughly $17,400 above that. The middle- and upper-income brackets absorb a steeper cost for the same $41,991 median outcome, so the value proposition is strongest at the lower end.
This school fits you if you qualify for the lower net price tiers, plan to graduate, and want to work in the Mississippi Delta region without heavy debt. It fits less well if your family earns over $48k and you're weighing schools with stronger earnings outcomes, since you'll pay more here for a median wage that sits below many public-university benchmarks. No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so treat any specific major's payoff as unknown until you check the department's own placement data before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delta State University worth the cost for the earnings you get after graduation?
Delta State's graduates earn a median of $41,991 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for a four-year degree. With a net price of $13,778 annually, the return on investment is modest unless you pursue high-paying programs like nursing.
What are the best paying programs at Delta State University?
Nursing programs at Delta State offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $109,763 annually. Business programs pay significantly less at about $55,964, while other majors typically fall below the school's overall graduate earning average.
How much student debt do Delta State University graduates typically have?
Delta State graduates carry a median debt of $20,390, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with the school's low graduation rate of 47%, many students accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
Should I be concerned about Delta State University's graduation rate?
Yes, Delta State's 47% graduation rate means more than half of students don't complete their degree within six years. This creates significant financial risk since you could accumulate debt without earning the credential needed for higher-paying jobs.