At $11,882/yr net price, Midwestern State University graduates earn $55,747/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,747/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,882 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,528 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,747/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,747/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,030 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,575/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,990/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,235/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,458/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,593/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 | $119,061 | $31,545 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $91,744 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,631 | $20,392 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $19,349 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,124 | $22,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $57,755 | $17,064 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $31,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,139 | $28,493 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $46,478 |
The Risk Factor
41.3% of students at Midwestern 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
Midwestern State University delivers solid financial returns for career-focused students, but your major choice makes all the difference. The low net price of under $12,000 annually gives you significant cost advantages over pricier Texas universities.
Nursing students see strong returns with median earnings above $100,000, though you'll carry higher debt loads around $31,000. Health administration and dental support programs also produce strong earnings relative to modest debt burdens. Business management offers decent returns with manageable debt at $22,000.
The major financial risk is the 41% graduation rate. If you struggle with academic persistence or need extensive support services, you face real dropout risk that eliminates any ROI advantage. The 63% retention rate signals that many students leave after freshman year.
MSU works financially for motivated students targeting healthcare, business, or technical fields who value affordability over prestige. Skip this school if you need extensive academic support, want liberal arts programs with strong earning potential, or prefer larger research universities with more strong career services.
Financial aid reaches only 40% of students, suggesting most families can afford the low sticker price without extensive assistance. Merit scholarships exist but appear limited. Your best cost strategy is choosing a high-earning major and staying focused on graduation since the low base cost already provides your biggest financial advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Midwestern State University worth the cost?
Midwestern State University offers reasonable value with a low net price of $11,882 and manageable debt levels around $21,000. However, the 41% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $55,747 after 10 years are modest for college graduates.
What are the best paying majors at Midwestern State University?
Nursing programs lead earnings at Midwestern State University, with some graduates earning over $119,000. Health administration and dental support services also pay well above the school average, while business graduates earn around $59,000.
How much debt do Midwestern State University graduates have?
Midwestern State University graduates carry a median debt of $21,030, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low net price of under $12,000 per year helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Midwestern State University?
Only 41% of students graduate from Midwestern State University within six years. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor that prospective students should consider when evaluating the school's value.