At $20,911/yr net price, Mississippi College graduates earn $47,485/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,485/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,911 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,644 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,485/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,485/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,767/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,892/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,204/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,054/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,565/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,935 | $156,371 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $69,338 | $106,738 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,722 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $55,512 | $26,750 |
| Public Health. | Master | $54,713 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $53,358 | $81,707 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $20,000 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $47,260 | $143,299 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $44,765 | $30,380 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,356 | $19,500 |
The Risk Factor
62.8% of students at Mississippi College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Mississippi College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $20,911 annual net price creates reasonable debt loads for most graduates, but the $47,485 median earnings lag behind many regional competitors.
Allied health programs justify their high upfront costs with $104,935 median earnings, making the substantial debt load worthwhile for healthcare careers. Business and accounting majors see solid returns with earnings in the mid-to-upper $50,000 range and manageable debt. Education administration pays well at $69,338 but requires graduate study and carries six-figure debt loads.
The 62.8% graduation rate poses significant financial risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without degrees, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 80% retention rate suggests many students who start return for sophomore year, but something derails them later in their academic journey.
You face limited financial aid options here. Only 26% of students receive need-based aid, well below national averages. This means you'll likely pay close to sticker price unless you qualify for merit scholarships, which the school uses to attract stronger students.
Mississippi College works financially if you're pursuing allied health, business, or accounting and can commit to finishing your degree. The small class sizes and Christian mission appeal to some families willing to pay extra for that environment. However, students considering liberal arts majors or those uncertain about completing college should look elsewhere. The weak graduation rate and limited aid make this a risky investment for students who aren't sure about their academic commitment or career direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mississippi College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Mississippi College graduates earn $47,485 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $20,911 per year and typical debt of $22,500, the return on investment is modest unless you pursue high-paying programs like allied health.
What are the highest paying programs at Mississippi College?
Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs lead with $104,935 median earnings, followed by educational administration at $69,338. Business administration ($59,722) and accounting ($55,512) offer decent returns, while public health graduates earn $54,713.
How much debt do Mississippi College students typically have?
The median debt is $22,500, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, this debt load may be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields given the school's overall median earnings of $47,485.
Does Mississippi College have good graduation rates and job outcomes?
Mississippi College has a 62.80% graduation rate, meaning about 4 in 10 students don't finish their degree. For those who do graduate, earnings vary significantly by program, with many fields producing modest financial returns.