About Mississippi State University
The financial picture works for most families. Students pay an average net price of $15,501 after aid, with low-income families paying just $11,968. Graduates earn a median of $51,513 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $22,142 manageable with monthly payments of $235. That's solid return on investment for a degree from a research university.
The Bulldogs compete hard in the SEC with 13 varsity sports and $13.3 million in athletic scholarships. Students stick around at an 83% retention rate, though only 63% graduate in four years. With 57% in-state enrollment and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, this feels like Mississippi's hometown university where cowbells ring and research thrives.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 84.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 62.9%
- Retention Rate
- 82.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,513
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $88,527 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $76,271 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,405 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,307 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,852 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,710 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,660 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $59,640 |
Campus Life
Football dominates fall weekends when 60,000 fans pack Davis Wade Stadium. Students ring cowbells throughout games, a tradition that makes Mississippi State one of the loudest stadiums in college football. The Drill Field serves as the campus heart where students gather between classes. Greek life attracts about 25% of students, while others gravitate toward the strong engineering and agriculture programs. Small-town Starkville revolves around the university, offering classic college bars on Cotton District's brick streets. When students need city life, they drive two hours to Memphis or Birmingham for concerts and internships.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 5,333 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1878
Campus Safety (2023)
78 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 18 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 14 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–53°F
- July Avg
- 70°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- -777.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 49.0%
- Women
- 51.0%
- White
- 74.1%
- Black
- 15.1%
- Hispanic
- 4.2%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 57.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.6%
Location
- Address
- Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,513
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,331
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $235/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,142
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Mississippi State University?
Mississippi State accepts 75.19% of applicants, making it fairly accessible for students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070-1280 on the SAT and have an ACT score around 25, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a broad range of Mississippi students.
How much does Mississippi State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $15,501 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,968 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to $20,463, making MSU affordable for most Mississippi residents.
What is Mississippi State University known for academically?
MSU operates as a major research university with particularly strong engineering and agriculture programs. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its 18,092 students, the university emphasizes hands-on research opportunities and practical applications in fields that serve Mississippi's economy.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Mississippi State University?
Graduates earn a median salary of $51,513 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 95.2% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $22,142 in debt and monthly loan payments of $235, manageable given the strong earning potential in MSU's career-focused programs.
Where is Mississippi State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in the small town of Mississippi State, creating a tight-knit college community atmosphere. With housing for 5,333 students and 13 Division I sports teams competing in the SEC, campus life revolves around Bulldog athletics and the strong traditions of this 1878-founded institution.
How successful is Mississippi State University's football program?
The Bulldogs compete in the strong SEC conference and have produced NFL stars like Jerry Rice and Dak Prescott. With $13,361,497 in athletic scholarships supporting 377 student-athletes, MSU maintains a competitive Division I program that generates significant school spirit and alumni engagement.
