At $15,501/yr net price, Mississippi State University graduates earn $51,513/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,513/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,501 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,513/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,513/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,142 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,968/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,879/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,750/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,608/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,463/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $88,527 | $30,950 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $76,271 | $169,759 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,405 | $25,037 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,307 | $22,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,852 | $21,636 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,710 | $27,000 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,660 | $19,500 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $17,500 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $30,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $59,640 |
The Risk Factor
62.9% of students at Mississippi State University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Mississippi State University delivers strong financial returns through its engineering programs, which consistently produce graduates earning over $70,000 annually with manageable debt loads under $26,000. The school's chemical and mechanical engineering majors represent particularly good investments, combining high salaries with below-average borrowing.
Business administration graduates earn $88,527 but carry higher debt at $30,950, though the income still justifies the investment. Veterinary medicine creates a complex financial picture with $76,271 earnings offset by crushing debt of $169,759 that will require careful career planning to manage.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 37% of students who don't graduate within six years, turning a reasonable investment into dead weight debt. The $22,142 median debt figure masks significant variation between programs, and you'll want to research your specific major's borrowing patterns.
Mississippi State works financially if you can complete an engineering or business program and plan to work in the Southeast, where the $51,513 median earnings provide solid middle-class income. The $15,501 annual net price keeps total costs reasonable compared to similar programs elsewhere.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering lower-paying majors not reflected in the top earnings data, or if you're at high risk of not completing your degree. The school's 83% retention rate suggests most students who start finish their first year, but the graduation rate gap indicates significant attrition later.
With only 29% of students receiving financial aid, Mississippi State likely offers limited need-based assistance, making it most suitable for families who can handle the costs without extensive borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mississippi State University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Mississippi State offers solid value with a relatively low net price of $15,501 per year and modest debt levels around $22,000. However, the 10-year median earnings of $51,513 are below national averages, making the return on investment weaker than many peer institutions.
Which Mississippi State University programs have the best job prospects and pay?
Engineering programs at Mississippi State deliver strong returns, with chemical and electrical engineers earning around $74,000 annually. Business administration graduates earn significantly more at $88,527, while veterinary medicine provides good earning potential at $76,271.
What is the student debt situation at Mississippi State University?
Mississippi State graduates typically leave with $22,142 in debt, which is manageable compared to national averages. The relatively low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does Mississippi State University have good graduation rates for the money?
The 62.9% graduation rate at Mississippi State is concerning and below national standards for four-year institutions. This means over one-third of students don't finish their degrees, which significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.