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 gives you a solid financial return, driven almost entirely by its engineering programs. At a net price near $15,500 a year and median debt around $22,000, you graduate owing less than one year's median earnings. That's a manageable ratio, and the 62.9% graduation rate with an 82.85% retention rate means most who enroll actually finish and start earning.
Engineering is where the payoff is clearest. Electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering all clear $73,000 ten years out, roughly $22,000 above the school-wide median of $51,513. Computer engineering pays $67,660 and comes with the lowest debt of the top programs at $19,500, making it the strongest debt-to-earnings deal on campus. If you're aiming for one of these degrees, the math works decisively in your favor.
The risk is what sits outside engineering. The school-wide median of $51,513 tells you plenty of majors here earn well below the six-figure fields above. No non-engineering program data is listed, so treat the $51,513 figure as your realistic baseline if you're studying anything else. Borrowing $22,000 against that income is workable but leaves less cushion than the engineering path.
Cost scales sharply with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $11,968 a year. over $110,000, you pay $20,463. Lower-income families get a meaningful discount, but even the top tier stays below $21,000, which keeps this affordable by four-year public standards across the board.
This school fits you well if you're set on engineering and want a low-cost, high-return public option in the region. If you're pursuing a lower-paying field, run your expected earnings against the $22,000 debt load before committing, and keep borrowing tight.
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.