At $13,198/yr net price, Mississippi University for Women graduates earn $46,128/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,128/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,198 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,792 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,128/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,128/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,376/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,027/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,964/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,894/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,012/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 | $92,885 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,538 | $12,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,794 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $50,893 | $29,300 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $41,205 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $34,847 | $19,944 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,051 | $25,194 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $22,500 |
The Risk Factor
37.8% of students at Mississippi University for Women graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Mississippi University for Women delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing programs providing strong ROI while most other majors struggle to justify their costs. The $13,198 annual net price creates manageable debt loads, but the 38% graduation rate means many students pay without finishing their degrees.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $51,000 to $93,000 annually against relatively modest debt levels. These programs capitalize on Mississippi's healthcare job market and nursing shortages. Speech-language pathology also shows solid returns at $51,000, though the $29,300 debt load requires careful consideration. Education majors face tougher math, earning just $41,000 in a state with notoriously low teacher pay.
The biggest risk at MUW is not graduating. With only 38% of students completing their degrees and a 72% retention rate, you face significant odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The low completion rates particularly hurt students in majors without clear career paths or those who struggle academically.
MUW makes financial sense if you plan to study nursing and can handle the program's demands. The school also works for education majors who value small classes and plan to teach locally, accepting lower lifetime earnings for stability. Students interested in liberal arts or undecided majors should consider other options given the completion rate risks.
Financial aid reaches 42% of students, and the modest sticker price means merit scholarships can significantly reduce your costs. Mississippi residents benefit from already-low in-state tuition, making this one of the more affordable public options in the state for students who actually graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mississippi University for Women worth the money?
Mississippi University for Women offers decent value for nursing students, with graduates earning around $93,000 annually, but the overall 38% graduation rate is concerning. The low net price of $13,198 helps offset the risk, though many programs lead to below-average earnings.
What are the best paying majors at Mississippi University for Women?
Nursing programs at Mississippi University for Women provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $51,000-$93,000 annually. Communication disorders and education majors earn significantly less at $41,000-$51,000 per year.
How much debt do Mississippi University for Women graduates have?
Mississippi University for Women graduates typically carry $15,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average post-graduation earnings of $46,128, debt repayment may still be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields.
What is the graduation rate at Mississippi University for Women?
Only 38% of students graduate from Mississippi University for Women, which is well below the national average. This low completion rate significantly increases the financial risk for students who may accumulate debt without earning a degree.