About Mississippi Valley State University
Mississippi Valley State University sits in the rural Mississippi Delta with 1,326 students, making it one of the smaller historically black universities in the country. The school has built its reputation around strong athletic programs and agriculture studies, producing NFL legends like Jerry Rice and Deacon Jones who went on to Hall of Fame careers. With an acceptance rate of 64.78% and an average ACT score of 16, MVSU welcomes students who might not get into more selective schools but want the supportive environment of an HBCU. The campus feels close-knit with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, though only 57.56% of students return for their second year.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $11,812 after aid, and 59.55% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many low-income families. However, graduates earn a median of $31,919 ten years after graduation while carrying $28,413 in debt with monthly payments of $301. Only 36.16% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans, suggesting many struggle financially after college.
The student body is 89.37% Black, creating a strong cultural identity on campus. MVSU competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Delta Devils, offering 11 varsity sports with $1.24 million in athletic scholarships spread across 262 student-athletes.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $11,812 after aid, and 59.55% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many low-income families. However, graduates earn a median of $31,919 ten years after graduation while carrying $28,413 in debt with monthly payments of $301. Only 36.16% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans, suggesting many struggle financially after college.
The student body is 89.37% Black, creating a strong cultural identity on campus. MVSU competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Delta Devils, offering 11 varsity sports with $1.24 million in athletic scholarships spread across 262 student-athletes.
Academics & Faculty
Mississippi Valley State University offers a historically black college experience with strong roots in agriculture and education programs. The school maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, giving students close access to professors in small classes. However, the 22% six-year graduation rate shows many students struggle to finish their degrees, often due to financial challenges common at smaller HBCUs. MVSU is particularly known for its agriculture and natural sciences programs, reflecting its rural Mississippi Delta location. The university also has solid teacher preparation programs that serve local school districts. With 1,326 students, everyone knows each other, creating a tight-knit academic community where professors often become mentors beyond the classroom.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 23.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 22.1%
- Retention Rate
- 57.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $31,919
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $33,993 |
| Social Work. | Master | $33,007 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $28,019 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $26,850 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $24,421 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $22,192 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $19,592 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $17,334 |
Campus Life
Mississippi Valley State sits on 450 acres in the small town of Itta Bena, about 100 miles north of Jackson and 130 miles south of Memphis. With only 1,326 students and housing capacity for 998, about three-quarters of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The rural Mississippi Delta setting means hot, humid summers where you'll need plenty of sunscreen, and mild winters that rarely require more than a light jacket.
Weekend life revolves around the Delta Devils' NCAA Division I sports programs, especially football games that bring the entire campus together. With 262 student athletes competing in 11 sports, game days are major social events. The campus feels quiet compared to larger universities, but students often head to nearby Greenwood for shopping and dining, or make trips to Memphis for big-city entertainment. Greek life and student organizations provide most of the social scene. The small size means limited late-night options, so students create their own fun through dorm activities, study groups, and campus events. Many students go home on weekends since 61% are from Mississippi.
Weekend life revolves around the Delta Devils' NCAA Division I sports programs, especially football games that bring the entire campus together. With 262 student athletes competing in 11 sports, game days are major social events. The campus feels quiet compared to larger universities, but students often head to nearby Greenwood for shopping and dining, or make trips to Memphis for big-city entertainment. Greek life and student organizations provide most of the social scene. The small size means limited late-night options, so students create their own fun through dorm activities, study groups, and campus events. Many students go home on weekends since 61% are from Mississippi.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 998 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1950
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–52°F
- July Avg
- 73°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.5"
Student Demographics
Mississippi Valley State draws students who want the close community of a historic Black university in rural Mississippi. With 89% Black students and 61% from in-state, this school serves families across the Delta region who value HBCU tradition. The 60% Pell Grant rate shows MVSU opens doors for first-generation college students from working-class backgrounds. Students here often come from small towns and appreciate the 13:1 student-faculty ratio that lets professors know their names. Many are drawn by the agriculture programs and Division I sports that put this small school on the national map.
- Men
- 49.8%
- Women
- 50.2%
- White
- 2.3%
- Black
- 89.4%
- Hispanic
- 1.6%
- Asian
- 0.4%
- In-State Students
- 60.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 59.6%
Location
Mississippi Valley State University sits in Itta Bena, Mississippi, a small rural town about 100 miles north of Jackson, the state capital. With just 1,326 students, the campus feels intimate in this Delta farming community of fewer than 2,000 residents. The school serves as one of the few major institutions in this part of the Mississippi Delta, where cotton fields and catfish farms stretch for miles. Students here experience true small-town life, with the nearest shopping mall or movie theater requiring a drive to Greenwood, about 10 miles away. The rural-distant setting means students focus heavily on campus life and close relationships with classmates. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare Mississippi Valley State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Itta Bena, Mississippi 38941-1400
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $31,919
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $34,709
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $22,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $301/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $28,413
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Mississippi Valley State University?
Mississippi Valley State University accepts 64.78% of applicants with an average ACT score of 16. As a historically black university founded in 1950, MVSU provides accessible higher education opportunities in rural Mississippi's Delta region.
How much does Mississippi Valley State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,812 annually, with 59.55% receiving Pell Grants. The university charges the same $7,912 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it equally affordable for all.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Mississippi Valley State University?
The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,326 total students enrolled. MVSU is known for its strong programs in agriculture and education, building on its legacy as a land-grant institution.
What are the graduation rates at Mississippi Valley State University?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 22.10%, with a four-year rate of 23.92%. Graduates earn a median salary of $31,919 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 92.2%.
Does Mississippi Valley State University have on-campus housing?
The university provides housing for up to 998 students, with room and board costing $8,112 annually. The retention rate of 57.56% reflects the challenges many students face in the rural Delta setting.
What is Mississippi Valley State University known for in athletics?
The Delta Devils compete in NCAA Division I with 262 total athletes across 11 varsity sports. MVSU is famous for producing NFL legends Jerry Rice and Deacon Jones, establishing its reputation as a football powerhouse among HBCUs.
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