Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 23.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 22.1%
- Retention Rate
- 57.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $31,919
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $28,413
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $301/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Outcomes Overview
Graduates face real financial challenges after leaving Mississippi Valley State. With median debt of $28,413 and median earnings of $31,919 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio hits 89%, well above the recommended 50-60%. Monthly loan payments of $301 eat up 11% of typical graduate income, making budgets tight. The 36% loan repayment rate shows many struggle to pay down their debt. However, the 92% employment rate demonstrates that graduates do find work, often in education, social services, and agriculture given the school's programs. Jerry Rice and Deacon Jones prove the school can launch careers, but for most graduates, the financial return represents a weak investment given the debt burden relative to earning potential.