At $11,812/yr net price, Mississippi Valley State University graduates earn $31,919/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,812 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,248 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,919/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,081/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $28,413 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,034/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,613/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,074/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,513/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,335/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
22.1% of students at Mississippi Valley State University 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 Valley State University carries real financial risk. You leave with median debt around $28,000 but a median 10-year salary under $32,000, meaning your debt nearly equals a full year of pay. That is a tight spot for any borrower, and the 22% graduation rate makes it worse: most of you who enroll never finish, and dropping out with loans and no degree is the worst outcome here.
The program earnings tell a blunt story. None of the top-paying bachelor's degrees here clear $30,000 at the 10-year mark. Teacher Education leads the list, followed by Business Administration and Health and Physical Education. Criminal Justice sits at the bottom near $22,000, so if you enroll expecting a corrections or law-enforcement career to pay off your loans quickly, the numbers do not back that up. Even the strongest majors leave you close to your debt load rather than well above it.
The biggest risk is not the price tag, which is moderate. It is finishing. With a 58% retention rate, roughly four in ten of you leave after the first year. Every semester you pay without graduating is money spent for no salary bump.
The net price barely moves across income bands, sitting between $10,000 and $14,000 no matter what your family earns. Lower-income families do not get a meaningful discount here, and the $48k-$75k band actually pays the most. Budget for the full amount regardless of where you fall.
This school fits you if you are committed to teaching or business, plan to finish in four years, and can keep borrowing low. If you would need to take on the full median debt, or if you are unsure you will graduate, look at schools with better completion rates and stronger salary outcomes before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mississippi Valley State University worth the cost?
Mississippi Valley State University has a low graduation rate of 22% and typical graduates earn only $31,919 ten years after enrollment, making the ROI questionable for most students. The median debt of $28,413 represents nearly a full year's salary for graduates.
What programs at Mississippi Valley State University have the best ROI?
Business Administration graduates from Mississippi Valley State University earn around $34,000 annually, the highest among the school's programs. Social Work graduates earn about $33,000, while Education majors typically make $28,000 or less.
How much student debt do Mississippi Valley State University graduates have?
Mississippi Valley State University graduates carry a median debt of $28,413, which is high relative to their earning potential. With typical graduate salaries around $32,000, this debt burden can be difficult to manage.
Does Mississippi Valley State University have good financial aid?
Mississippi Valley State University has a net price of $11,812 per year, which is relatively affordable. However, the low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.