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 presents a challenging financial picture with a median 10-year earning of $31,919 against $28,413 in typical debt. The low 22% graduation rate means most students leave without a degree but often with debt.
Business Administration offers the strongest earning potential at $33,993, making it your best bet for financial return. Social Work graduates earn $33,007, providing decent prospects for those committed to the field. Education majors face tougher economics with earnings around $28,019, which may struggle to justify the debt load given teacher salaries in Mississippi.
The biggest risk here is not graduating. With retention rates below 58%, many students transfer or drop out, often carrying debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying jobs. If you're not academically prepared or highly motivated, this school could leave you financially worse off.
MVSU works financially for students who can secure significant need-based aid, since nearly 60% of students receive financial assistance. The $11,812 net price becomes manageable if you graduate in Business or Social Work and stay in Mississippi where living costs remain low.
This school makes sense for first-generation college students from the Mississippi Delta region who need affordable access to higher education and plan to work locally after graduation. If you're considering more expensive alternatives or have stronger academic credentials that could earn merit aid elsewhere, other options likely offer better financial returns.
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.