At $13,164/yr net price, University of Mississippi graduates earn $50,994/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,994/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,164 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,656 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,994/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,994/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,030/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,213/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,525/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,319/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,769/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,309 | $100,500 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $112,488 | $175,333 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $88,614 | $40,999 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,015 | $93,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $67,324 | $61,500 |
| Engineering Science. | Master | $64,990 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,417 | $21,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,447 | $20,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $12,500 |
The Risk Factor
68.5% of students at University of Mississippi graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Mississippi delivers solid financial returns for most students, with a low net price of $13,164 annually and manageable debt loads keeping the investment reasonable. Your median earnings hit $50,994 ten years after graduation, creating a favorable payback timeline when paired with the typical $20,000 debt burden.
The professional programs dominate earnings potential. Pharmacy graduates earn $117,309 annually despite heavy debt loads of $100,500, while dentistry majors see $112,488 in earnings against $175,333 in debt. Nursing provides the strongest risk-adjusted return at $88,614 with only $40,999 in debt. These health-focused programs align well with Mississippi's medical corridor and regional healthcare demand.
Your biggest financial risk lies in program selection. While the school's low sticker price protects you from catastrophic debt, choosing majors outside the health sciences significantly reduces your earning power in Mississippi's limited job market. The 68.5% graduation rate also means one in three students never complete their degree, losing money with no credential to show for it.
Ole Miss works best financially if you can access in-state tuition and plan to work in Mississippi after graduation, where your degree carries regional recognition and the cost of living keeps your debt manageable. Out-of-state students face much higher costs that erode the value proposition. The school offers limited merit aid, with only 22% of students receiving assistance, so you should expect to pay most costs yourself.
Skip Ole Miss if you want access to high-paying industries like technology or finance that barely exist in Mississippi, or if you need substantial financial aid to make college affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Mississippi worth the cost for most students?
University of Mississippi offers reasonable value with a low net price of $13,164 annually and median debt of just $20,000. However, the 10-year median earnings of $51,000 are below national averages, making ROI heavily dependent on your chosen major.
Which University of Mississippi programs have the best return on investment?
Pharmacy and dental programs at University of Mississippi deliver strong ROI with graduates earning over $110,000 annually. Nursing also pays well at $88,600, while general liberal arts programs typically result in lower earnings that may not justify even the modest costs.
How much student debt do University of Mississippi graduates typically have?
University of Mississippi graduates leave with a median debt of $20,000, which is relatively low compared to national averages. The low debt burden helps offset the school's below-average graduate earnings in many fields.
Does University of Mississippi provide good financial aid to students?
University of Mississippi keeps costs manageable with a net price of $13,164 per year after aid. The combination of low tuition and decent financial aid makes it accessible, though the 68% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees.