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Colleges / MS / Mississippi State
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Mississippi State University

Public Mississippi State, MS · Town · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
65%
Graduation Rate
$51,513
Earnings (10yr)
$17,595
Net Price
78%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an enrollment of nearly 18,000 students, Mississippi State University is a solid choice for those seeking a friendly and supportive campus environment. This university attracts a diverse group of learners, particularly in popular fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, Education, Psychology, and Biology & Biomedical sciences. With a 78% acceptance rate, it’s accessible for many students looking for a place to grow academically and socially.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $51,513 within a decade of completing their degree. This earning potential is significant, especially for a public university, and suggests that many graduates find rewarding careers in their chosen fields. The affordability factor also plays a role, with a net price of $17,595 after aid, making it a viable option for students looking to balance education costs with future income.

In terms of financial outcomes, the median debt stands at $22,142, which is manageable for the earnings that graduates experience. Students who thrive here often appreciate the blend of academic rigor and a community-focused atmosphere. Those who are proactive in seeking internships and engagement opportunities tend to see the best results, making the most of what Mississippi State has to offer.

Rankings

How Mississippi Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation65%Earnings 10yr$52KNet Price$18KRetention83%Median Debt$22KPell Grant Rate29%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$14K$0-30K$14K$30-48K$19K$48-75K$23K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%870.0%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%2032.7%MOBILITY176.85%

Cost & Financial Aid

$10,202
In-State Tuition
$27,637
Out-of-State
$17,595
Avg Net Price
$22,142
Median Debt
29%
Pell Grant Rate
39%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$14,332
Family Income $0–$30K
$14,372
Family Income $30K–$48K
$18,671
Family Income $48K–$75K
$22,987
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$43,487
6 Years After Entry
$46,795
8 Years
$51,513
10 Years
0.43x
Debt-to-Earnings
67%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$43,487 6yr $46,795 8yr $51,513 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

176.85%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
2032.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
870.0%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$90,700
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.27
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.09
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
4.6%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.182%
Inventor Rate
21
Total Patents
3
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 78%
Retention Rate 83%
SAT Average 1219
ACT Midpoint 26
SAT Range 1100–1350
ACT Range 21–29
Full-Time Faculty 83%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,100
Diversity Index 0.45
First-Gen Students 25%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 20%
Engineering 15%
Education 7%
Psychology 7%
Biology & Biomedical 5%
Communications 3%
Social Sciences 3%
Computer Science & IT 3%