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Alcorn State University vs Delta State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Alcorn State MS · vs · Public, Cleveland MS

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Delta State University comes closer — median earnings $41,991 against a $54,160 total, vs $36,421 at Alcorn State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAlcorn State UniversityDelta State University
Net price / yr$13,265$13,540
Total net cost$53,060$54,160
Median earnings, 10 yrs$36,421$41,991
Median debt$27,000$20,390
Payback
20-year net return-$291,840-$181,540

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Alcorn State University or Delta State University?

Alcorn State University, at $13,265 a year after aid versus $13,540 — a gap of $275 a year, or $1,100 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Alcorn State University or Delta State University graduates earn more?

Delta State University graduates report a median $41,991 ten years after entry, $5,570 more than the $36,421 at Alcorn State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Alcorn State University or Delta State University?

Delta State University: its completers carry a median $20,390 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Alcorn State University, a difference of $6,610. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at Alcorn State University, against 48% at Delta State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Alcorn State University vs Delta State University: frequently asked questions

Is Alcorn State University or Delta State University a better value?
Delta State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Alcorn State University or Delta State University?
Alcorn State University: $13,265/yr net price after aid versus $13,540/yr at Delta State University — a difference of $275 a year, or about $1,100 over four years.
Do Alcorn State University or Delta State University graduates earn more?
Delta State University graduates earn a median $41,991 ten years after entry, versus $36,421 at Alcorn State University — a $5,570 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.