Mississippi State University vs Alcorn State University: which has better ROI?
Mississippi State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $70,380 in 22.3 years versus not at all at Alcorn State University, on median earnings of $51,513 vs $36,421 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Mississippi State University | Alcorn State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,595 | $13,265 |
| Total net cost | $70,380 | $53,060 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,513 | $36,421 |
| Median debt | $22,142 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 22.3 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | -$7,320 | -$291,840 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Mississippi State University or Alcorn State University?
Alcorn State University, at $13,265 a year after aid versus $17,595 — a gap of $4,330 a year, or $17,320 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Mississippi State University or Alcorn State University graduates earn more?
Mississippi State University graduates report a median $51,513 ten years after entry, $15,092 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, Mississippi State University or Alcorn State University?
Mississippi State University: its completers carry a median $22,142 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Alcorn State University, a difference of $4,858. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at Mississippi State University, against 57% at Alcorn 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.