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Mississippi State University vs Belhaven University: which has better ROI?

Public, Mississippi State MS · vs · Private nonprofit, Jackson MS

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

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 Belhaven University, on median earnings of $51,513 vs $46,440 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMississippi State UniversityBelhaven University
Net price / yr$17,595$15,676
Total net cost$70,380$62,704
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,513$46,440
Median debt$22,142$26,333
Payback22.3 yrs—
20-year net return-$7,320-$101,104

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

Which is cheaper, Mississippi State University or Belhaven University?

Belhaven University, at $15,676 a year after aid versus $17,595 — a gap of $1,919 a year, or $7,676 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 Belhaven University graduates earn more?

Mississippi State University graduates report a median $51,513 ten years after entry, $5,073 more than the $46,440 at Belhaven 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 Belhaven University?

Mississippi State University: its completers carry a median $22,142 in federal loans versus $26,333 at Belhaven University, a difference of $4,191. 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 49% at Belhaven 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.

Mississippi State University vs Belhaven University: frequently asked questions

Is Mississippi State University or Belhaven University a better value?
Mississippi State University. It clears its $70,380 net cost in about 22.3 years versus no clear payback at Belhaven University, on median earnings of $51,513 vs $46,440 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Mississippi State University or Belhaven University?
Belhaven University: $15,676/yr net price after aid versus $17,595/yr at Mississippi State University — a difference of $1,919 a year, or about $7,676 over four years.
Do Mississippi State University or Belhaven University graduates earn more?
Mississippi State University graduates earn a median $51,513 ten years after entry, versus $46,440 at Belhaven University — a $5,073 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.