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Mississippi State University vs Millsaps College: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Millsaps College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $104,136 in 19 years versus 22.3 years at Mississippi State University, on median earnings of $53,848 vs $51,513 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMississippi State UniversityMillsaps College
Net price / yr$17,595$26,034
Total net cost$70,380$104,136
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,513$53,848
Median debt$22,142$27,000
Payback22.3 yrs19 yrs
20-year net return-$7,320$5,624

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

Which is cheaper, Mississippi State University or Millsaps College?

Mississippi State University, at $17,595 a year after aid versus $26,034 — a gap of $8,439 a year, or $33,756 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 Millsaps College graduates earn more?

Millsaps College graduates report a median $53,848 ten years after entry, $2,335 more than the $51,513 at Mississippi 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 Millsaps College?

Mississippi State University: its completers carry a median $22,142 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Millsaps College, 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 Millsaps College. 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 Millsaps College: frequently asked questions

Is Mississippi State University or Millsaps College a better value?
Millsaps College. It clears its $104,136 net cost in about 19 years versus 22.3 years at Mississippi State University, on median earnings of $53,848 vs $51,513 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Mississippi State University or Millsaps College?
Mississippi State University: $17,595/yr net price after aid versus $26,034/yr at Millsaps College — a difference of $8,439 a year, or about $33,756 over four years.
Do Mississippi State University or Millsaps College graduates earn more?
Millsaps College graduates earn a median $53,848 ten years after entry, versus $51,513 at Mississippi State University — a $2,335 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.