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Mississippi State University vs University of Southern Mississippi: which has better ROI?

Public, Mississippi State MS · vs · Public, Hattiesburg 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 University of Southern Mississippi, on median earnings of $51,513 vs $44,140 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMississippi State UniversityUniversity of Southern Mississippi
Net price / yr$17,595$21,708
Total net cost$70,380$86,832
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,513$44,140
Median debt$22,142$22,500
Payback22.3 yrs—
20-year net return-$7,320-$171,232

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

Which is cheaper, Mississippi State University or University of Southern Mississippi?

Mississippi State University, at $17,595 a year after aid versus $21,708 — a gap of $4,113 a year, or $16,452 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 University of Southern Mississippi graduates earn more?

Mississippi State University graduates report a median $51,513 ten years after entry, $7,373 more than the $44,140 at University of Southern Mississippi. 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 University of Southern Mississippi?

Mississippi State University: its completers carry a median $22,142 in federal loans versus $22,500 at University of Southern Mississippi, a difference of $358. 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 University of Southern Mississippi. 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 University of Southern Mississippi: frequently asked questions

Is Mississippi State University or University of Southern Mississippi a better value?
Mississippi State University. It clears its $70,380 net cost in about 22.3 years versus no clear payback at University of Southern Mississippi, on median earnings of $51,513 vs $44,140 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Mississippi State University or University of Southern Mississippi?
Mississippi State University: $17,595/yr net price after aid versus $21,708/yr at University of Southern Mississippi — a difference of $4,113 a year, or about $16,452 over four years.
Do Mississippi State University or University of Southern Mississippi graduates earn more?
Mississippi State University graduates earn a median $51,513 ten years after entry, versus $44,140 at University of Southern Mississippi — a $7,373 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.