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

Public, University MS · vs · Public, Alcorn State MS

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

The verdict

University of Mississippi has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $53,256 in 20.2 years versus not at all at Alcorn State University, on median earnings of $50,994 vs $36,421 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of MississippiAlcorn State University
Net price / yr$13,314$13,265
Total net cost$53,256$53,060
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,994$36,421
Median debt$20,000$27,000
Payback20.2 yrs—
20-year net return-$576-$291,840

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

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

Alcorn State University, at $13,265 a year after aid versus $13,314 — a gap of $49 a year, or $196 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Mississippi or Alcorn State University graduates earn more?

University of Mississippi graduates report a median $50,994 ten years after entry, $14,573 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, University of Mississippi or Alcorn State University?

University of Mississippi: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Alcorn State University, a difference of $7,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

72% of students finish at University of Mississippi, 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.

University of Mississippi vs Alcorn State University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Mississippi or Alcorn State University a better value?
University of Mississippi. It clears its $53,256 net cost in about 20.2 years versus no clear payback at Alcorn State University, on median earnings of $50,994 vs $36,421 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Mississippi or Alcorn State University?
Alcorn State University: $13,265/yr net price after aid versus $13,314/yr at University of Mississippi — a difference of $49 a year, or about $196 over four years.
Do University of Mississippi or Alcorn State University graduates earn more?
University of Mississippi graduates earn a median $50,994 ten years after entry, versus $36,421 at Alcorn State University — a $14,573 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.