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

Public, University MS · vs · Public, Mississippi 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 22.3 years at Mississippi State University, on median earnings of $50,994 vs $51,513 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of MississippiMississippi State University
Net price / yr$13,314$17,595
Total net cost$53,256$70,380
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,994$51,513
Median debt$20,000$22,142
Payback20.2 yrs22.3 yrs
20-year net return-$576-$7,320

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

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

University of Mississippi, at $13,314 a year after aid versus $17,595 — a gap of $4,281 a year, or $17,124 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 Mississippi State University graduates earn more?

Mississippi State University graduates report a median $51,513 ten years after entry, $519 more than the $50,994 at University of 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, University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University?

University of Mississippi: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $22,142 at Mississippi State University, a difference of $2,142. 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 67% at Mississippi 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 Mississippi State University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University a better value?
University of Mississippi. It clears its $53,256 net cost in about 20.2 years versus 22.3 years at Mississippi State University, on median earnings of $50,994 vs $51,513 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University?
University of Mississippi: $13,314/yr net price after aid versus $17,595/yr at Mississippi State University — a difference of $4,281 a year, or about $17,124 over four years.
Do University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University graduates earn more?
Mississippi State University graduates earn a median $51,513 ten years after entry, versus $50,994 at University of Mississippi — a $519 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.