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

Public, University MS · vs · Public, Hattiesburg 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 University of Southern Mississippi, on median earnings of $50,994 vs $44,140 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of MississippiUniversity of Southern Mississippi
Net price / yr$13,314$21,708
Total net cost$53,256$86,832
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,994$44,140
Median debt$20,000$22,500
Payback20.2 yrs—
20-year net return-$576-$171,232

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

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

University of Mississippi, at $13,314 a year after aid versus $21,708 — a gap of $8,394 a year, or $33,576 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 University of Southern Mississippi graduates earn more?

University of Mississippi graduates report a median $50,994 ten years after entry, $6,854 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, University of Mississippi or University of Southern Mississippi?

University of Mississippi: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $22,500 at University of Southern Mississippi, a difference of $2,500. 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 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.

University of Mississippi vs University of Southern Mississippi: frequently asked questions

Is University of Mississippi or University of Southern Mississippi a better value?
University of Mississippi. It clears its $53,256 net cost in about 20.2 years versus no clear payback at University of Southern Mississippi, on median earnings of $50,994 vs $44,140 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Mississippi or University of Southern Mississippi?
University of Mississippi: $13,314/yr net price after aid versus $21,708/yr at University of Southern Mississippi — a difference of $8,394 a year, or about $33,576 over four years.
Do University of Mississippi or University of Southern Mississippi graduates earn more?
University of Mississippi graduates earn a median $50,994 ten years after entry, versus $44,140 at University of Southern Mississippi — a $6,854 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.