University of Southern Mississippi vs Alcorn State University: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Southern Mississippi comes closer — median earnings $44,140 against a $86,832 total, vs $36,421 at Alcorn State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Southern Mississippi | Alcorn State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,708 | $13,265 |
| Total net cost | $86,832 | $53,060 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $44,140 | $36,421 |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $27,000 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$171,232 | -$291,840 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Southern Mississippi or Alcorn State University?
Alcorn State University, at $13,265 a year after aid versus $21,708 — a gap of $8,443 a year, or $33,772 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 Southern Mississippi or Alcorn State University graduates earn more?
University of Southern Mississippi graduates report a median $44,140 ten years after entry, $7,719 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 Southern Mississippi or Alcorn State University?
University of Southern Mississippi: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Alcorn State University, a difference of $4,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
57% of students finish at Alcorn 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.