The cost of college in Mississippi — and what it pays back
Across the 32 Mississippi institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $9,015/yr, $7,891 below the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $33,687 ten years after entry (below the $43,552 national median), and 3 of the 32 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$9,015
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$33,687
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
20.2 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
3/32
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Mississippi's 32 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong0
Solid0
Slow1
Weak31
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millsaps College | $26,034 | $53,848 | 19 yrs |
| University of Mississippi | $13,314 | $50,994 | 20.2 yrs |
| Mississippi State University | $17,595 | $51,513 | 22.3 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coahoma Community College | -$274 | $24,289 | no payback |
| Southwest Mississippi Community College | $2,525 | $33,227 | no payback |
| Mississippi Delta Community College | $3,715 | $28,421 | no payback |
| Copiah-Lincoln Community College | $3,894 | $31,241 | no payback |
| Hinds Community College | $4,060 | $30,774 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Mississippi?
The median net price across Mississippi colleges is $9,015/yr after aid — below the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Mississippi cheaper than the national average?
Yes, on median net price: $9,015/yr vs $16,906 nationally — about $7,891/yr less.
What do Mississippi college graduates earn?
A median $33,687 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), below the $43,552 national median.
Which Mississippi college pays for itself fastest?
Millsaps College — about 19 years to clear its $104,136 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-mississippi page.