Mississippi State University
About Mississippi State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Mississippi State University is a public research university in Starkville, Mississippi. It is the state's leading research institution and is known for its engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and business programs. MSU is home to the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems.
Founded
1878
Location
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Students
22,980
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
77.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
66.7%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$10,202
Out-of-state: $27,637
Avg Net Price
$17,595
After financial aid
SAT Average
1219
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$51,513
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Mississippi State University accepts the majority of applicants at 77.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1219/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
66.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
82.5%
4-Year Grad
36%
6-Year Grad
60%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
83.2%
$/Student
$8.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 36% graduation rate is below average, but 82.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,202
In-State
$27,637
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,902
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$29,267
After Financial Aid
$17,595
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$14,332
Receive Grants
29.3%
Take Loans
38.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $29,267/yr for in-state students, including $12,902 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $17,595. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $27,637.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Mississippi State University fund their education.
While in School
29.3%
Get Grants
Free money
38.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$38,988
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,142
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$235/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 38.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $22,142. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Mississippi State University.
Gender
50.8%
Female
49%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
18,397
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
4,583
Graduates
24.9%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
7.5%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (51% women, 49% men). 24.9% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
18,397
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Mississippi State University fields 9 varsity teams with 471 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Southeastern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
471
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
53% / 47%
248
Men
223
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Mississippi State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$51,513
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$38K
379 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$38K
279 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$30K
268 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$27K
258 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$36K
227 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$43K
205 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $43K six years out, growing to $52K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mississippi State University
What is the acceptance rate at Mississippi State University?▾
How much does Mississippi State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Mississippi State University?▾
How much do Mississippi State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.