Mississippi College vs Mississippi Valley State University
Mississippi College is selective with a 48.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Mississippi Valley State University (51.2%). Graduates of Mississippi College earn $15,566 more per year at the 10-year mark ($47,485 vs $31,919). For families earning $48k–$75k, Mississippi Valley State University is more affordable at $9,627 net price vs $27,601. Students at Mississippi College graduate with less debt ($22,500 vs $28,413).
Admissions & Outcomes
Mississippi College has a higher yield rate (41.6%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Clinton, MS
Itta Bena, MS
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Mississippi Valley State University is more affordable at $9,073 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $29,757 vs $17,479.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Mississippi Valley State University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (60%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Mississippi College
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$52,107
- 2 Accounting and Related Services$44,356
- 3 Marketing$42,682
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations$42,235
- 5 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$35,416
Mississippi Valley State University
- 1 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$28,019
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations$26,850
- 3 Health and Physical Education/Fitness$25,194
- 4 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication$24,421
- 5 Criminal Justice and Corrections$22,192
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Mississippi College
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 5 Psychology, General
Mississippi Valley State University
- 1 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 4 Social Work
- 5 Criminal Justice and Corrections
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Mississippi College
- International students2%
- Tuition (international)$18,200
- Est. total cost/year$30,258
- School typePublic
Mississippi Valley State University
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$6,726
- Est. total cost/year$14,744
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs. 0
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Mississippi College or Mississippi Valley State University?
Mississippi College is more selective with a 48.9% acceptance rate, compared to 51.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Mississippi College or Mississippi Valley State University?
Mississippi College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $47,485 compared to $31,919. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Mississippi College or Mississippi Valley State University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Mississippi Valley State University has a lower net price at $9,627 per year vs $27,601. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Mississippi College vs Mississippi Valley State University?
Mississippi College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 61.2%, compared to 24.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Mississippi College or Mississippi Valley State University?
Mississippi College has a larger international student population at 2% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Mississippi College and Mississippi Valley State University?
At Mississippi College, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $52,107 within two years. At Mississippi Valley State University, the top-earning major is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $28,019. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.