Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Mississippi State University is a public institution in Mississippi State with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1220, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 18.1K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
63% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $51,513 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,501.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Bulldogs
History & Fun Facts
- •It was created by the Mississippi Legislature on February 28, 1878, to offer training in "agriculture, horticulture and the mechanical arts ...
- •" The university received its first students in the fall of 1880 in the presidency of General Stephen D.
- •In 1887 Congress passed the Hatch Act, which provided for the establishment of the Agricultural Experiment Station in 1888.
- •The Cooperative Extension Service was established in 1914 by the Smith-Lever Act.
- •In 1932, the Legislature renamed the university as Mississippi State College.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1220
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
61.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$16,324
Programs (344)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
83%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
118
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MS state average