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Alcorn State University

Alcorn State, MS·Public·2,290 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for competitive applicants and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. 77% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

25%
Accept
2,290
Students
$14,040
Net Price
46%
Grad Rate
$35,000
Earnings
10 yr
$17,021
Debt

About This School

Alcorn State University is a public institution located in Alcorn State, Mississippi with approximately 2,290 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 25% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $14,040 per year. The graduation rate is 46%, and the typical graduate earns $35,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Alcorn State University is a public historically black land-grant research university adjacent to Lorman, Mississippi. It was founded in 1871 and was the first black land grant college established in the United States. The university is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $14,040/year net price and just $17,021 in median debt, this HBCU is genuinely affordable, and its historic significance as the first Black land-grant college in the U.S. carries real weight. However, a 46% graduation rate is a serious concern — fewer than half of students who start here finish — and median earnings of $35,000 a decade out suggest limited financial upside for many graduates. Worth considering if cost is a priority and you have a clear plan to stay enrolled, but look closely at support resources and your intended major before committing.

Setting
Remote rural

Popular Programs

Biological Sciences22%
Business & Marketing13%
Health Professions12%
Psychology4%
Education2%
Physical Sciences2%
Computer Science2%
Communications1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1039
Reading 75th %ile495
Math 75th %ile503

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,549
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,549
Avg Net Price
$14,040
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants77%
Median debt at graduation$17,021

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
46%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
79%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$35,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,021
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,021
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$26,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$35,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.1x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White2%
Black96%
Hispanic/Latino1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,290 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Alcorn State University

1000 ASU Dr Ste 359

Alcorn State, MS 39096-7500

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Mississippi

Browse all Mississippi schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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