Mississippi Valley State University
A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; freshman retention is below 65%. 60% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
Mississippi Valley State University is a public institution located in Itta Bena, Mississippi with approximately 1,326 undergraduate students enrolled. Mississippi Valley State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 51%. The average net price after financial aid is $11,812 per year. The graduation rate is 22%, and the typical graduate earns $27,200 within 10 years of enrollment.
Mississippi Valley State University is a public historically black university in Mississippi Valley State, Mississippi, adjacent to Itta Bena, Mississippi. MVSU is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
The numbers tell a mixed story here — the affordable net price of $11,812/year and HBCU community make this an accessible option for students who value that environment, but a 22% graduation rate and median earnings of $27,200 a decade out are serious red flags worth weighing carefully. Only 58% of freshmen return for sophomore year, suggesting many students struggle to find their footing or finish what they started. Worth considering if cost and HBCU culture are top priorities, but have a clear plan for staying enrolled and building skills beyond the degree itself.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,326 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
Mississippi Valley State University
14000 Highway 82 West
Itta Bena, MS 38941-1400
Official Links
Other Schools in Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University, MS · Public
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS · Public
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS · Public
Hinds Community College
Raymond, MS · Public
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, MS · Public
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Senatobia, MS · Public
Sources & Methodology
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.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- 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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