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Mississippi Valley State University

Itta Bena, MS·Public·1,439 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families who need the lowest possible cost. graduation rate is below 40%; median debt is moderately high. 56% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

92%
Accept
1,439
Students
$9,686
Net Price
27%
Grad Rate
$27,200
Earnings
10 yr
$28,413
Debt

About This School

Mississippi Valley State University is a public institution located in Itta Bena, Mississippi with approximately 1,439 undergraduate students enrolled. Mississippi Valley State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 92%. The average net price after financial aid is $9,686 per year. The graduation rate is 27%, 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.

Founded
1950
Setting
Distant rural
Avg Faculty Salary
$6,733

Popular Programs

Education18%
Business & Marketing17%
Biological Sciences6%
Communications3%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Social Sciences2%
Computer Science1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jerry RiceErnestina AbambilaAlphonso FordKatie Hall

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite870

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite16

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,692
Out-of-State Tuition
$7,692
Avg Net Price
$9,686
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$9,073
$30–48k$9,076
$48–75k$9,627
$75–110k$12,440
$110k+$17,479

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants56%
Median debt at graduation$28,413

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
27%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
70%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$27,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$28,413
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$24,600
Female graduates$20,600

Gap: 16% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$28,413
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$22,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$27,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.0x

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

White3%
Black91%
Hispanic/Latino2%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,439 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Mississippi Valley State University

14000 Highway 82 West

Itta Bena, MS 38941-1400

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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