Cleveland, MS · Private University
Is Delta State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$41,991
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$8,605
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,605
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$34,420
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
4.88x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.9 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
46.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,390
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$13,778
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Delta State University graduates earn $3,009 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Delta State University ranked by graduate earnings
95 graduates
53 graduates
85 graduates
17 graduates
30 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Delta State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Delta State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $68,221) and the lowest (Biology, General: $20,823) is $47,398/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI(1yr data) | $68,221 | 7.9x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods(1yr data) | $39,008 | 4.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas(1yr data) | $34,177 | 4.0x |
| Air Transportation(1yr data) | $32,537 | 3.8x |
| Business/Commerce, General(1yr data) | $30,953 | 3.6x |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General(1yr data) | $28,918 | 3.4x |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(1yr data) | $25,415 | 3.0x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General(1yr data) | $24,839 | 2.9x |
| Biology, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $20,823 | 2.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Delta State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $41,991 10 years after starting, $3,009 below the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.9 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.