Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Alcorn State University at a Glance
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.
1871
155 years old
$21M
$21.3 million (2021)
2,933
2,431 undergrad · 502 grad
1,756 acres
Identity
Is Alcorn State University Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, Alcorn State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $36,421 — 32% below average — while paying $13,265/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 74% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Alcorn State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Alcorn State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #41 of 90 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #41 | Alcorn State University | 35 | $13,265 | $36,421 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Alcorn State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Alcorn State University
The highest-earning program at Alcorn State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $23,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Alcorn State University earns $55,600, while a Biology, General graduate earns $23,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $17,291 in median debt vs. $30,600 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,265/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $55,600 | $55,600 | $17,291 |
| Biology, General | $23,000 | $23,000 | $30,600 |
Similar Colleges in MS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Alcorn State, MS
- Student Body
- 2,363 students
- Admission Rate
- 45%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,265
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $36,421
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000