Delta State University
Delta State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Delta State University at a Glance
Delta State University (DSU) is a public university in Cleveland, Mississippi, United States, in the Mississippi Delta.
1924
102 years old
$40M
$39.8 million (2021)
2,716
122
332 acres
Identity
Is Delta State University Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, Delta State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $41,991 — 22% below average — while paying $13,540/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 47% 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 a 100% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Delta State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Delta State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #49 of 91 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 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #49 | Delta State University | 37 | $13,540 | $41,991 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Delta State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in MS.
Best Programs at Delta State University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Delta State University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,540/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
Similar Colleges in MS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Cleveland, MS
- Student Body
- 1,620 students
- Admission Rate
- 100%
- Graduation Rate
- 47%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,540
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,991
- Median Student Debt
- $20,390