Millsaps College
Millsaps College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Millsaps College at a Glance
Millsaps College is a private liberal arts college in Jackson, Mississippi. It was founded in 1890 and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
1890
136 years old
$116M
$115.5 million (2025)
600
97
103 acres
Identity
Is Millsaps College Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, Millsaps College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,848 — 0% above average — while paying $26,034/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 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 50% 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 Millsaps College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Millsaps College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #16 of 38 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 | Yeshiva Toras Chaim | 84 | $5,356 | $62,526 |
| #2 | Brescia University | 67 | $8,709 | $45,500 |
| #3 | Baptist University of Florida | 64 | $10,372 | $42,836 |
| #4 | Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science | 54 | $19,622 | $66,111 |
| #5 | College of Saint Mary | 49 | $16,590 | $54,338 |
| #6 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #16 | Millsaps College | 29 | $26,034 | $53,848 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Millsaps College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Millsaps College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Millsaps College. 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 $26,034/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
- private
- Location
- Jackson, MS
- Student Body
- 549 students
- Admission Rate
- 43%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,034
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,848
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000