Return on Investment Analysis

University of Southern Mississippi ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a University of Southern Mississippi degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from University of Southern Mississippi is 14.2 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending University of Southern Mississippi?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at University of Southern Mississippi is $38,472 ($9,618 per year). 50% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do University of Southern Mississippi graduates earn?

The median earnings for University of Southern Mississippi graduates 5 years after enrollment is $37,710. This is $2,710 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$38,472

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$2,710/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

14.2 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

41%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The University of Southern Mississippi has a high acceptance rate of 99.4% and a graduation rate of 51.1%. The average in-state tuition is $9,618. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $39,715. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $37,710, but increase to $44,140 after ten years.

The median debt for graduates is $22,500, and 50% of students receive financial aid. Based on the first-year earnings, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.57.

Based on the first-year earnings, the break-even point for tuition is less than one year.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$9,618

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,500

Median Earnings (5yr)

$37,710

Graduation Rate

51%

Receive Financial Aid

50%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	$38,472	$184,649	7680%
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$38,472	$62,571	1333%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	$38,472	$51,646	765%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities	$38,472	$0	N/A
Psychology, General	$38,472	$32,661	N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$38,472	$36,496	-22%
Biology, General	$38,472	$38,258	69%
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services	$38,472	$34,932	N/A
Library Science and Administration	$38,472	$0	N/A
Social Work	$38,472	$41,982	263%
Accounting and Related Services	$38,472	$56,258	1005%
Marketing	$38,472	$48,470	600%

Peer Comparison

University of Southern Mississippi Current

41%

20yr ROI

William Carey University

-10%

20yr ROI

Youngstown State University

20%

20yr ROI

Fayetteville State University

257%

20yr ROI

Georgia State University

68%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$38,472

Median Debt$22,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$38,472

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of Southern Mississippi worth the cost?

Based on government data, University of Southern Mississippi has an estimated 20-year ROI of 41%. The total 4-year cost is $38,472 and graduates earn a median of $37,710 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a University of Southern Mississippi degree?

What is the total cost of attending University of Southern Mississippi?

What do University of Southern Mississippi graduates earn?

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

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