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Belhaven University vs Mississippi State University

Belhaven University is a private university in Jackson, MS. Mississippi State University is a public university in Mississippi State, MS. Belhaven University admits about 50% of applicants and Mississippi State University about 78%, making Belhaven University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,676 a year at Belhaven University after aid, and about $17,595 at Mississippi State University. About 65% of students graduate at Mississippi State University, compared with 50% at Belhaven University. Ten years after enrolling, Mississippi State University alumni earn a median of about $51,513, against $46,440 for Belhaven University.

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Belhaven University

Jackson, MS · Private

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Jackson, MS
Mississippi State, MS
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,471
18,397
Acceptance rate
50%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–4
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1298
1100–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
21–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,676
$17,595
Full cost / yr
$39,793
$29,267
In-state tuition
$30,250
$10,202
Out-of-state tuition
$30,250
$27,637
Application fee
$25
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,551
$14,332
$30k - $48k
$12,820
$14,372
$48k - $75k
$16,967
$18,671
$75k - $110k
$19,476
$20,704
Over $110k
$20,928
$22,987
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
65%
Freshman retention
68%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,987
$43,487
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,440
$51,513
Median debt at graduation
$26,333
$22,142
Student body
Pell grant recipients
49%
29%
First-generation students
40%
25%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Belhaven University or Mississippi State University harder to get into?
Belhaven University is harder to get into. It admits about 50% of applicants, compared with 78% at Mississippi State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Belhaven University or Mississippi State University?
Belhaven University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,676 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,595 at Mississippi State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Belhaven University and Mississippi State University?
Before aid, Mississippi State University costs about $29,267 a year and Belhaven University about $39,793. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Belhaven University or Mississippi State University?
Belhaven University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,551 there, against about $14,332 at Mississippi State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Belhaven University or Mississippi State University?
Mississippi State University is the larger of the two, with about 18,397 undergraduates against 1,471 at Belhaven University.
Does Belhaven University or Mississippi State University have a better graduation rate?
Mississippi State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 50% at Belhaven University.
Do graduates of Belhaven University or Mississippi State University earn more?
Mississippi State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,513 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,440 for Belhaven University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Belhaven University and Mississippi State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Belhaven University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mississippi State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Belhaven University and Mississippi State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1298 at Belhaven University and 1100–1350 at Mississippi State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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