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Mississippi State University vs Tougaloo College

Mississippi State University is a public university in Mississippi State, MS, and Tougaloo College is a private college in Tougaloo, MS. Tougaloo College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 60% of applicants against 78% at Mississippi State University. Tougaloo College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,043 a year against $17,595 at Mississippi State University. About 65% of students graduate at Mississippi State University, compared with 33% at Tougaloo College. Ten years after enrolling, Mississippi State University alumni earn a median of about $51,513, against $34,724 for Tougaloo College.

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS · Public

Tougaloo College

Tougaloo, MS · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Mississippi State, MS
Tougaloo, MS
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
18,397
639
Acceptance rate
78%
60%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1350
790–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,595
$17,043
Full cost / yr
$29,267
$24,239
In-state tuition
$10,202
$12,407
Out-of-state tuition
$27,637
$12,407
Application fee
$40
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,332
$17,294
$30k - $48k
$14,372
$17,523
$48k - $75k
$18,671
$17,744
$75k - $110k
$20,704
$14,396
Over $110k
$22,987
$16,266
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
33%
Freshman retention
83%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,487
$25,777
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,513
$34,724
Median debt at graduation
$22,142
$30,046
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
63%
First-generation students
25%
30%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 1

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 Mississippi State University or Tougaloo College harder to get into?
Tougaloo College is harder to get into. It admits about 60% 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, Mississippi State University or Tougaloo College?
Tougaloo College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,043 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 Mississippi State University and Tougaloo College?
Before aid, Tougaloo College costs about $24,239 a year and Mississippi State University about $29,267. 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, Mississippi State University or Tougaloo College?
Mississippi State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,332 there, against about $17,294 at Tougaloo College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Mississippi State University or Tougaloo College?
Mississippi State University is the larger of the two, with about 18,397 undergraduates against 639 at Tougaloo College.
Does Mississippi State University or Tougaloo College have a better graduation rate?
Mississippi State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 33% at Tougaloo College.
Do graduates of Mississippi State University or Tougaloo College earn more?
Mississippi State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,513 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,724 for Tougaloo College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Mississippi State University and Tougaloo College require SAT or ACT scores?
Mississippi State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Tougaloo College requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Mississippi State University and Tougaloo College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1350 at Mississippi State University and 790–1090 at Tougaloo College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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