Mississippi State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Mississippi State University?

Mississippi State University reports an overall graduation rate of 63%, positioning it above the national average and in the top 40% of comparable institutions. This rate reflects the percentage of students who complete their degree programs within six years, which aligns with the university's six-year graduation rate also at 63%. The four-year graduation rate, however, stands at a more modest 43%, placing the university in the lower half on this measure. These figures suggest that while a significant portion of students take longer than four years to graduate, many successfully finish within the six-year timeframe commonly used by universities to evaluate completion rates.

Graduation rates differ somewhat by gender. Women graduate at a rate of 66%, slightly higher than the overall figure, and are assessed in the same top 40% bracket. Men graduate at a lower rate of 59%, though this is still measured as average and similarly ranked within the top 40%. These gender-based distinctions may reflect varying academic pathways or persistence patterns among students at the institution.

Retention rates at Mississippi State University are strong, with 83% of first-year students continuing into their second year. This rate is considered high and places the university among the top 30% of schools for student retention, an indicator that many students are satisfied with their academic experience and choose to continue their studies there.

While specific graduation rates by major are not detailed, the overall data provide a useful outlook for prospective students considering the likely timeframe for degree completion and the institution's capacity to support student success across the board.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Mississippi State University?

Graduates from Mississippi State University see a wide range of earnings depending on their field of study, with some disciplines offering notably higher starting salaries than others. Engineering degrees generally lead in income potential, with Chemical Engineering graduates earning around $70,757 on average, Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering graduates earning approximately $69,768, and Mechanical Engineering graduates making about $67,632 annually. Civil Engineering and Aerospace Engineering also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $56,809 and $54,741 respectively.

Among fields related to computer and information technology, Computer and Information Sciences graduates receive an average annual income near $57,870, while Management Information Systems and Services degree holders earn about $51,062. Industrial Engineering also offers strong financial prospects, with graduates earning approximately $63,878.

Architecture and related disciplines present respectable earnings as well, with Architecture graduates earning around $51,686. In business-related areas, Construction Management stands out with an average salary of $60,051, and Finance and Financial Management Services leads among finance degrees at $40,559. Accounting graduates average $40,087 annually, while Agricultural Business and Management graduates earn about $40,038.

For those pursuing agriculture and natural sciences, Forestry graduates enjoy median earnings near $41,301, while Plant Sciences graduates earn about $35,464. Special Education and Teaching graduates can expect earnings around $34,610, and Teacher Education graduates focused on specific subject areas make slightly more, at approximately $36,213.

In the general sciences and social sciences, Communication and Media Studies graduates earn near $30,675, Criminology graduates receive about $25,300, and Political Science graduates earn roughly $25,570. Psychology graduates tend to earn in the mid $20,000 range, with Clinical, Counseling, and Applied Psychology at $25,664 and General Psychology around $24,831.

Other fields such as Industrial Production Technologies and Technicians provide earnings close to $52,232, while races in the humanities and arts, like Linguistic Studies and Visual and Performing Arts, generate incomes around $30,100 and $25,314 respectively.