Midwestern State University's published cost of attendance is $22,411 per year, including $12,260 in out-of-state tuition ($10,310 for Texas residents), $10,240 for room and board, and $600 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $11,882 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,529 compared to the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $22,411 |
| Tuition and Fees | $12,260 |
| Room and Board | $10,240 |
| Books and Supplies | $600 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,529 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $11,882 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,575 |
| $30–48k | $9,990 |
| $48–75k | $11,235 |
| $75–110k | $17,458 |
| $110k+ | $18,593 |
Midwestern State University's published cost of attendance is $22,411 per year, including $12,260 in out-of-state tuition ($10,310 for Texas residents), $10,240 for room and board, and $600 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $11,882 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,529 compared to the sticker price. This net price is $2,211 below the peer median of $14,093, demonstrating the university's commitment to affordability.
The substantial gap between published costs and actual net price reflects effective financial aid packaging that makes higher education accessible to diverse student populations. Texas residents benefit from significantly lower tuition rates, with in-state students paying $1,950 less in tuition than out-of-state students. The university's affordability index ranks at the 81.1st percentile nationally, placing it in the well above average tier for cost management and value delivery.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Midwestern State University graduates carry a median debt load of $21,030, which is $75 below the peer median of $21,105 and ranks at the 63rd percentile nationally. Debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, showing controlled borrowing across the student population.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 indicates manageable debt relative to post-graduation income, meaning typical graduates dedicate roughly 38 cents of every dollar earned to debt service in their first year after graduation. Parent PLUS loans show a median debt of $14,873 with monthly payments of approximately $196.
The combination of moderate debt levels and earnings that exceed expectations by $5,293 creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability. Students can expect debt burdens that are manageable relative to their career earning potential, particularly in the university's strongest programs like health professions where earnings significantly exceed the institutional median.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
The investment proposition at Midwestern State University centers on earnings that exceed expectations relative to educational costs. Graduates earn $5,293 beyond expectations, ranking at the 74.7th percentile nationally for value-added performance, while carrying debt loads slightly below peer institutions.
With median earnings of $55,747 compared to peer median earnings of $50,116, graduates earn $5,631 more annually than typical outcomes at similar institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 supports sustainable loan repayment, particularly as earnings grow over time from $46,637 at six years to $55,747 at ten years.
Net prices that are $2,211 below peer medians combined with above-peer earnings create favorable return on investment conditions. This assessment is strengthened by program-level outcomes, where top programs like Allied Health Diagnostics (#7 nationally) and Adult Health Nursing (#78 nationally) deliver exceptional value through strong earnings potential and manageable debt loads.
Midwestern State University's financial aid approach prioritizes accessibility for lower-income students while maintaining reasonable costs for all income levels. The $10,529 average savings from sticker price to net cost demonstrates comprehensive aid packaging that combines federal, state, and institutional resources.
With 40.0% Pell-eligible enrollment, the university serves a substantial population of students from families earning under $50,000 annually, requiring significant financial aid coordination. The progressive pricing structure, where the lowest-income families pay $9,575 compared to $18,593 for highest-income families, shows effective aid targeting.
This financial aid profile supports the university's Opportunity Builder designation by converting educational access into meaningful career preparation, particularly for students who might otherwise lack access to higher education due to financial constraints.
