Students at Mississippi University For Women benefit from exceptional affordability that keeps debt low while providing access to stable career pathways, particularly in nursing and healthcare.
The university's zero default rate and manageable debt levels show that graduates successfully transition into the workforce despite modest earnings.
Mississippi University For Women ranks as a small public university that emphasizes accessibility and affordability over selectivity. With over 40% of students receiving Pell Grants and 37% being first-generation college students, MUW serves as an important access point for students who might not otherwise pursue higher education. The university's graduation rates show room for improvement, with about 38% of students completing degrees within six years, but those who do graduate often find stable career paths, particularly in nursing and healthcare fields.
MUW's financial profile reflects its mission as an affordable regional institution. Low-income students pay around $11,376 annually, while middle-income families see costs of about $11,964, both well below national averages for public universities. The university's relatively modest median earnings of $46,128 ten years after enrollment align with its focus on service-oriented professions like nursing, education, and social work rather than high-paying technical fields.
As Mississippi's only public university historically dedicated to women's education, MUW maintains a distinctive identity while serving a diverse student body. The institution provides a pathway to stable middle-class careers for students from modest backgrounds, though outcomes vary significantly by program choice and completion.
Mississippi University For Women's program portfolio centers on service-oriented professions that provide stable career pathways rather than maximum earnings potential. The Adult Health Nursing program dominates both enrollment and outcomes, graduating 371 students who earn a median of $57,538 ten years out. This program represents the university's primary strength, combining substantial scale with solid healthcare salaries that reflect strong regional demand for nursing professionals.
Business Administration serves as the second-largest program with 113 graduates earning around $34,847, providing a foundation for management and entrepreneurship roles in Mississippi's economy. Adult and Continuing Education, while smaller with 27 graduates, offers specialized preparation for educational leadership roles with earnings around $32,051.
The concentration in nursing, education, and business reflects MUW's mission-driven approach to higher education. Rather than chasing high-earning technical fields, the university focuses on professions that serve community needs and provide meaningful work. This approach creates reliable employment opportunities for graduates, even if earnings remain modest compared with institutions emphasizing STEM or business programs.
Graduates of Mississippi University For Women earn a median of $46,128 ten years after enrollment, placing the university around the national average for long-term earnings outcomes. While this figure reflects the institution's focus on service-oriented careers rather than high-paying technical fields, graduates do see modest earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions, suggesting the university adds meaningful value to student outcomes.
The strongest financial returns come from the university's signature nursing program, which graduates 371 students and produces median earnings of $57,538 ten years out. This program represents MUW's primary economic engine, combining high enrollment with solid pay that reflects strong demand for healthcare professionals in Mississippi and the broader Southeast. Business Administration, the second-largest program with 113 graduates, shows more modest earnings around $34,847, while Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn approximately $32,051.
MUW's career outcomes reflect its mission-driven focus on fields like nursing, education, and social services that provide stable employment and community impact. While these professions may not generate the highest salaries, they offer job security and meaningful work that aligns with many students' values and career goals.
Mississippi University For Women stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $11,376 per year, well below the national average and ranking in the top third nationally for affordability. Middle-income families see similar value with annual costs around $11,964, while even higher-income families pay a reasonable $18,012 annually. This consistent affordability reflects the university's commitment to keeping education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances.
Debt levels remain manageable for most MUW graduates. Typical students leave with about $15,000 in federal loan debt, a modest amount that aligns with the university's affordable pricing structure. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $8,592, significantly lower than at many institutions, indicating that families can often cover most costs through grants, work-study, and modest borrowing rather than taking on substantial debt.
The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations, even with the more modest earnings typical of service-oriented careers. This combination of low debt and reliable repayment suggests that MUW provides a financially sustainable path to degree completion for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Mississippi University For Women Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
