Delta State University
Delta State University is a public university in Cleveland, MS ranked #700 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,613 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 99.7%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 73.6% first-year retention, and 46.9% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $13,778, about $3,220 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -34.2%, roughly 119.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $36,265. That's about $7,423 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Delta State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Delta State University graduates 46.9% of students within six years and keeps 73.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Delta State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,605 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,427 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $22,008 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 43.1% of Delta State University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,183 to $17,117 depending on family income. Use Delta State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,418/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,117/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $36,265
- 10-Year Median Earnings $36,265
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.3%
- Employment Rate 90.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Delta State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Delta State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Delta State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Delta State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Delta State University graduates earn $36,265 median, the -34.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 480-600
- SAT Math 460-590
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 17-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,613
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 73.6%
- Graduation Rate 43.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Delta State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Delta State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 99.7%, Delta State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 99.7% acceptance rate, Delta State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 940 and 1190 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Delta State University undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 13.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 11.6%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 8.4%
- Biology, General 5.6%
- Social Work 5.1%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 4.5%
See more majors
- Visual and Performing Arts, General 4.5%
- Business/Commerce, General 4.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $68,221
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $39,008
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $34,177
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Air Transportation $32,537
- 5. Business/Commerce, General $30,953
- 6. Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General $28,918
- 7. Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management $25,415
- 8. Visual and Performing Arts, General $24,839
- 9. Biology, General $20,823
- 10. Psychology, General $18,767
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Education, General (Doctoral Degree) $79,326
- 2. Air Transportation (Master's Degree) $70,632
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $57,324
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degree) $55,597
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $47,304
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $43,303
- 7. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $39,682
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $31,618
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $68,221—264% more than Psychology, General ($18,767). Graduate: Education, General programs lead with $79,326 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Delta State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 79 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 51 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 34 graduates)
- Social Work (Bachelor's Degree, 31 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 27 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (28 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Biology, General
- Social Work
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Business/Commerce, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Psychology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Air Transportation
- Marketing
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Mathematics
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- History
- Chemistry
- Music
- English Language and Literature, General
- Social Sciences, General
Online Master's Degrees (6 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Fine and Studio Arts
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)â–¼
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,613
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.9%
- Female Students 56.1%
- Caucasian 52.4%
- Asian 0.7%
- Hispanic 2.5%
- Black 35.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 43.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Delta State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Delta State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Delta State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Delta State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Delta State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Delta State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Delta State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #700 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,778 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $36,265 median earnings. The 46.9% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 73.6% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Delta State University's Strengths
Ranked #700 with a B grade, Delta State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Delta State University excel at providing affordable education ($13,778 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Delta State University's 73.6% retention and 46.9% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($36,265 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Delta State University and $13,778 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 46.9% six-year graduation rate sits 15.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 73.6% first-year retention is 3.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -34.2% return on investment is 119.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $36,265 run about 17% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,778 is roughly $3,340 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 73.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.7% employment rate within three years sits 22.5 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University operates as a public university and receives a B from EDsmart. It appears at #700 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B-, Support B, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 73.6% retention and 46.9% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -34.2%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,778 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $22,008.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,230 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 43.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $36,265 at the median. This is roughly 17% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 90.7% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -34.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
99.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Delta State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Cleveland, MS 38733
- Website www.deltastate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$34.4M