Mississippi State University College of Business
Starkville, MS · 2 years · Official Site
$12,300
2 years
Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle
“Mississippi State's MBA costs $12.3K per year and produces $92K salaries. That's a 373% ROI that makes most top-50 programs look expensive. The 22-person class is intimate, and the project management concentration adds a practical edge.”
Program Overview
Mississippi State's MBA is one of the best-kept secrets in graduate business education. The numbers don't lie: $92K average starting salary from a program that costs $12,300 per year. That ROI calculation makes finance professors at expensive schools uncomfortable. The 22-student class gets personal attention from faculty and access to the university's research resources, including the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory and engineering programs that feed defense and aerospace employers.
Starkville is a small college town in northeastern Mississippi. It's not a glamorous location, but the cost of living is minimal and the program is focused on outcomes, not image. Project management coursework aligns with the program's practical orientation. The GPA bar is higher than many programs in this tier (3.64 average), which creates a cohort with strong academic foundations. For students who care about value and outcomes more than brand, Mississippi State delivers.
Culture & Community
Starkville is SEC country. The Bulldogs are the center of local culture, and football Saturdays bring the whole town together. The 22-person class is tiny, which means everyone knows each other and faculty invest personally in each student. The cost of living is among the lowest in the country. The culture is Southern, welcoming, and focused on academic achievement. Students who want urban sophistication won't find it here. Students who want an MBA that costs less than a used car and produces real salaries will.
Academics & Curriculum
Project management courses provide practical skills in scheduling, budgeting, and execution. Core business courses cover fundamentals with a quantitative emphasis. The small class size means faculty attention is high. Engineering and aerospace research at the university adds STEM-adjacent resources. The curriculum is practical and outcome-focused. Faculty bring research credentials and connections to the Southeast's employer base.
Career Outcomes
Defense contractors, manufacturing companies, and healthcare systems in the Southeast provide the employer pipeline. The university's engineering reputation opens doors in aerospace and defense. Average salary is approximately $92,000. The 85% employment rate is strong for this tier. Career services provides individual coaching in the intimate program. The Mississippi State alumni network is loyal and concentrated in the Southeast. The SEC network adds social capital.
Who Should Apply
Value-conscious students who care about ROI more than brand. Southeast professionals targeting career advancement. Students who prefer a 22-person class to a 200-person class. Project management professionals who want business credentials.
What to Watch Out For
Starkville's isolation means limited local employers. Most graduates relocate for career opportunities. The Mississippi State brand is regional; outside the Southeast, it doesn't differentiate. If your goals are in tech, finance hubs, or management consulting, the program's network doesn't reach those markets. And Starkville, while affordable and friendly, is a very small town.
Known For
Best For
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What is the acceptance rate at Mississippi State MBA?
Mississippi State admits approximately 67% of MBA applicants for the class of 2026. The program enrolls about 22 students with an average GPA of 3.64.
Why is Mississippi State MBA considered a good value?
Mississippi State's MBA produces $92K average salaries at $12,300/year in-state tuition. That's approximately 373% ROI, making it one of the strongest value propositions in MBA education. The small 22-student class also provides personalized attention.
What is the average salary after Mississippi State MBA?
Mississippi State MBA graduates earn an average starting salary of approximately $92,000. Defense, manufacturing, and healthcare roles in the Southeast drive placement. The in-state tuition of $12,300/year produces exceptional ROI.
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