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Head-to-head comparison

University of Mississippi vs Belhaven University: which has better ROI?

Public, University MS · vs · Private nonprofit, Jackson MS

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A University, MS

University of Mississippi

Net price / year
$13,314
Earnings, 10 years
$50,994
Payback
20.2 yrs

Option B Jackson, MS

Belhaven University

Net price / year
$15,676
Earnings, 10 years
$46,440
Payback
No payback
The verdict

University of Mississippi has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $53,256 in 20.2 years versus not at all at Belhaven University, on median earnings of $50,994 vs $46,440 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of MississippiBelhaven University
Net price / yr$13,314$15,676
Total net cost$53,256$62,704
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,994$46,440
Median debt$20,000$26,333
Payback20.2 yrs—
20-year net return-$576-$101,104

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Mississippi or Belhaven University?

University of Mississippi, at $13,314 a year after aid versus $15,676 — a gap of $2,362 a year, or $9,448 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of Mississippi or Belhaven University graduates earn more?

University of Mississippi graduates report a median $50,994 ten years after entry, $4,554 more than the $46,440 at Belhaven University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Mississippi or Belhaven University?

University of Mississippi: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $26,333 at Belhaven University, a difference of $6,333. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

72% of students finish at University of Mississippi, against 49% at Belhaven University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Mississippi vs Belhaven University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Mississippi or Belhaven University a better value?
University of Mississippi. It clears its $53,256 net cost in about 20.2 years versus no clear payback at Belhaven University, on median earnings of $50,994 vs $46,440 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Mississippi or Belhaven University?
University of Mississippi: $13,314/yr net price after aid versus $15,676/yr at Belhaven University — a difference of $2,362 a year, or about $9,448 over four years.
Do University of Mississippi or Belhaven University graduates earn more?
University of Mississippi graduates earn a median $50,994 ten years after entry, versus $46,440 at Belhaven University — a $4,554 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.