Mississippi State vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mississippi State University in Mississippi State, MS with Union University in Jackson, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mississippi State University is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (23,150 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mississippi State University is located in Mississippi State, MS (Rural Fringe setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Mississippi State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mississippi State University 16:1; Union University 9:1.

Mississippi State vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mississippi State or Union University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Mississippi State University than Union University ($18,478 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 0.9% lower than at Mississippi State University ($12,780 vs. $12,902).
• Union University is 292.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mississippi State (about $29,823 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $10,202.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.8% higher at Union University than at Mississippi State University (about $12,388 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $27,637.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Mississippi State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 117.4% larger than aid received by Mississippi State University students ($30,120 vs. $13,852).

Mississippi State vs. Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mississippi State or Union University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Union University and Mississippi State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 50 points higher than at Mississippi State (1230).
• Incoming Union University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Mississippi State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mississippi State University 1100/1350; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mississippi State University 21/29; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mississippi State - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mississippi State Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Mississippi State (3.58).
• Mississippi State has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.8% at Mississippi State vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Mississippi State vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mississippi State and Union University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Union University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Mississippi State University's (60%).
• Graduates from Union University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Mississippi State graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,200 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mississippi State University graduates have a $1,590 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, Mississippi State graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($240 vs. $256).
• More Union University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mississippi State students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.