Alcorn State University

As Mississippi's second-oldest public university and the first Black land-grant institution in the U.S., Alcorn focuses on practical fields through its College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. The most popular majors cluster in biological/biomedical sciences (23% of students) and agricultural studies, with liberal arts accounting for 12%. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio supports its 37 undergraduate programs, though the 42% graduation rate suggests academic challenges. Unique offerings include NCAA compliance certification and gifted education programs, leveraging its HBCU legacy?LegacyAn applicant whose parent (or sometimes other close relative) attended the college. Some schools give a small edge to legacy applicants. in teacher preparation.

Life at Alcorn revolves around its picturesque 1,700-acre campus—frequently praised as one of the South's most beautiful—where 69% of students live on campus. The university leans into its HBCU culture with over 60 student organizations, including media outlets like student-run radio and TV stations. As a member of the SWAC conference, Division I athletics (particularly football) galvanize school spirit. The Office of Student Affairs fosters community through cultural programming, though the rural location limits off-campus options. Research suggests on-campus residents demonstrate higher academic performance, aligning with Alcorn's residential focus.

Alcorn struggles with retention metrics: just 35% graduate in four years, rising to 42% at six years—well below national averages. Early-career alumni earn median salaries of $27,752, roughly $6,000 less than peer institutions. However, 46% complete degrees within 150% of normal time (6 years for bachelor's), suggesting many students persist through extended timelines. These outcomes may reflect the university's mission of serving underprepared populations, as its open-access roots continue to shape student demographics and graduation patterns.

With an average financial aid package of $10,198, Alcorn keeps costs manageable—85% of first-years receive need-based aid?Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements. averaging $4,300. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helps families estimate true costs after grants and scholarships. While tuition specifics aren't publicly detailed across sources, the rolling financial aid notification (beginning April 1) and emphasis on federal/state aid programs position it as a value option among HBCUs, particularly for Mississippi residents eligible for additional state grants.

Alcorn carves its niche as the oldest public Black land-grant university in America, coupling historic significance with stunning campus aesthetics. Its agricultural programs—rare among HBCUs—and Division I athletics program (the Braves compete in the SWAC) create a distinctive blend of rural practicality and school spirit. While academic outcomes lag, the university remains vital for first-generation?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. and low-income Mississippians, offering high-access education amid oak-lined walkways and Civil Rights-era legacy?LegacyAn applicant whose parent (or sometimes other close relative) attended the college. Some schools give a small edge to legacy applicants.. For students seeking small-town HBCU culture with land-grant resources, Alcorn delivers at a competitive price point.