Delta State University (DSU) is a regional public university located in Cleveland, Mississippi. It is one of eight public universities in the state.
The DSU campus is comprised of 64 buildings situated on 330 acres. The majority of buildings were crafted from recognizable patterns of yellow, orange, and white bricks
| Overall Score (about) | 79.5 |
| Total Cost On-Campus Attendance | $20,068 |
| Admission Success rate | N/A |
| ACT / SAT 75%ile scores | 24 / 1190 |
| Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty | 14 : 1 |
| Retention (full-time / part-time) | 67% / 50% |
| Enrollment Total (all students) | 3,715 |
Founded as the Delta State Teachers College in 1924, the first classes of the school now known as Delta State were held in the buildings of a former high school. The teachers college added a pilot training program in 1941 in anticipation of World War II. Over 200 students joined the armed forces when the war commenced, but the school experienced an enrollment boom after the war ended.
The Teachers College became known as Delta State College in 1955. In 1963, it achieved accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. A graduate program was established in 1965 and the college received its current name of Delta State University.
Between the years of 1925 and 1967, DSU enforced a whites-only admissions policy. This racial segregation policy ended in 1967.
The university is composed of the following colleges and schools:
Students can pursue 12 types of bachelor’s degrees in over 40 majors. DSU also offers graduate programs leading to eight different master’s degrees, as well as the Education Specialist and Doctor of Education.
DSU is home to a flight school with a fleet of 25 aircraft, which are housed in two hangers at the Cleveland Municipal Airport and a commercial aviation building on campus . It is the only university in Mississippi to offer a Commercial Aviation degree.
Prospective Delta State students must submit a completed application form along with official transcripts and official SAT and/or ACT scores. Students wishing to transfer from another college or university must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. International students seeking admission must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to verify English proficiency. Graduate students should check with their particular department for acceptance specifics.
Financial aid is available to assist students who are unable to meet all of their educational expenses.
All students interested in obtaining financial aid must first complete Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to determine eligibility. Students may be able to receive loans, grants, scholarships, or work study programs.
Loans are a type of financial aid that must be returned with interest. These include federal Parent Plus, federal Perkins, and alternative loans, as well as loans from private lenders. Federal and state grants offered at DSU include the Pell Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, National Smart Grant Program, and Summer Developmental Program Grant. Students can also apply for scholarships from the state of Mississippi and Delta State itself.
DSU students may qualify for work-study programs such as Federal Work Study and regular student employment. These programs allow students to work part-time jobs on campus to help pay for educational expenses.
Delta State’s undergraduate programs serve 2,000 students each year while 600 students pursue graduate and professional courses. Approximately one-third of DSU students live on campus. Residence halls include both men’s and women’s dorms, along with apartments for students who are married.
The university aims to provide excellence in academics as well as extracurricular activities. The Student Government Association serves as the voice of the students and works to provide a healthy and enjoyable environment where students can thrive. Other student organizations on campus include the Association of Graduate, Community Development, Delta Volunteers, Mathematical Association of America (MAA), and Women in Aviation.
There is also Greek presence at DSU. Fraternities and sororities include Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Delta, and Phi Mu. All are governed by the National Panhellenic Conference, Interfraternity Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council.
The Roberts-LaForge Library includes a range of academic books, references, videos, magazines, journals, and other media. The library is also accessible online and students can also seek materials from other locations thanks to the Interlibrary Loans offered by the library.
The career center at Delta State University provides career-related advice and counseling to the students. It helps them get a job after the successful completion of their courses. There is also counseling and testing center at the campus.
Campus residence halls and apartments are equipped with modern amenities such as communal lobby areas, lounge spaces, and snack and drink machines. Cable TV is installed in every room, including the family apartments, at no extra charge. Women’s residence halls include Cain-Tatum, Lawler-Harkins, Cleveland, Brumby-Castle, and Foundation Hall. The residence halls for men include Court of Governors (Brewer, Clark Noel & Longino), New Men’s, and Foundation Hall. Dining options for students, faculty, and staff include Young Mauldin and The Mill Food Court.
The Delta State University Statesmen participate in 13 intercollegiate sports at the NCAA Division II level. The university is a member of the Gulf South Conference and the New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference.
Men’s teams include baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, and tennis. Women’s teams include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, and tennis.
Although DSU athletes are officially called the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen, the teams’ somewhat strange nickname is The Fighting Okra due to the popularity of an unofficial logo of an okra vegetable wearing boxing gloves. Younger alumni and current students generally find the okra humorous while older alums consider it inappropriate.
School colors are forest green and white.
Cleveland, MS is home to approximately 12,000 residents. The city is home to numerous restaurants and shopping opportunities.
The Mississippi Delta, a 20-county, northwestern region of the state that is rich in various ethnic and cultural groups, provides almost 75 percent of the university’s enrollment. DSU identifies the Delta as its primary public service region, while acknowledging the significance of research and service that also benefits the state and nation.
Delta State alumni include former NFL player Aubrey Matthews, NBC’s “Biggest Loser” winner Patrick House, and San Francisco Giants champion Eli Whiteside.
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