Delta State is a public institution, receiving primary funding from the state; however, it also seeks and receives support from private and federal sources, as well as tuition revenue. It also seeks to meet the need for advanced training in certain fields by providing programs of study for eight master's degrees, the Educational Specialist degree and the Doctor of Education degree. Serving as the
cultural and educational center of the region, Delta State University is located in Cleveland. The Mississippi Delta, a 20-county, northwestern region, rich in various ethnic and cultural groups, provides approximately 76 percent of the University's enrollment. Nearly 15 percent of the students attend from other parts of the state, while almost 10 percent of the students reside outside the state. Accordingly, the University identifies the Delta as its primary public service region, while acknowledging the importance of research and service that also benefits the state and nation.
