Business Administration, Management and Operations at Belhaven University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Belhaven University's business graduates earn substantially more than their Mississippi peers—ranking in the 80th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $51,546 compared to the state median of $39,765. That's nearly $12,000 more annually than the typical business graduate from a Mississippi school, and even outpaces larger programs like Ole Miss by over $6,500. For students planning to work in Mississippi's lower cost-of-living market, this earning power is significant.
The debt picture reinforces the value: at $37,624, borrowers are taking on more than the state median but less than the national average, resulting in a manageable 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio. Graduates typically dedicate about 15% of their gross income to loan payments, leaving reasonable room for other expenses. Modest earnings growth of 3% over four years suggests income stability rather than dramatic advancement, but the strong starting salary provides a solid foundation.
For families considering private Christian colleges in Mississippi, Belhaven delivers competitive outcomes without the debt burden often associated with smaller private institutions. The combination of above-average starting salaries and manageable debt makes this a practical choice, particularly for students committed to staying in-state after graduation where the earnings advantage over local peers becomes a tangible career boost.
Where Belhaven University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Belhaven University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Belhaven University graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 71th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belhaven University | $51,546 | $53,019 | $37,624 | 0.73 |
| University of Mississippi | $44,971 | $53,057 | $21,900 | 0.49 |
| Mississippi College | $43,299 | $52,744 | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| Blue Mountain Christian University | $42,394 | — | $19,875 | 0.47 |
| William Carey University | $40,598 | $34,119 | $24,249 | 0.60 |
| Millsaps College | $39,765 | $54,120 | $27,000 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Mississippi
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Mississippi schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi University | $9,412 | $44,971 | $21,900 |
| Mississippi College Clinton | $21,698 | $43,299 | $27,000 |
| Blue Mountain Christian University Blue Mountain | $19,280 | $42,394 | $19,875 |
| William Carey University Hattiesburg | $14,685 | $40,598 | $24,249 |
| Millsaps College Jackson | $43,815 | $39,765 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Belhaven University, approximately 45% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 150 graduates with reported earnings and 222 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.