Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,546
71st percentile (80th in MS)
Median Debt
$37,624
45% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.73
Manageable
Sample Size
150
Adequate data

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

Belhaven UniversityOther business administration, management and operations programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Belhaven University$51,546$53,019$37,6240.73
University of Mississippi$44,971$53,057$21,9000.49
Mississippi College$43,299$52,744$27,0000.62
Blue Mountain Christian University$42,394—$19,8750.47
William Carey University$40,598$34,119$24,2490.60
Millsaps College$39,765$54,120$27,0000.68
National Median$45,703—$26,0000.57

Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Mississippi

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Mississippi schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.