Business Administration, Management and Operations at Belhaven University
Bachelor's Degree
belhaven.eduAnalysis
Belhaven University's business graduates earn substantially more than their Mississippi peersβranking 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
Earnings Distribution
How Belhaven University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belhaven University | $51,546 | $53,019 | +3% |
| Millsaps College | $39,765 | $54,120 | +36% |
| University of Mississippi | $44,971 | $53,057 | +18% |
| Mississippi College | $43,299 | $52,744 | +22% |
| Mississippi State University | $37,975 | $47,624 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,195 | $51,546 | $53,019 | $37,624 | 0.73 | |
| $9,412 | $44,971 | $53,057 | $21,900 | 0.49 | |
| $21,698 | $43,299 | $52,744 | $27,000 | 0.62 | |
| $19,280 | $42,394 | β | $19,875 | 0.47 | |
| $14,685 | $40,598 | $34,119 | $24,249 | 0.60 | |
| $43,815 | $39,765 | $54,120 | $27,000 | 0.68 | |
| National Median | β | $45,703 | β | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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.