Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Belhaven University

Based on comparable liberal arts programs in Mississippi, Belhaven's bachelor's degree starts graduates around $36,746—roughly in line with the state median but trailing behind what students earn from Jackson State ($41,812) and Ole Miss ($37,174). The estimated $27,000 in debt is actually lower than Mississippi's typical $29,250 for these programs, giving this degree a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73. That means graduates would dedicate roughly nine months of their first year's salary to paying off loans, which falls within manageable territory.

The practical challenge is that $36,746 doesn't leave much cushion after loan payments, especially in entry-level positions typical of general liberal arts degrees. With 45% of Belhaven students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on post-graduation earnings to justify the investment. Similar programs nationally produce the same earnings pattern, so this isn't unique to Belhaven—it's the reality of broad liberal arts credentials that don't lead directly to specific career paths.

If your child is genuinely passionate about the humanities and has a clear plan for leveraging the degree—whether that's graduate school, ministry work (given Belhaven's Christian mission), or a field where the credential opens doors—the debt load won't bury them. But if they're uncertain about direction after college, programs with stronger immediate earnings outcomes at peer Mississippi schools might offer more financial security right out of the gate.