Political Science and Government at Belhaven University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 sounds manageable on paper, but the underlying estimates deserve scrutiny. Based on national peer programs, graduates here might expect around $35,600 in first-year earnings—but that's drawn from political science programs nationwide, not from Belhaven specifically or even Mississippi more broadly. In fact, similar programs across Mississippi typically produce lower starting salaries, closer to $31,400, which would push that debt ratio considerably higher. The estimated $24,625 in debt falls near the national median for this degree, but paired with Mississippi's lower wage environment, that burden becomes heavier than it might appear.

What complicates this picture further is that political science degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school, government work, or nonprofit careers—paths where initial earnings don't tell the whole story. If your child plans to stay in Mississippi and enter the job market immediately after graduation, comparable programs at Ole Miss and Mississippi State show actual outcomes in the $29,000-$33,000 range, not the optimistic national figure. Given that 45% of Belhaven students receive Pell grants, many families here are banking on quick returns that may not materialize in the state's economy. Before committing, determine whether your child has concrete plans for law school, graduate study, or relocation to higher-wage markets—because without those next steps, this investment relies heavily on estimates that may not match Mississippi's reality.