Social Sciences at Belhaven University

Belhaven's Social Sciences program carries notably high debt—$46,098 puts it in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of comparable programs leave graduates with less to repay. That's concerning when paired with first-year earnings of $36,568, creating a debt load equal to 1.3 times annual income. The fact that earnings actually drop to $33,429 by year four compounds the financial challenge, making this debt harder to manage over time.

There's a silver lining in the state context: among Mississippi's five schools offering this program, Belhaven ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings while matching the state median debt level. However, this mostly reflects Mississippi's limited options rather than exceptional performance. The program performs slightly below the national median ($37,459), landing in the 43rd percentile nationally. Keep in mind these figures come from a small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—so individual outcomes may vary more than usual.

For families considering this program, the math is challenging. A $46,000 debt load on $33,000-36,000 in earnings means dedicating substantial income to loan payments for years. Unless your child has specific career plans that leverage this degree toward graduate school or a clear professional path, the debt burden here outweighs the earning potential. Mississippi families might find better value at public universities with lower tuition costs, even if earnings are similar.