Business Administration, Management and Operations at Jackson State University

Jackson State's business program ranks at the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile within Mississippi—meaning three-quarters of Mississippi business programs deliver better earnings, and 95% of programs nationwide do. First-year graduates earn $28,911, roughly $11,000 below the Mississippi median and $17,000 below the national average. Even comparable Mississippi schools like Mississippi College and William Carey outpace Jackson State by $5,000-15,000 annually.

The debt burden compounds these concerns. At $35,000, students here graduate with 35% more debt than typical Mississippi business graduates while earning 27% less. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.21 means graduates owe more than their first year's salary—a challenging position when monthly loan payments will consume a significant portion of take-home pay. While earnings do grow 29% to $37,326 by year four, that's still below where most Mississippi business graduates start.

This program primarily serves students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (68% receive Pell grants), and for many, a college degree remains transformative regardless of comparative metrics. However, parents should understand their child will likely face tougher financial conditions after graduation than peers at other Mississippi business schools, particularly when navigating those first years of loan repayment. If Jackson State is the only accessible option, it can still open doors—but exploring alternatives like University of Mississippi or even regional programs with stronger outcomes would be prudent.