Visual and Performing Arts at Jackson State University

The $31,000 debt burden here overshadows what looks like modest but steady earnings growth. While Jackson State's Visual and Performing Arts graduates start below both state and national medians at $23,555, they see respectable 34% growth by year four. That's meaningful momentum, but it doesn't erase the fundamental problem: graduates are carrying debt that exceeds their first-year earnings by a third, and even at year four, they're earning less than what they owe.

What makes this harder to evaluate is the tiny sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data. That means one or two outliers could skew everything we're seeing. The program ranks squarely in the middle within Mississippi (40th percentile), essentially matching what other state schools deliver. Given that two-thirds of students here receive Pell grants, many are already navigating significant financial constraints before adding this debt load.

For a family watching college costs closely, this is a tough sell. Arts degrees rarely promise quick financial returns, but $31,000 in debt for a job starting under $24,000 creates real strain. If your child is passionate about this field and has cheaper options—community college for two years, in-state scholarships, or lower-debt programs—explore those first. The small sample size means these numbers might not reflect the full picture, but the debt level is concrete and concerning regardless.