Analysis
Millsaps College's Economics program comes with an estimated debt load of $24,102—slightly above the national median for economics bachelor's degrees—while peer programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $51,722. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 suggests graduates could reasonably manage their loans, though the lack of school-specific data means we're working from national patterns rather than Millsaps' actual track record. With 36% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a meaningful number of families who need the investment to pay off quickly.
The challenge here is that Mississippi offers just six economics programs total, and none have reported outcomes data, making it difficult to gauge how Millsaps stacks up locally. Economics degrees generally provide solid earning potential—the national 75th percentile hits nearly $59,000 in year one—but whether Millsaps graduates achieve those outcomes depends heavily on factors we can't measure: the strength of their alumni network, internship pipelines, and whether students land in Jackson or leave Mississippi for stronger job markets.
The estimated figures suggest a manageable financial picture, but parents should press Millsaps directly for placement outcomes and alumni career paths. Where do recent graduates actually work, and what are they earning? Without that concrete information, you're betting that this small liberal arts college will deliver results comparable to the national economics major—a reasonable bet, perhaps, but one that requires more evidence than estimates can provide.
Where Millsaps College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Economics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,815 | $51,722* | — | $24,102* | — | |
| $59,076 | $103,993* | $124,570 | $6,617* | 0.06 | |
| $59,710 | $103,041* | — | $11,250* | 0.11 | |
| $65,805 | $98,649* | $153,139 | $13,437* | 0.14 | |
| $62,484 | $98,104* | $127,416 | $12,500* | 0.13 | |
| $65,739 | $94,675* | $118,120 | $18,400* | 0.19 | |
| National Median | — | $51,722* | — | $22,816* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Millsaps College, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 351 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.