Analysis
Based on comparable accounting programs in Mississippi, early-career earnings for Mississippi College graduates hover near the state median of $41,717βsubstantially below the national benchmark of $53,694 and well behind top programs like Ole Miss ($59,123). However, the story changes by year four, when median earnings jump to $56,636, suggesting graduates catch up to national norms after gaining experience. This progression is common in professional fields where credentials matter more than institutional pedigree once you've proven yourself.
The debt load of $21,500 looks manageable relative to both state and national norms. Most Mississippi accounting programs saddle students with $26,075 in debt, and the national median sits at $25,000, making Mississippi College's figure comparatively lean. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates typically owe about half their first-year salaryβa workable burden for a field with steady employment prospects.
The value proposition here hinges on whether those first-year earnings estimates hold true. If Mississippi College graduates actually match or exceed the state median from the start, the modest debt makes this a solid choice for students planning to stay in Mississippi. If they lag behind peers, those first couple of years could feel tight financially. The four-year earnings suggest the program delivers professional credibility, but families should verify placement outcomes directly with the school before committing.
Where Mississippi College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi College | β | $56,636 | β |
| University of Mississippi | $59,123 | $65,428 | +11% |
| Mississippi State University | $41,717 | $63,287 | +52% |
| Strayer University-Mississippi | $52,373 | $56,398 | +8% |
| University of Southern Mississippi | $40,764 | $49,061 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,698 | $41,717* | $56,636 | $21,500 | β | |
| $9,412 | $59,123* | $65,428 | $23,150 | 0.39 | |
| $13,920 | $52,373* | $56,398 | $54,989 | 1.05 | |
| $29,195 | $43,016* | β | $29,000 | 0.67 | |
| $9,815 | $41,717* | $63,287 | $21,500 | 0.52 | |
| $9,618 | $40,764* | $49,061 | $20,200 | 0.50 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694* | β | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Mississippi College, approximately 26% 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 median of 7 similar programs in MS. Actual outcomes may vary.