Analysis
Computer science graduates from comparable programs nationally earn around $71,000 in their first year—a solid starting point that typically leads to strong career trajectories in a field with consistently high demand. Mississippi College's estimated debt load of $25,000 falls below both the state median ($28,000) and aligns closely with national figures, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 that suggests manageable repayment within a few years.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With both earnings and debt estimated from peer institutions rather than Mississippi College's actual outcomes, parents are making decisions with limited visibility into how this specific program performs. The state's computer science landscape shows relatively consistent earnings across institutions—Jackson State reports $70,347, nearly identical to the state median—which offers some reassurance that Mississippi programs cluster around similar outcomes. However, Mississippi College's 49% admission rate and moderate test scores place it in a different competitive tier than some peers, which could affect both the rigor of preparation and employer perceptions.
For families comfortable with this level of uncertainty, the fundamentals look reasonable: computer science remains one of the safest bets in higher education, and the estimated debt burden won't trap graduates in long-term financial strain. But if your child has admission offers from Mississippi programs with reported outcomes, those data points would give you a clearer picture of what you're actually buying.
Where Mississippi College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,698 | $70,950* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $9,090 | $70,347* | $73,298 | $28,001* | 0.40 | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 national median of 345 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.