Analysis
Can Mississippi College's math program justify borrowing over $21,000 when similar programs across the country show first-year earnings around $49,000? The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 suggests graduates would need to allocate roughly half their first year's salary to clear their debt—manageable but not trivial for a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Since this school's actual outcomes aren't available, we're relying on what peer institutions typically produce, which means your child's experience could differ considerably based on factors like career choice, internships, and job market timing.
The estimated earnings align almost exactly with Mississippi's median for math degrees, placing this program in line with Mississippi State's reported outcomes. That's reassuring for context, though it doesn't tell us whether Mississippi College specifically prepares students effectively for high-paying roles like data science or actuarial work versus lower-earning teaching positions. The school's 49% admission rate and moderate SAT scores suggest a solid regional institution, but without specific graduate outcomes, you're making an educated guess about value.
The fundamental question is whether you're comfortable investing based on state averages rather than this program's track record. If your child is targeting competitive quantitative fields where networking and reputation matter—think finance or tech—you'll want to investigate placement rates and employer relationships directly. For students planning to teach or work locally in Mississippi, the numbers suggest reasonable value, but verify that assumption before committing.
Where Mississippi College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,698 | $48,772* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $9,815 | $48,084* | — | $22,050* | 0.46 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.