Location: Mississippi State, MS•In-State Tuition: $9,815•Out-of-State Tuition: $26,580•Admission Rate: 76%•Avg SAT: 1220
Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,243
5th percentile
25th percentile in Mississippi
Median Debt
$27,500
10% above national median
D/E Ratio: 1.29 ElevatedSample: 40 graduates

Analysis

Mississippi State's Human Development and Family Studies program produces concerning first-year earnings of just $21,243—well below both the national median ($33,543) and Mississippi's already-modest state median ($26,132). Even within Mississippi's limited field of six programs, this ranks only in the 25th percentile, with the University of Southern Mississippi's graduates earning nearly $10,000 more annually. When a program significantly underperforms state averages in a state that itself trails national standards, that double disadvantage matters.

The debt burden of $27,500 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.29, meaning graduates owe more than an entire year's salary. While this is slightly below the national median debt for the field, it's considerably easier to manage on $33,000 than on $21,000. At these income levels, even modest debt payments can strain a budget, particularly during the critical first years of establishing financial independence.

For families considering this program, the fundamental question is whether these outcomes align with your financial expectations. If your child is passionate about this field, exploring why similar programs elsewhere—including within Mississippi—produce substantially better early-career outcomes would be prudent. The moderate sample size suggests these numbers reflect real patterns rather than statistical noise.

Where Mississippi State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

Mississippi State UniversityOther human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Mississippi State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Mississippi State University earns $21k — 5th percentile among human development, family studies, bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State$9,815$21,243—$27,5001.29
University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg$9,618$31,020$34,932$32,0621.03
National Median—$33,543—$25,0000.75

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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 State University, approximately 29% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 40 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.