Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians at Mississippi State University

Mississippi State's Industrial Production Technologies program delivers exactly what most families expect from a practical technical degree: solid starting salaries around $58,000, manageable debt at $22,500, and steady earnings growth. What's less obvious but worth knowing: while graduates earn slightly below the national median for this field, they outperform 60% of Mississippi programs in the same area—and crucially, they carry about $8,000 less debt than the typical Mississippi student in this major. That debt advantage matters more than it might seem. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, graduates can realistically pay down their loans in 5-6 years while building savings, giving them financial breathing room many peers don't have.

The earnings trajectory looks healthy, with 9% growth from year one to year four, though it's worth noting there's a wide gap within Mississippi programs themselves—University of Southern Mississippi graduates earn $75,000, while Jackson State graduates start at $36,000. Mississippi State lands comfortably in the middle, suggesting reliable outcomes without the standout performance of the top program.

For families prioritizing stability over maximum earnings potential, this is a textbook low-risk investment: lower-than-average debt, decent starting salary, and steady progression. Your child won't graduate wealthy, but they'll graduate employable with loans they can actually manage.