Est. Earnings (1yr)
$55,819
Est. from national median (20 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,394
Est. from national median (13 programs)

Analysis

Insurance degrees represent one of business education's more specialized paths, and Mississippi State's program suggests solid financial fundamentals based on what comparable programs typically deliver. With estimated first-year earnings around $56,000 and debt near $22,400, the 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold. This means graduates from similar programs could reasonably pay off their loans within four to five years while building their careers in risk management, underwriting, or actuarial services.

The national benchmark of $55,819 provides useful context here—insurance programs across the country tend to cluster around this range, suggesting the field offers relatively stable entry-level compensation regardless of location. Mississippi State's more accessible admission profile (76% acceptance rate) combined with this earning potential makes the program particularly worth considering for students who know they want to enter the insurance industry. The field values professional certifications and licensing alongside formal education, which can accelerate early-career advancement.

The limited data transparency here—both earnings and debt are estimated from peer programs—means parents should verify outcomes directly with the university's career services office. Ask specifically about placement rates with major insurers, opportunities for actuarial exam preparation, and relationships with employers like State Farm or Nationwide. For a student committed to insurance as a career path rather than general business, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but confirming actual graduate outcomes would strengthen confidence in this investment.

Where Mississippi State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all insurance bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi

Insurance bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State$9,815$55,819*$22,394*
University of MississippiUniversity$9,412$55,154*$22,500*0.41
National Median$55,819*$22,728*0.41
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists

Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.

$77,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Sales Agents

Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.

$60,370/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Appraisers of Personal and Business Property

Appraise and estimate the fair value of tangible personal or business property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment. May also appraise land.

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.

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 20 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.