Analysis
Mississippi State's mathematics program produces graduates earning right around $48,000 their first year—essentially matching both the national median and the state median for math degrees. The $22,050 in typical debt translates to a manageable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates could reasonably pay off loans within a few years. While these numbers don't suggest exceptional performance, they represent solid, middle-of-the-pack outcomes for a math degree.
The real caution here is the sample size: with fewer than 30 recent graduates in the dataset, these figures could shift considerably with just a few outliers. Small programs can offer advantages like closer faculty relationships, but the limited data makes it harder to predict what your student will actually experience. The 60th percentile ranking within Mississippi suggests the program performs slightly better than most in-state alternatives, though with only 15 programs statewide and missing comparison data, that context is thin.
For families prioritizing affordability and proven job outcomes, this program checks the essential boxes—reasonable debt and near-median earnings. Just recognize you're working with limited information about where graduates actually land, and the lack of standout earnings growth data means this is more about getting a solid foundation in mathematics than accessing a high-performing program with proven career acceleration.
Where Mississippi State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Mississippi State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Mathematics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,815 | $48,084 | — | $22,050 | 0.46 | |
| $65,805 | $121,088 | $99,927 | $13,000 | 0.11 | |
| $67,844 | $110,512 | — | $17,750 | 0.16 | |
| $60,156 | $109,288 | $180,882 | $10,003 | 0.09 | |
| $65,739 | $108,255 | $124,017 | $11,617 | 0.11 | |
| $63,946 | $103,812 | $125,955 | $10,000 | 0.10 | |
| 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 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.