Psychology at Mississippi State University

Mississippi State's psychology graduates start earning about $4,000 less than the national median for their major, which lands them in just the 19th percentile nationally. But here's what matters for Mississippi families: this program outperforms the state median by nearly $3,000, ranking in the 60th percentile among Mississippi schools. That regional advantage matters when you're competing for jobs primarily in-state markets where employers recognize the Mississippi State brand.

The program's true strength shows up in earnings growth—graduates see a 35% income bump by year four, reaching $37,133. That trajectory pushes well ahead of University of Mississippi's starting point and puts Mississippi State grads on a competitive path with their in-state peers. The debt load sits right at median for both state and national psychology programs, meaning you're not paying a premium for this degree. With a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, the numbers are manageable, though that first year will feel tight on a $27,416 salary.

For Mississippi families choosing between state schools, Mississippi State offers solid mid-tier value in psychology. You're getting respectable regional outcomes with decent debt terms, and the upward earnings curve suggests the degree opens doors over time. Just understand you're not getting the earning power of psychology programs in higher-cost-of-living states—this is a degree optimized for Mississippi's job market and wage scale.