Public Health at Mississippi University for Women

At just over $26,500 in first-year earnings, this Public Health degree lands in the bottom 5% of programs nationally—a striking figure that parents need to understand. Yet within Mississippi's limited public health landscape (only three schools offer this bachelor's), it's actually middle-of-the-pack, barely trailing the state median of $27,458 and only about $1,800 behind the University of Southern Mississippi. This tells you as much about Mississippi's public health job market as it does about the program itself.

The $28,000 debt load roughly equals first-year earnings, creating an immediate financial squeeze for graduates. While earnings do climb 25% by year four to $33,062, that's still nearly $4,500 below the national median for public health bachelor's programs. The school's open admission and high Pell grant population (42%) suggest it serves students with limited alternatives, but those students are graduating into one of the country's lowest-paying markets for this field.

If your child is committed to public health and staying in Mississippi, this program won't put them at a disadvantage compared to in-state peers. But they should understand they're entering a field that pays poorly in this region—even the top program barely cracks $28,000 initially. Consider whether graduate school will be necessary for career advancement, and whether that additional debt is sustainable given these starting salaries.