Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 suggests manageable repayment, though that picture depends entirely on how well peer program estimates translate to this specific school. Based on national benchmarks, social sciences bachelor's graduates typically earn around $37,000 in their first year, putting estimated debt of $24,423 within reasonable bounds—about seven months of gross income. However, Mississippi's higher median debt of $46,098 for similar programs shows considerable variation across the state, and without actual outcomes data from Mississippi University for Women, it's impossible to know whether this program follows the more favorable national pattern or the state's more burdensome one.
The school's open admission and relatively high Pell enrollment (42%) raise questions about support systems that could affect completion and outcomes. Social sciences degrees typically require graduate education for many career paths, which means this debt figure may be just the beginning of educational borrowing. The estimated first-year earnings align closely with what Belhaven University's graduates actually earn ($36,568), suggesting the estimates aren't wildly optimistic, but that's still modest compensation for four years of college.
Without verified outcomes from this program, you're essentially betting that Mississippi University for Women performs at least as well as the national median. If the actual picture resembles the state's higher debt loads instead, this investment looks considerably weaker. Request actual placement and earnings data directly from the school before committing.
Where Mississippi University for Women Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,092 | $37,459* | — | $24,423* | — | |
| $29,195 | $36,568* | $33,429 | $46,098* | 1.26 | |
| National Median | — | $37,459* | — | $25,500* | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
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 University for Women, approximately 42% 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 76 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.