Analysis
Economics degrees from comparable programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $51,700—a respectable starting point that puts graduates in a solid position to manage their debt load. With an estimated debt of $21,650, this program's projected ratio of 0.42 suggests borrowers would owe less than half their first-year salary, a manageable burden for most graduates entering the job market.
What's harder to assess is how Ole Miss specifically positions its economics students. The university's 98% admission rate and relatively modest academic profile suggest this isn't a school trading heavily on brand prestige in competitive markets where employers filter heavily by institutional name. That doesn't make the degree worthless—economics fundamentals translate across employers—but it does mean your child will likely compete on skills and networking rather than resume cachet alone. Peer programs nationally show economics graduates landing in banking, consulting, data analysis, and government roles, though the higher-paying opportunities often cluster in major metros or require graduate credentials.
The relatively light debt load is the clearest advantage here. If your child is self-motivated and takes advantage of internships and career services, this becomes a low-risk credential with solid upside. But don't assume the economics label alone opens doors—success will depend significantly on what your student does beyond coursework.
Where University of Mississippi Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Economics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,412 | $51,722* | — | $21,650* | — | |
| $59,076 | $103,993* | $124,570 | $6,617* | 0.06 | |
| $59,710 | $103,041* | — | $11,250* | 0.11 | |
| $65,805 | $98,649* | $153,139 | $13,437* | 0.14 | |
| $62,484 | $98,104* | $127,416 | $12,500* | 0.13 | |
| $65,739 | $94,675* | $118,120 | $18,400* | 0.19 | |
| National Median | — | $51,722* | — | $22,816* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
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 University of Mississippi, approximately 22% 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 351 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.