Geological/Geophysical Engineering at University of Mississippi

Ole Miss's Geological/Geophysical Engineering program sits in an unusual position: it's the only such program in Mississippi, earning below the national median but competitive within the state's limited options. The $59,070 starting salary trails the $64,080 national median by about 8%, placing it in just the 5th percentile nationally—though this reflects both the program's performance and Mississippi's lower cost of living and regional salary norms.

The debt picture offers some reassurance. At $24,000, graduates carry roughly average debt for this field, resulting in a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio. Students can expect to owe about 41% of their first year's salary, which shouldn't create overwhelming financial pressure early in their careers. The real question is whether the lower starting salary reflects Mississippi market conditions that might work in graduates' favor (lower expenses, faster advancement) or signals limited opportunities that could constrain long-term growth.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making these numbers less reliable than typical program data. For a student committed to staying in Mississippi and entering geoscience-related fields, this program offers acceptable value with manageable debt. But those with geographic flexibility should compare outcomes at larger programs in neighboring states, where higher salaries might offset any additional costs—especially if they're considering work in oil and gas hubs where geological engineers typically earn substantially more.