Hospitality Administration/Management at University of Mississippi

Ole Miss's hospitality program shows promising income growth, but the small graduating class—fewer than 30 students—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Still, the trajectory is notable: graduates earning $34,282 initially jump to $55,345 by year four, a 61% increase that outpaces typical salary progressions in this field. With debt of $25,000, most graduates should be able to manage payments even in those leaner first years.

Within Mississippi, this program sits at the 60th percentile for earnings despite being one of only two bachelor's programs in hospitality statewide. Nationally, it lands squarely in the middle—46th percentile—which reflects the reality that hospitality degrees generally produce modest starting salaries regardless of location. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 is reasonable for a field where initial positions often come with lower pay but clear advancement pathways.

The real question is whether your child wants to build a career in hospitality management. If so, Ole Miss provides a viable path with manageable debt and solid mid-career potential. The steep earnings growth suggests graduates are moving into management roles by year four. Just remember these figures are based on a small sample, so individual outcomes may vary more than with larger programs.