Median Earnings (1yr)
$55,154
47th percentile
Median Debt
$22,500
1% below national median

Analysis

Ole Miss's Insurance program produces first-year earnings of $55,154 against $22,500 in debt—a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio that compares favorably to typical bachelor's degrees. While these numbers land slightly below the national median for insurance programs, they rank in the 60th percentile within Mississippi, making this the state's stronger option for students committed to staying in-state. The nearly $55,000 starting salary provides solid footing for recent graduates, especially given that insurance careers typically offer clear advancement paths and stable employment.

The program's accessibility—Ole Miss admits 98% of applicants—means this pathway is open to most Mississippi students interested in risk management and insurance careers. The $22,500 debt load is entirely reasonable for a field with this earning potential, and graduates should be able to manage payments comfortably on their starting salary. However, the fact that Mississippi only has two programs offering this degree suggests limited in-state opportunities overall, so students should consider whether they're willing to relocate for better career prospects after graduation.

For families seeking a practical business degree with immediate earning potential, this program delivers good value without the debt burden that often accompanies professional training. Just understand you're choosing a specialized field—make sure your student has genuine interest in insurance and risk management rather than viewing this as a general business fallback.

Where University of Mississippi Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all insurance bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Mississippi graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Insurance bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of MississippiUniversity$9,412$55,154—$22,5000.41
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison$11,205$78,796$96,327$20,5000.26
St. John's University-New YorkQueens$50,110$70,752$85,642$24,1250.34
Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia$51,340$66,523$78,262$23,0160.35
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia$22,082$66,080$78,623$26,0000.39
University of GeorgiaAthens$11,180$64,131$76,315$22,3940.35
National Median—$55,819—$22,7280.41

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists

Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.

$77,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Sales Agents

Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.

$60,370/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Appraisers of Personal and Business Property

Appraise and estimate the fair value of tangible personal or business property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment. May also appraise land.

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.

Sample Size: Based on 38 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.