Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,811
44th percentile (60th in MS)
Median Debt
$22,500
7% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.51
Manageable
Sample Size
170
Adequate data

Analysis

Ole Miss marketing graduates start modestly at $43,811 but see something uncommon in this field: meaningful salary growth over time. By year four, earnings jump 28% to nearly $56,000—substantially outpacing the typical marketing graduate trajectory and representing genuine career momentum rather than stagnation at entry-level pay. Among Mississippi's six marketing programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it ahead of Southern Miss and Mississippi College, though the state comparison matters less here given that national mobility is common in marketing careers.

The $22,500 debt load sits below both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates can reasonably tackle while building their careers. While first-year earnings land slightly below the national median, the strong upward trajectory suggests graduates are moving into better roles—whether in digital marketing, brand management, or sales—faster than peers elsewhere. With a robust sample size backing these numbers, the data reflects real outcomes rather than statistical noise.

For families weighing this investment, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings growth creates a solid foundation. This isn't a high-flying program that opens doors to elite corporate roles immediately, but it delivers steady advancement and financial breathing room during those critical early career years when many graduates struggle under debt loads while waiting for opportunities to materialize.

Where University of Mississippi Stands

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

University of MississippiOther marketing programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Mississippi graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Mississippi graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 44th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (6 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Mississippi$43,811$55,858$22,5000.51
Mississippi State University$42,670$53,459$21,5000.50
Mississippi College$42,245———
University of Southern Mississippi$40,496$48,470$18,7810.46
National Median$44,728—$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Mississippi

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Mississippi schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State
$9,815$42,670$21,500
Mississippi College
Clinton
$21,698$42,245—
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg
$9,618$40,496$18,781

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 170 graduates with reported earnings and 172 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.