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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Mississippi graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi | $43,811 | $55,858 | +27% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $82,553 | $117,639 | +43% |
| Georgetown University | $74,819 | $95,343 | +27% |
| Mississippi State University | $42,670 | $53,459 | +25% |
| University of Southern Mississippi | $40,496 | $48,470 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,412 | $43,811 | $55,858 | $22,500 | 0.51 | |
| $9,815 | $42,670 | $53,459 | $21,500 | 0.50 | |
| $21,698 | $42,245 | — | — | — | |
| $9,618 | $40,496 | $48,470 | $18,781 | 0.46 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
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.
Sample Size: Based on 170 graduates with reported earnings and 172 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.