Analysis
Ole Miss psychology graduates start modestly at $30,336 but see their earnings jump 48% by year fourโa notably strong trajectory that outpaces the typical psychology graduate's earnings curve. Within Mississippi, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, placing it second among the state's 13 psychology programs and well above the state median of $24,592. That state-level performance matters for Mississippi families, where many students will choose in-state options for tuition purposes.
The $24,600 in typical debt sits slightly below national norms and translates to a manageable 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio at graduation. While that first-year salary of $30,336 requires careful budgeting initially, the four-year earnings of $44,740 suggest graduates gain marketable skills or pivot into better-paying roles relatively quickly. This pattern is common in psychology, where many graduates move into adjacent fields like HR, social services, or sales rather than staying in pure psychology positions.
For Mississippi families, this represents solid value: their student would carry typical debt but graduate from the state's best-performing large psychology program. The real payoff comes in years two through four as earnings accelerate. Just understand that first year will be lean, and career advancement may require intentional networking or additional credentials beyond the bachelor's degree.
Where University of Mississippi Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology 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 | $30,336 | $44,740 | +47% |
| Mississippi State University | $27,416 | $37,133 | +35% |
| Mississippi College | $23,683 | $35,654 | +51% |
| Jackson State University | $24,757 | $34,357 | +39% |
| University of Southern Mississippi | $28,130 | $32,661 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,412 | $30,336 | $44,740 | $24,600 | 0.81 | |
| $9,618 | $28,130 | $32,661 | $22,685 | 0.81 | |
| $9,815 | $27,416 | $37,133 | $25,480 | 0.93 | |
| $19,280 | $26,257 | โ | $25,250 | 0.96 | |
| $9,090 | $24,757 | $34,357 | $31,000 | 1.25 | |
| $8,092 | $24,426 | โ | $22,375 | 0.92 | |
| National Median | โ | $31,482 | โ | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 115 graduates with reported earnings and 200 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.