Public Policy Analysis at University of Mississippi

Ole Miss's Public Policy Analysis program shows promising earnings growth, but the small graduate sample—fewer than 30 students—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Starting at just over $40,000, graduates see their earnings jump 55% to $63,000 by year four, which is notably stronger growth than many bachelor's programs deliver. The $21,000 debt load is reasonable, requiring about half of first-year earnings to repay.

The program sits below the national median for policy analysis graduates, ranking in the 34th percentile nationally but 60th percentile within Mississippi. That state difference matters: this appears to be the only public policy bachelor's program in Mississippi, so students seeking this specific degree in-state have limited alternatives. The university's 98% admission rate and relatively accessible profile suggest it serves students who might not qualify for more selective programs elsewhere.

The small sample size is the critical caveat here. With so few graduates, one or two high earners can skew the median dramatically. Parents should recognize these numbers could look quite different in future years. If your child is specifically interested in policy analysis and prefers to stay in Mississippi, this program offers a viable path with manageable debt. But given the data uncertainty and below-average national performance, exploring policy-adjacent programs at other state schools—like political science or economics—could provide more reliable outcomes.