Human Development, Family Studies, at University of Southern Mississippi

Southern Mississippi's Human Development program requires some careful math for Mississippi families. Graduates leave with $32,062 in debt—slightly above both the state median and what's typical nationally—but earn $31,020 in their first year. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.03 means graduates are essentially taking on debt equal to their entire first year's salary, creating a tight financial squeeze early on.

The state comparison reveals something interesting: this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Mississippi's six Human Development programs, despite earning below the national median. That's because Mississippi graduates in this field generally struggle—the state median is just $26,132, meaning Southern Miss at least outperforms most in-state alternatives. The earnings growth to $34,932 by year four is encouraging and suggests graduates find better opportunities with experience, though they're still playing catch-up on that debt load.

For families weighing this option, the question is whether the career path justifies starting at $31,020 with significant debt. If your child is committed to human services, education, or family counseling work—where salaries often start low but offer intrinsic rewards—this represents a manageable Mississippi option. But if they're exploring majors or uncertain about their path, the combination of below-national earnings and full-year-salary debt creates real financial risk in those crucial post-graduation years.