Human Resources Management and Services at University of Southern Mississippi

Southern Miss's Human Resources program shows earnings about 11% below the national median for HR degrees, but it's worth noting this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates—so individual outcomes could vary significantly from these figures. The $22,865 in median debt is actually lower than the national typical debt for HR programs, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51.

The puzzling piece here is the earnings decline from $44,709 to $42,953 between years one and four. This backward trajectory is unusual for any degree program and ranks this in just the 17th percentile nationally. While this might reflect career transitions or further education among early graduates, it's a pattern that warrants attention. The bright spot: among HR programs in Mississippi (though admittedly there's limited in-state competition), this ranks at the 60th percentile.

For a parent evaluating this investment, the relatively low debt load is reassuring, and the open admission policy means access isn't a barrier. However, the small sample size means you're essentially betting on limited data points, and those data points show stagnant career progression in the early years. If your student is committed to HR and prefers staying in Mississippi, this could work—just recognize that reaching typical national HR salaries may require additional credentials or career moves beyond graduation.