Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians at University of Southern Mississippi

Southern Miss graduates with Industrial Production Technology degrees earn $75,493 their first year out—that's $17,570 more than the typical graduate in this field nationwide and substantially ahead of Mississippi State's $57,923. Among the state's four programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, making it the clear earnings leader for Mississippi students who want to stay in-state.

The debt picture adds to the appeal. At $31,250, graduates carry slightly more than the state median but significantly less than the national average, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. That means students can expect to pay off their loans with roughly five months of gross earnings—a manageable burden that compares favorably to most bachelor's programs. The university's 47% Pell grant population suggests the program successfully serves students from diverse economic backgrounds without saddling them with outsized debt.

For parents weighing this investment, the numbers are straightforward: Southern Miss delivers top-tier earnings for Mississippi's industrial production programs while keeping debt in check. The combination of strong starting salaries and reasonable borrowing makes this one of the state's more financially sound options, particularly for students interested in manufacturing and production careers who prefer staying close to home.