Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Southern Mississippi

Southern Miss's liberal arts program delivers slightly above-average results for a degree that often struggles with early-career earnings. Graduates earn $37,800 in their first year—about $1,400 more than the national median and ranking in the 60th percentile among Mississippi programs. The debt load of $28,438 is actually below the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 that's manageable compared to many liberal arts programs nationwide.

The real story here is relative positioning. While Jackson State's liberal arts graduates earn about $4,000 more annually, Southern Miss significantly outperforms smaller state schools like Mississippi University for Women and Alcorn State. For a program with a 99% admission rate serving nearly half Pell Grant recipients, these outcomes represent solid accessibility without the debt trap that often accompanies open-enrollment institutions.

The practical reality: this isn't a degree that will immediately justify significant out-of-state tuition, but for Mississippi families seeking an affordable bachelor's degree, Southern Miss provides a credible path. The moderate sample size suggests stable program enrollment, and the below-state-median debt means graduates aren't starting their careers underwater. If your child is interested in liberal arts and you're in-state, the numbers support this choice—just maintain clear expectations about entry-level salaries in the high $30Ks.