Students from low-income backgrounds at the University of Mississippi achieve exceptional financial outcomes, earning more than similar students at most institutions nationwide.
The university combines above-average earnings potential with strong affordability, creating meaningful opportunities for upward economic mobility.
Azimuth ranks the University of Mississippi 62nd percentile nationally among public four-year institutions, reflecting its solid balance of affordability, access, and long-term outcomes. As Mississippi's flagship research university, Ole Miss serves as a "Selective Achievers" institution—delivering strong earnings outcomes while maintaining meaningful access for students from diverse economic backgrounds. About 22% of students receive Pell Grants, and nearly 24% are first-generation college students, yet graduates consistently achieve earnings that place the university well above average nationally.
The university's long-term value proposition centers on reliable career preparation across a comprehensive range of programs. Graduates earn a median of $50,994 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong outcomes in nursing, engineering, and business fields. What distinguishes Ole Miss is how effectively it supports upward mobility—low-income students earn about $55,800 at the ten-year mark, ranking in the top 15% nationally for low-income earnings outcomes.
As a large public research university in Oxford, Mississippi, Ole Miss combines the academic breadth and alumni network strength of a flagship institution with net prices that remain accessible for most Mississippi families. The university offers the scale and resources typical of major state universities while maintaining a cost structure that makes it particularly attractive for students seeking strong return on investment without excessive debt burdens.
The University of Mississippi's program portfolio reflects the breadth typical of a flagship research university, with particularly strong outcomes in professional and technical fields. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the standout program, combining substantial enrollment of 264 graduates with solid earnings of $56,397, making it the university's highest aggregate-return major. This reflects both Mississippi's healthcare workforce needs and the university's established reputation in nursing education.
Engineering programs deliver some of the highest individual earnings outcomes. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn about $59,417 with 79 graduates, demonstrating strong market demand for engineering talent both regionally and nationally. The university's engineering programs benefit from established industry relationships and provide clear pathways into well-compensated technical careers.
The university also serves large numbers of students in foundational fields, though outcomes vary significantly. Psychology enrolls 186 students but shows more modest early-career earnings at $19,319, typical for a field that often requires additional education or experience for higher-paying roles. This pattern reflects Ole Miss's comprehensive mission—serving students across the full spectrum of academic interests while delivering particularly strong returns in professional and technical programs that align with regional economic opportunities.
Graduates of the University of Mississippi achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $50,994 ten years after enrollment. The university performs above average nationally for earnings, ranking in the 62nd percentile among public institutions. While overall earnings are competitive, the strongest outcomes typically emerge from professional programs like nursing, engineering, and business, where graduates benefit from established employer relationships and clear career pathways.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly across the university's diverse academic portfolio. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest aggregate-return program, combining strong enrollment of 264 graduates with solid earnings of $56,397, making it a key economic driver for the institution. Mechanical Engineering delivers some of the highest individual earnings at $59,417 for its 79 graduates, reflecting strong demand for engineering talent in regional and national markets. Psychology represents the university's largest enrollment but shows more modest early-career earnings at $19,319, typical for a foundational field that often requires additional education or experience for higher-paying roles.
What makes Ole Miss particularly compelling is its effectiveness in supporting upward mobility. Low-income students achieve median earnings of $55,800 ten years out—actually exceeding the overall institutional median and ranking in the top 15% nationally for low-income earnings outcomes. This earnings lift of nearly $4,800 above typical expectations demonstrates the university's ability to help students from modest backgrounds access middle-class careers and financial stability.
Affordability at the University of Mississippi is generally strong, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay about $8,030 per year in net price, well below national averages and making Ole Miss one of the more accessible flagship universities in the region. Middle-income families see annual costs around $15,525, while higher-income families pay approximately $20,769—all representing reasonable value for a comprehensive research university experience.
The university's debt structure remains manageable for most graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is about $20,000, a moderate level that aligns well with the university's median earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $25,875 among families who choose this option, reflecting the university's position as a flagship institution where some families invest more heavily in the college experience. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Ole Miss demonstrates that its graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes the affordability story particularly compelling is how well it aligns with post-graduation earning power. At median earnings of nearly $51,000, most Ole Miss graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment, and the university's strong track record of loan repayment success—with borrowers paying down balances faster than national averages—suggests that the debt-to-income ratio works well for most students and families.
University Of Mississippi Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
