At $14,224/yr net price, University of Southern Mississippi graduates earn $44,140/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,140/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,224 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,896 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,140/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,140/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,798/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,574/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,248/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,212/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,561/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $156,846 | $143,995 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,073 | $38,447 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $67,660 | |
| Public Health. | Master | $61,516 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,254 | $24,327 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,358 | $20,500 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $52,464 | |
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $22,875 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $48,432 | |
| Data Processing. | Bachelor | $47,846 | $22,500 |
The Risk Factor
50.6% of students at University of Southern Mississippi graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Southern Mississippi delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $14,224 annual net price keeps debt manageable, but the 50% graduation rate means half of students never finish their degrees.
Nursing programs stand out as clear financial winners, with graduates earning up to $156,846 annually. However, the highest-earning nursing track requires taking on $143,995 in debt, creating significant financial risk if you don't complete the program. The mid-level nursing program offers better debt-to-earnings balance at $95,073 in earnings with $38,447 in debt.
Education majors earn $67,660 annually, providing solid returns given the school's low costs and Mississippi's teaching market. Public health graduates earn $61,516, representing decent outcomes for the investment.
The school works best financially if you're committed to healthcare or education fields where Southern Miss has established regional connections. The low graduation and retention rates signal academic support challenges that could derail your investment if you struggle with coursework or feel disconnected from campus.
You face higher financial risk here than at schools with stronger completion rates. Nearly half of students receive financial aid, and the reasonable sticker price makes Southern Miss accessible without excessive borrowing. This combination works for cost-conscious students who can handle the academic environment successfully.
Avoid Southern Miss if you're considering majors outside healthcare and education, as career services and alumni networks may not support strong outcomes in other fields. The school makes financial sense for motivated students pursuing nursing or teaching who can handle the academic demands and complete their degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Southern Mississippi worth the cost?
With a net price of $14,224 and 10-year earnings of $44,140, USM offers below-average returns compared to most universities. The low graduation rate of 51% means half of students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at University of Southern Mississippi?
Nursing programs at USM lead to the highest earnings, with some tracks reaching $156,846 in 10-year income. Education and public health majors earn significantly less at around $61,000-$67,000.
How much debt do University of Southern Mississippi graduates have?
USM graduates leave with a median debt of $22,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, the relatively low post-graduation earnings of $44,140 make repayment challenging for many graduates.
Does University of Southern Mississippi have good job outcomes?
USM's 10-year earnings of $44,140 fall below national averages for college graduates. The 98% acceptance rate and 51% graduation rate indicate the school admits many students but struggles to get them through to degree completion.