Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Alcorn State University

Based on comparable nursing programs in Mississippi, Alcorn State's nursing degree suggests first-year earnings around $67,000—squarely in the middle of what similar programs produce statewide. The $21,266 in median debt sits slightly above Mississippi's typical $16,744 for associate nursing degrees, though it remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32. By year four, graduates earn $68,451, showing the characteristic pattern of nursing careers where earnings plateau relatively quickly after licensure.

What's worth noting is that several Mississippi community colleges—including Mississippi Delta and Southwest Mississippi—report stronger first-year outcomes, with some graduates earning $70,000 to $75,000. These programs also typically carry less debt. For a school serving primarily Pell-eligible students (77% receive grants), Alcorn's slightly higher debt load matters more than it would elsewhere, even if the absolute numbers look reasonable.

The degree delivers a solid middle-class income quickly, which is nursing's fundamental promise. But if your child has options among Mississippi's nursing programs, look carefully at both starting salaries and total borrowing. The gap between Alcorn's estimated outcomes and top-performing community college programs could mean $3,000-8,000 more in first-year earnings and potentially less debt—differences that compound meaningfully for families managing tight budgets.