Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Belhaven University

With a sample size under 30 graduates, these numbers come with real uncertainty, but they tell a story worth considering. Belhaven's nursing grads start at $69,794—roughly $5,000 below the national median for nursing programs. More tellingly, that's middle-of-the-pack for Mississippi, where Alcorn State grads earn $15,000 more in their first year. The debt load of $27,706 sits right at national norms, creating a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio, but when you're earning less than peers at other Mississippi schools, that "manageable" debt feels less comfortable.

The reality is stark: Mississippi has only eight nursing programs, and Belhaven ranks fifth in first-year earnings. That's not disastrous—graduates can handle their loans—but it raises questions about whether this program delivers the same career momentum as competitors. The school serves a meaningful population (45% receive Pell grants), yet nursing is supposed to be one of those equalizer degrees where you can expect strong, consistent earnings regardless of where you study.

If your child has already been admitted to Belhaven and likes the environment, this won't derail their nursing career. But if they're choosing between Mississippi options, understand they're likely starting $5,000-$15,000 behind graduates from other state programs—a gap that matters when you're repaying loans. Given the small sample, I'd want to see updated numbers before making a final decision.