Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Coahoma Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Coahoma Community College's practical nursing program delivers solid value despite below-average national earnings. Graduates earn $41,032 in their first year—that's $3,000 less than the national median but actually $3,000 *more* than the Mississippi median. Among the state's 15 practical nursing programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, putting it in the middle of the pack for local opportunities. The manageable $10,788 debt load translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.26, meaning graduates would owe about three months' salary.
Context matters here: Mississippi's healthcare wages run below national averages, but nursing remains one of the most reliable paths to steady income in the Delta region. While top state programs like Mississippi Delta and Hinds push closer to $43,000, Coahoma's combination of decent earnings and below-average debt creates a workable financial picture for the program's heavily Pell-eligible student body.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary more than these numbers suggest. For a student committed to staying in Mississippi, this program offers a reasonable entry point to healthcare work without crushing debt, though families should know that earnings start lower than at some peer community colleges in the state.
Where Coahoma Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Coahoma Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Coahoma Community College graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 36th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coahoma Community College | $41,032 | — | $10,788 | 0.26 |
| Mississippi Delta Community College | $42,855 | — | $16,048 | 0.37 |
| Hinds Community College | $42,518 | $38,609 | $21,645 | 0.51 |
| Pearl River Community College | $42,177 | $39,026 | $14,890 | 0.35 |
| Holmes Community College | $40,058 | $43,477 | $16,667 | 0.42 |
| Northeast Mississippi Community College | $38,777 | $39,265 | $12,178 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Mississippi
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Mississippi schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Delta Community College Moorhead | $3,540 | $42,855 | $16,048 |
| Hinds Community College Raymond | $3,825 | $42,518 | $21,645 |
| Pearl River Community College Poplarville | $3,650 | $42,177 | $14,890 |
| Holmes Community College Goodman | $3,510 | $40,058 | $16,667 |
| Northeast Mississippi Community College Booneville | $4,770 | $38,777 | $12,178 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Coahoma Community College, approximately 59% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.