Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at East Mississippi Community College

East Mississippi Community College's practical nursing program shows troubling signs despite relatively low debt. Graduates start at $36,809—below the Mississippi median of $37,954 and well below the state's top performers where earnings exceed $42,000. More concerning is the 15% earnings decline by year four, dropping to just $31,268. While the $25,628 debt load is manageable compared to many nursing programs nationally, it's nearly double the state median of $13,602, creating a higher burden than necessary for earnings at this level.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, but the pattern warrants scrutiny. Mississippi has 15 nursing programs to choose from, and at least five consistently produce graduates earning $40,000 or more right out of the gate. For a profession typically known for stable, growing wages, the backward trajectory here is unusual and suggests graduates may be struggling to advance or find full-time positions.

If your child is set on East Mississippi for location or personal reasons, understand you're accepting below-average outcomes for above-average debt within Mississippi's nursing landscape. Given the availability of stronger programs across the state—many with lower debt burdens—it's worth exploring alternatives unless there's a compelling reason to stay local.