Health/Medical Preparatory Programs at Holmes Community College

Holmes Community College's medical prep program starts graduates at barely over $21,000—well below the national average—but here's what matters for Mississippi families: this ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, meaning it actually outperforms most comparable programs in the state. The real story is what happens next: earnings jump 50% to nearly $32,000 by year four, which is solid growth for an associate's degree serving a largely Pell-eligible student body.

The $11,000 debt load sits higher than Mississippi's median for this program, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates start with manageable obligations—roughly half their first-year salary. This matters in a state where medical prep programs typically lead to further training rather than immediate career launches. If your child plans to continue into nursing, radiology, or another healthcare field (which most do), this program provides a foundation without crushing debt.

The tradeoff is clear: you're accepting below-average starting pay in exchange for lower debt and strong earnings growth. For Mississippi students planning to stay in-state for healthcare careers, this program delivers competitive outcomes at a price point that won't derail future education plans. Just understand this is explicitly a preparatory program—not a terminal degree.