Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Holmes Community College

Holmes Community College's teacher education associate program shows dramatically different pictures depending on your timeframe. First-year earnings of $18,553 rank near the bottom nationally (5th percentile) but are actually median for Mississippi programs. By year four, graduates reach $30,961—a 67% increase that outpaces what most similar programs deliver. The $6,200 median debt is notably lower than both state and national averages, making this one of the more affordable pathways into education.

The catch? This data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly from these medians. Mississippi's teacher pay structure likely explains the low starting salary followed by steady gains—many graduates may be working as paraprofessionals or substitutes before securing full-time teaching positions after additional certification. The state percentile of 60th suggests Holmes performs reasonably well within Mississippi's education market.

For families committed to staying in Mississippi and willing to accept below-average starting pay, the minimal debt load makes this manageable. The low debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means graduates can handle their loans even during those lean first years. However, parents should verify their child's path to full certification, as this associate degree alone may not be sufficient for a teaching license in Mississippi.