Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Meridian Community College

Meridian Community College's practical nursing program sits in the middle of Mississippi's nursing options—ranking at the 40th percentile statewide—but struggles when compared to the broader national landscape. At $34,111 in first-year earnings, graduates earn roughly $4,000 less than the Mississippi median and nearly $10,000 below the national benchmark. The modest $12,313 debt load keeps the program accessible, translating to a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, but earnings essentially flatline over the first four years. Compare this to nearby alternatives: Mississippi Delta grads earn $42,855 starting out, while even Holmes Community College—fifth in the state—delivers $40,058.

The lack of earnings growth is the real concern here. While practical nursing typically offers stable employment, Meridian grads aren't seeing the wage progression that often comes with experience and additional certifications. For a family weighing options, this matters: you're looking at roughly $8,700 less in first-year earnings compared to the state's top programs, a gap that persists rather than closes over time.

If Meridian is the local option and minimizing debt is paramount, the program won't bury your child financially. But if commuting to Pearl River or Hinds is feasible, those programs deliver substantially better returns for similar debt levels. The tuition savings of staying close to home need to justify accepting $8,000+ less in annual income—potentially $32,000 over four years.