Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Mississippi College

Mississippi College nursing graduates face an unusual pattern: strong first-year earnings of nearly $70,000 that surprisingly drop to $60,441 by year four—a 13% decline that runs counter to most nursing careers. While the initial salary roughly matches Mississippi's median for nursing programs, it trails the national median by $5,000 and falls well behind top state programs like Alcorn State ($85,255) and Mississippi University for Women ($74,422). At 40th percentile statewide, this program sits squarely in the middle of Mississippi's nursing options.

The $27,000 debt load is manageable by national standards, creating a reasonable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio based on that first-year salary. But that backward earnings trajectory is the real concern. Most nurses see their income grow with experience as they gain specialized skills and certifications. When earnings move in the opposite direction, it suggests graduates may be leaving nursing, working reduced hours, or lacking opportunities for advancement—none of which are ideal outcomes for a professional degree.

For families considering Mississippi nursing programs, this data suggests looking closely at Alcorn State or Mississippi University for Women, where graduates earn $13,000 to $16,000 more annually and presumably maintain more typical career progressions. Unless Mississippi College offers specific advantages like location or scholarship opportunities, the combination of mid-pack starting salaries and declining earnings makes this a weaker choice among the state's nursing programs.