Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Mississippi University for Women
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Mississippi University for Women's nursing program stands out primarily for its exceptionally low debt burden—at $19,260, graduates carry about $7,800 less debt than the typical Mississippi nursing student and nearly $8,000 less than the national average. This advantage more than compensates for earnings that sit just below national benchmarks, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 0.26 that's among the most favorable you'll find in nursing education.
Within Mississippi's competitive nursing landscape, this program ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while significantly outperforming on affordability. Though graduates don't reach the $85,000+ starting salaries seen at Alcorn State, the financial math works strongly in their favor. The combination of reasonable earnings and minimal debt means graduates can focus on building their careers rather than managing heavy loan payments.
The slight earnings decline from year one to year four ($74,422 to $71,441) deserves attention, though this pattern appears across many nursing programs and may reflect career transitions or regional market factors rather than program quality. With 100% admission rates and strong Pell Grant participation, MUW provides an accessible path to a stable nursing career. For families prioritizing minimal debt while still achieving solid nursing outcomes, this program delivers excellent value within Mississippi's options.
Where Mississippi University for Women Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Mississippi University for Women graduates compare to all programs nationally
Mississippi University for Women graduates earn $74k, placing them in the 47th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi University for Women | $74,422 | $71,441 | $19,260 | 0.26 |
| Alcorn State University | $85,255 | $72,321 | $28,100 | 0.33 |
| William Carey University | $73,469 | $62,497 | $31,000 | 0.42 |
| University of Southern Mississippi | $70,068 | $63,071 | $25,125 | 0.36 |
| Belhaven University | $69,794 | — | $27,706 | 0.40 |
| Mississippi College | $69,572 | $60,441 | $27,000 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Mississippi
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Mississippi schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcorn State University Alcorn State | $8,549 | $85,255 | $28,100 |
| William Carey University Hattiesburg | $14,685 | $73,469 | $31,000 |
| University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg | $9,618 | $70,068 | $25,125 |
| Belhaven University Jackson | $29,195 | $69,794 | $27,706 |
| Mississippi College Clinton | $21,698 | $69,572 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Mississippi University for Women, approximately 42% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 361 graduates with reported earnings and 463 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.