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

Northeast Mississippi Community College's nursing program shows an unusual earnings pattern that deserves scrutiny. Graduates start at $60,759—about $6,000 below Mississippi's median for nursing programs and in just the 40th percentile statewide. More concerning, earnings drop to $53,927 by year four, an 11% decline that's hard to explain in a field where experienced nurses typically command higher pay. That trajectory places this program in the bottom 12th percentile nationally.

The $15,000 debt load is reasonable and below both state and national averages, which matters for a program serving a predominantly lower-income student body (58% receive Pell grants). But the debt advantage doesn't offset the earnings gap. Compare this to Mississippi Delta Community College, where nursing graduates earn $74,925—nearly $14,000 more right out of the gate—or even the state median of $67,054. The difference compounds over a career.

Something is clearly limiting graduate outcomes here, whether it's the types of nursing positions alumni secure, local job market constraints in northeast Mississippi, or preparation gaps. For families with options, stronger-performing nursing programs exist elsewhere in the state at similar or lower debt levels. If this is the most accessible option, students should actively plan for geographic mobility or specialization to improve their earning trajectory.