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

Northwest Mississippi Community College's nursing program starts graduates at a strong $70,472—above both national and state medians—but then something concerning happens: earnings drop nearly 20% by year four. With a sample size over 100 graduates, this isn't a data fluke. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Mississippi nursing programs, it trails several in-state competitors like Mississippi Delta ($74,925) and Southwest Mississippi ($70,513) that may offer better long-term trajectories.

The $17,362 debt load is reasonable and slightly below the state median, giving graduates a manageable 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio in that first strong year. But as earnings decline to $56,704 by year four, the financial cushion shrinks considerably. This pattern suggests graduates may be starting in higher-paying acute care positions but moving into different roles or facing regional wage constraints over time.

For families considering this program, the key question is sustainability. The first-year outcomes are solid, but you'd want to understand why earnings drop so sharply afterward—whether it reflects typical career paths in the region or whether graduates struggle to maintain their initial earning power. The debt is manageable enough that this isn't a financial disaster, but those stronger-performing Mississippi programs nearby deserve a close look if long-term earning potential matters more than immediate job placement.