At $3,880/yr net price, East Mississippi Community College graduates earn $33,772/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,880 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,772/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-228/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,006 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,020/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,286/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,655/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,192/yr |
| $110,001+ | $3,672/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $61,020 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,935 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $31,839 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $31,314 | $4,015 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $30,771 | $5,500 |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $30,228 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $29,141 | $11,500 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $21,052 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,377 |
The Risk Factor
41.8% of students at East Mississippi Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
East Mississippi Community College offers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with several technical fields delivering excellent earning potential relative to the low cost of attendance.
Your best financial bet at EMCC is the electrical and power transmission program, which produces graduates earning over $60,000 annually with minimal debt. The registered nursing program also pays off well at nearly $49,000 in median earnings. These programs make sense given Mississippi's energy infrastructure needs and healthcare worker shortages.
The 41% graduation rate presents a significant risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll face loan payments without the credential needed to access higher-paying jobs. This makes program selection and your commitment level critical factors in your financial outcome.
EMCC works best financially if you're focused on specific technical training rather than general education. The computer networking program shows modest returns, while many other programs may not justify even the low $3,880 annual cost if job prospects remain limited in rural Mississippi.
With 45% of students receiving financial aid and relatively low debt loads, EMCC can be nearly free for many Mississippi residents. The school makes financial sense if you're targeting high-demand technical fields and committed to finishing your program. However, if you're uncertain about your major or considering transfer to a four-year school, the graduation rate suggests you might struggle to complete your studies here.
Choose EMCC if you want specific technical training in electrical work or nursing at minimal cost. Look elsewhere if you need stronger academic support systems or want broader career preparation options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Mississippi Community College worth the money?
East Mississippi Community College offers solid value with a low net price of $3,880 per year and median debt of only $9,006. However, the 42% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at East Mississippi Community College?
Electrical and Power Transmission Installation leads with $61,020 median earnings, followed by Nursing at $48,935. These technical programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $33,772.
How much debt do East Mississippi Community College graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $9,006, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt burden helps offset the relatively modest post-graduation earnings.
Do East Mississippi Community College graduates earn good salaries?
Overall graduate earnings average $33,772, which is below national community college standards. Students in electrical and nursing programs do much better, while other programs may struggle to provide strong returns.