At $3,158/yr net price, Hinds Community College graduates earn $30,774/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,158 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $12,632 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,774/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,226/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,371 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,410/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,328/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,453/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,035/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,972/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,422 | $12,902 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $48,432 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,041 | $12,085 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,054 | $11,151 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $35,416 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $31,495 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $28,598 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $28,013 | $5,373 |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $26,492 | $3,832 |
The Risk Factor
42.1% of students at Hinds 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
Hinds Community College delivers strong returns for healthcare and technical programs but weaker outcomes across other fields. Your choice of major determines whether this Mississippi community college represents a smart investment or a financial risk.
The nursing programs offer the clearest path to financial success. Registered nursing graduates earn $55,422 annually with manageable debt around $12,900, creating a debt-to-income ratio that works. Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment specialties reaching $48,000 in annual earnings. Even practical nursing provides solid returns at $37,000 yearly income.
Outside healthcare, your prospects dim considerably. The median earnings of $30,774 for all graduates suggest many programs fail to deliver meaningful income gains. With only 42% of students completing their programs, you face significant completion risks that could leave you with debt but no credential.
Your financial aid picture looks manageable. The low net price of $3,158 annually means most students avoid heavy borrowing. Only 38% of students receive aid, indicating many can afford the modest tuition without assistance. When students do borrow, median debt stays reasonable at $9,371.
This school makes financial sense if you plan to enter nursing or allied health fields where regional hospital systems create steady demand. Mississippi's lower cost of living helps stretch these healthcare salaries further. Avoid Hinds if you want academic transfer credits or programs outside healthcare and skilled trades. The completion rate suggests you need strong motivation to finish, regardless of your chosen field.
Your best strategy involves selecting a healthcare program, completing quickly, and entering the workforce rather than transferring to a four-year school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hinds Community College worth the money?
At $3,158 per year, Hinds Community College offers decent value for specific programs, particularly nursing and allied health fields that lead to median earnings above $40,000. However, the 42% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Hinds Community College?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $55,422 annually, making it the top-paying program at Hinds Community College. Allied health and medical assisting programs also perform well, with graduates earning $48,432 on average.
How much debt do Hinds Community College graduates have?
Hinds Community College graduates typically leave with $9,371 in debt, which is manageable given the low annual cost. This debt level is reasonable for nursing and healthcare graduates but may be harder to repay for those in lower-paying fields.
Do Hinds Community College graduates make good money after graduation?
Overall graduate earnings at Hinds Community College average $30,774 after 10 years, which is modest but varies significantly by program. Nursing and healthcare graduates earn substantially more, while other programs may lead to lower-paying jobs.