At $5,980/yr net price, Holmes Community College graduates earn $32,922/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,980 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,920 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,922/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,078/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,274 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,963/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,686/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,910/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 | $52,420 | $15,216 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $49,423 | $13,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $36,674 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,324 | $8,500 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $25,967 | $9,500 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $25,774 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,774 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $24,679 | |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Associate | $23,166 | $6,334 |
The Risk Factor
45.4% of students at Holmes 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
Holmes Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs. The nursing and allied health tracks generate strong earnings that justify the modest debt loads, while other programs struggle to provide adequate returns.
The registered nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, producing graduates earning $52,420 annually with debt averaging $15,216. Allied health programs also perform well, with medical assisting services graduates earning $49,423 and carrying $13,250 in debt. These healthcare pathways provide clear positive returns in Mississippi's job market.
Your financial risk centers on program selection. While nursing graduates earn nearly 60% more than the school's overall median, many other programs leave graduates earning around $33,000 annually. The 45% graduation rate creates additional risk if you struggle to complete your program.
Holmes works best financially if you can secure admission to competitive healthcare programs and complete them successfully. The low net price of $5,980 annually keeps your downside risk manageable compared to four-year alternatives. Students seeking general education or uncertain about their career path face weaker financial prospects.
With only 42% of students receiving financial aid, merit-based assistance appears limited. Your strategy should focus on program completion rather than aid optimization. The practical nursing track offers a lower-debt entry point at $8,500 if you cannot access the RN program immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Holmes Community College worth the money?
Holmes Community College offers good value with low costs ($5,980 per year) and manageable debt ($9,274 median). However, the 45% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $33,000 after 10 years are below national averages.
What are the best paying programs at Holmes Community College?
Registered nursing programs lead with $52,420 average earnings, followed by allied health services at $49,423. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $33,000.
How much debt do Holmes Community College graduates have?
Holmes Community College graduates carry a median debt of $9,274, which is relatively low for higher education. The low net price of under $6,000 per year helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
Does Holmes Community College have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes vary dramatically by program at Holmes Community College. Nursing and allied health graduates earn $36,000-$52,000, while other programs may struggle to reach the school's $33,000 average.