At $5,034/yr net price, Itawamba Community College graduates earn $32,912/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,034 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,136 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,912/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,088/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,631 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,839/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,393/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,475/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,038/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,222/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 | $51,794 | $10,100 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $47,595 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $46,478 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,737 | $8,514 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $32,925 | $9,201 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,816 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $26,933 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $26,739 |
The Risk Factor
45.3% of students at Itawamba 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
Itawamba Community College delivers strong returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection makes all the difference. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $51,794 annually against just $10,100 in debt, creating one of the better debt-to-income ratios you'll find at any Mississippi community college.
Your financial risk stays manageable with a low net price of $5,034 annually and typical debt loads under $8,000. The precision metal working and electrical programs also generate solid returns above $46,000, reflecting strong demand in Mississippi's manufacturing sector. These technical fields offer clear career paths that justify the investment.
The 45% graduation rate signals completion challenges you need to consider seriously. If you struggle with academic persistence or lack clear career direction, you face real risk of leaving with debt but no credential. The college works best for students with specific career goals in healthcare or skilled trades who can commit to finishing their programs.
Financial aid reaches less than half of students, suggesting either higher family incomes in the region or gaps in aid packaging. You should apply early and explore all available Mississippi state aid programs to minimize your costs further.
This college makes financial sense if you're targeting nursing, allied health, or technical trades and can complete your program successfully. Students seeking broader liberal arts education or four-year transfer preparation might find better value elsewhere, as the general education outcomes don't match the strong returns of the specialized programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Itawamba Community College worth the money?
Itawamba Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $5,034 per year and median debt of only $7,631. However, the 45% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $32,912 after 10 years are modest for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Itawamba Community College?
Nursing programs at Itawamba Community College lead to the highest earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $51,794 annually. Allied health programs and precision metalworking also offer solid returns, with graduates earning $44,000-$47,000 per year.
How much debt do Itawamba Community College graduates have?
Itawamba Community College graduates have relatively low debt, with a median of $7,631. This manageable debt load combined with the school's affordable tuition makes it less risky than many four-year options.
What is the graduation rate at Itawamba Community College?
Only 45% of students graduate from Itawamba Community College, which is below average for community colleges. This means many students either transfer or leave without completing their program, which affects the overall return on investment.