At $2,276/yr net price, Mississippi Delta Community College graduates earn $28,421/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,276 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $9,104 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $28,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-5,579/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,265/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,822/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 | $56,931 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $36,312 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $21,234 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $17,794 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $17,242 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $14,072 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $13,702 |
The Risk Factor
29.9% of students at Mississippi Delta Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Mississippi Delta Community College delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for nursing students but limited value in most other programs. The extremely low net price of $2,276 annually makes this one of the most affordable community colleges in the country, but the 29.9% graduation rate means fewer than one in three students complete their programs.
Your best financial bet is the nursing program, which produces graduates earning $56,931 annually. This creates a powerful return on investment given the minimal cost. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $36,312 in median earnings. However, the technical programs tell a different story. Vehicle maintenance graduates earn just $24,035, while HVAC completers make $21,234 and precision metalworking graduates earn only $17,794.
The low graduation rate represents the biggest financial risk at Mississippi Delta. You could lose time and momentum if you struggle to complete your program. The rural Mississippi Delta region offers limited job opportunities, particularly for technical trades, which explains why some programs produce modest earnings despite completion.
This school works financially if you can commit to nursing or allied health programs and plan to work in healthcare. The combination of rock-bottom costs and strong healthcare job prospects in the region creates genuine value. However, if you're considering automotive, HVAC, or manufacturing programs, you might find better earning potential and completion rates at other institutions.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, and the low sticker price means you could potentially attend debt-free with modest Pell Grant eligibility. Focus on programs with clear regional job demand rather than general technical training that may not translate to local employment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mississippi Delta Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of just $2,276 per year, Mississippi Delta Community College offers good value for nursing and allied health programs that lead to median earnings of $56,931 and $36,312 respectively. However, the 30% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Mississippi Delta Community College?
Registered nursing programs at Mississippi Delta Community College lead to the highest earnings at $56,931 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $36,312. Trade programs like HVAC and metalworking pay significantly less at around $17,000-21,000.
How much debt do Mississippi Delta Community College graduates have?
The low net price of $2,276 per year means Mississippi Delta Community College students typically graduate with minimal debt compared to four-year schools. Most financial aid comes from federal grants that don't need to be repaid.
What is the job market like for Mississippi Delta Community College graduates?
Nursing graduates from Mississippi Delta Community College enter a strong job market with good pay, but graduates from trade programs face limited earning potential with median salaries below $25,000. The overall 10-year earnings average of $28,421 reflects mixed career outcomes across programs.