At $7,372/yr net price, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College graduates earn $33,017/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,372 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,488 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,017/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-983/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,113/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,985/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,496/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,915/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,908/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 | $11,000 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $52,107 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,993 | $12,993 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $43,240 | $9,505 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,748 | $10,500 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $32,569 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $31,314 | $9,850 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $28,055 |
The Risk Factor
47.4% of students at Mississippi Gulf Coast 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
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs and complete their degrees. The low net price of $7,372 annually makes this one of the most affordable paths to career training on the Gulf Coast.
Your program choice makes all the difference here. Electrical and power transmission installers earn $52,107 annually, nearly 60% above the school's median. Nursing graduates also command strong salaries at $51,993, though you'll carry slightly higher debt at $12,993. Industrial production technology offers another strong option at $43,240 with manageable debt of $9,505.
The biggest financial risk is the 47% graduation rate. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, wasting both time and money. If you're not committed to finishing, your investment won't pay off.
This school works best for students seeking specific technical skills rather than general education. The Gulf Coast's industrial economy rewards the hands-on training MGCCC provides, particularly in energy and manufacturing sectors. Students planning to transfer to four-year universities for liberal arts degrees should consider other options.
With 40% of students receiving financial aid and median debt of just $10,000, MGCCC keeps costs manageable. The combination of low tuition, regional job connections, and strong earning potential in technical fields makes this a smart financial choice for career-focused students who will complete their programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College worth the money?
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers decent value with low tuition at $7,372 annually and manageable debt of $10,000. However, the 47% graduation rate and $33,017 average earnings after 10 years indicate mixed returns depending on your program choice.
What are the highest paying programs at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College?
Electrical and power transmission programs along with drafting/design technology lead earnings at around $52,000 annually. Nursing programs also perform well at nearly $52,000, while general programs average much lower at $33,017.
How much debt will I have after Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College?
Students typically graduate with $10,000 in debt, which is relatively low for higher education. The bigger concern is the 47% graduation rate, meaning many students leave without completing their programs.
Do Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College graduates get good jobs?
Graduates in technical fields like electrical work and nursing see strong job prospects with $50,000+ salaries. However, the overall average of $33,017 ten years after enrollment suggests many graduates struggle to find higher-paying work.