At $9,307/yr net price, Northeast Mississippi Community College graduates earn $34,081/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $81/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,307 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,228 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,081/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$81/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 459.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,722 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,435/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,288/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,184/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,953/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,644/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 | $47,494 | $11,066 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $40,338 | $16,077 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $37,568 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $36,355 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,274 | $11,000 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $21,964 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $19,592 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $13,702 |
The Risk Factor
35.4% of students at Northeast Mississippi 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
Northeast Mississippi Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused students, with several programs generating strong earnings that quickly justify the investment. The $9,307 annual net price creates manageable debt loads, though you need to choose your program carefully.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning $47,494 annually with debt under $12,000. Heavy equipment maintenance and dental support programs also generate strong returns above $40,000. These technical programs align well with Mississippi's industrial and healthcare job markets, giving graduates immediate earning power in high-demand fields.
The biggest financial risk is the 35% graduation rate. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credentials needed for higher-paying jobs. This school works best for students who enter with clear career goals and strong motivation to finish.
You should consider Northeast Mississippi if you want practical job training at low cost, especially in nursing or industrial fields. The school makes financial sense for students who need to stay local and enter the workforce quickly. However, if you're unsure about your career path or considering transfer to a four-year school, the completion rate concerns suggest you might benefit from more academic support elsewhere.
With 58% of students receiving aid, financial assistance is widely available. The combination of low sticker price and aid opportunities keeps debt manageable for most programs, making this a viable option for students seeking immediate career entry without heavy borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northeast Mississippi Community College worth the cost?
Northeast Mississippi Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $9,307 per year and manageable debt levels around $9,722. However, the 35% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $34,081 after 10 years are below national community college averages.
What are the best paying programs at Northeast Mississippi Community College?
Registered Nursing leads with $47,494 in median earnings, followed by Heavy Equipment Maintenance at $42,682 and Dental Support Services at $40,338. These programs offer the strongest return on investment at the school.
How much student debt do Northeast Mississippi Community College graduates have?
The median debt for Northeast Mississippi Community College graduates is $9,722, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt level helps improve the overall value proposition despite modest post-graduation earnings.
Does Northeast Mississippi Community College have good graduation rates?
Northeast Mississippi Community College has a 35% graduation rate, which is below the national community college average. This means many students who start the program do not complete it, which affects the school's overall value.