At $7,665/yr net price, Northwest Mississippi Community College graduates earn $36,396/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,396/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,665 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,396/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,396/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,140/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,968/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,083/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,996/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,097/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 | $56,133 | $12,149 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $40,647 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $32,569 | $9,808 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | $8,003 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $29,092 | $7,005 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,192 | $5,952 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $22,192 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $19,531 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $18,315 |
The Risk Factor
42.3% of students at Northwest Mississippi 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
Northwest Mississippi Community College delivers strong returns for specific career paths but weak outcomes for general programs. The $7,665 annual cost creates a favorable setup, but your success depends entirely on choosing the right major.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $56,133 in median earnings that easily justify the $12,149 debt load. Agricultural mechanization and precision metal working also pay off well at over $40,000 annually, aligning with regional manufacturing and farming sectors in northern Mississippi.
Business administration produces disappointing returns at just $29,685 yearly earnings. Given the low debt of $8,003, you break even eventually, but the opportunity cost runs high when better-paying trades are available at the same school.
The 42% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment entirely. You face real risk of accumulating debt without credentials, especially in programs requiring clinical placements or technical skills.
This school works best for career-focused students targeting nursing or skilled trades who can handle the completion requirements. The regional job market supports these technical fields well. You should avoid Northwest Mississippi if you need extensive academic support services or want transfer-focused liberal arts preparation.
The relatively low percentage receiving financial aid suggests limited need-based assistance, but the modest sticker price keeps costs manageable for most Mississippi families. Your best strategy involves picking a high-earning program and focusing intensely on completion rather than assuming any degree will pay off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest Mississippi Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,665 per year and typical graduates earning $36,396 annually, Northwest Mississippi Community College offers reasonable value for most programs. The low median debt of $6,500 means graduates avoid crushing loan payments that plague four-year college students.
What programs at Northwest Mississippi Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Northwest Mississippi Community College deliver the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $56,133 annually. Agricultural Mechanization ($41,565) and Precision Metal Working ($40,647) also pay well relative to the low tuition costs.
How much debt do Northwest Mississippi Community College graduates typically have?
Northwest Mississippi Community College graduates carry a median debt of just $6,500, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. This low debt load makes the school a safer financial choice even for programs with modest earning potential.
What is the graduation rate at Northwest Mississippi Community College?
Northwest Mississippi Community College has a 42.3% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges but means many students don't complete their programs. Students should have realistic expectations about finishing their degree and consider their motivation level before enrolling.