At $3,057/yr net price, Southwest Mississippi Community College graduates earn $33,227/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,057 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $12,228 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,227/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-773/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,489/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,289/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,496/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,748/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 | $54,035 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,055 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $19,455 |
The Risk Factor
40.2% of students at Southwest 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
Southwest Mississippi Community College delivers solid returns for technical programs but weak outcomes for liberal arts students. At $3,057 annually, the school costs less than most community colleges, making the financial risk manageable even with a concerning 40% graduation rate.
Nursing graduates earn $54,035 annually, creating excellent ROI that justifies the program's competitive admission requirements. Industrial Production Technologies also pays well at $41,565, reflecting demand from Mississippi's manufacturing sector. These technical programs offer your best path to strong earnings relative to investment.
Liberal Arts graduates face financial challenges, earning just $28,055 annually despite completing the same low-cost program. Health and Medical Administrative Services shows particularly poor returns at $19,455, barely above minimum wage levels for jobs requiring post-secondary education.
The school works best if you can secure admission to nursing or industrial programs and live locally to minimize living expenses. Over half of students receive financial aid, and the low sticker price means debt levels stay reasonable for most graduates.
You should look elsewhere if you want broad liberal arts education or if you cannot gain entry to the higher-paying technical programs. The 40% graduation rate signals academic support challenges, particularly concerning if you struggled in high school. The location limits job opportunities outside technical fields, making program choice critical for your financial future.
Southwest Mississippi Community College rewards focused career preparation in high-demand technical fields but punishes students who choose general studies or lower-paying health administration tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest Mississippi Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of only $3,057 per year and nursing graduates earning $54,035, Southwest Mississippi Community College offers solid value for students in health programs. However, the 40% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and liberal arts graduates average just $28,055 annually.
What programs at Southwest Mississippi Community College have the best ROI?
Registered Nursing provides the strongest return at Southwest Mississippi Community College, with graduates earning $54,035 compared to the low annual cost. Industrial Production Technologies also pays well at $41,565, while Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less at $28,055.
How much debt do Southwest Mississippi Community College students typically have?
Southwest Mississippi Community College's low net price of $3,057 per year means most students graduate with minimal debt. The bigger risk is the 40% graduation rate, which means 6 out of 10 students don't complete their programs.
Do Southwest Mississippi Community College graduates earn good salaries?
Southwest Mississippi Community College graduates earn $33,227 on average 10 years after starting school. Nursing and industrial technology students do much better, while liberal arts graduates earn below the school average.