nursingadmissionscareersMississippi

Best Nursing Schools in Mississippi: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

March 5, 2026

Explore 20 nursing programs across Mississippi's universities and community colleges. Compare tuition costs ($3,420–$21,698/year), admission rates, and earning potential for RNs and advanced practice nurses.

Overview of Nursing Education in Mississippi

Mississippi offers prospective nursing students a diverse range of pathways to licensure, from affordable associate degree programs at community colleges to advanced doctoral nursing degrees at universities. With 20 accredited nursing programs across the state—13 community colleges and 7 universities—students have flexibility in choosing between a quick entry into the workforce or a comprehensive four-year degree.

The nursing profession remains one of Mississippi's most stable and growing career fields. Graduates from Mississippi nursing programs earn competitive salaries ranging from $48,773 to $164,002 annually, depending on degree level and specialization. Whether you're a high school graduate, career changer, or working professional, Mississippi's nursing schools provide accessible, affordable pathways to becoming a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice nurse.

This guide walks you through the state's top programs, costs, and how to choose the right fit for your goals and budget.

University Nursing Programs in Mississippi

Mississippi's four-year universities offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees and advanced programs (Master's and Doctoral degrees). These programs prepare graduates for leadership roles, specialized nursing practice, and higher earning potential.

University of Mississippi (Oxford)

Public, 4-Year | In-State Tuition: $9,412/year

The University of Mississippi is Mississippi's flagship institution and one of the most accessible universities in the state. With a 97.8% acceptance rate, this school prioritizes admitting qualified nursing candidates. However, the 68.1% graduation rate is the highest among Mississippi's public universities, indicating strong student support and completion resources.

Nursing graduates from Ole Miss earn an average of $90,158 annually with a Master's degree. The university enrolls 18,995 students, providing robust campus resources, research opportunities, and clinical partnerships with major medical centers.

Best for: Students seeking an affordable public university with strong support services and the highest graduation rate in the state.

University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg)

Public, 4-Year | In-State Tuition: $9,618/year

USM offers some of the highest earning potential for nursing graduates in Mississippi. Graduates with a Doctoral degree earn $164,002 annually—the highest salary reported among all Mississippi nursing programs. This reflects the university's emphasis on advanced practice nursing, nurse anesthesia, and doctoral research.

With a 99.4% acceptance rate, USM welcomes most qualified applicants, though the 51.1% graduation rate suggests students should be prepared for rigorous coursework. The university serves 9,899 students across multiple campuses.

Best for: Career-focused students pursuing advanced degrees (MSN, DNP, PhD) with ambitions for specialized nursing roles and higher compensation.

Mississippi University for Women (Columbus)

Public, 4-Year | In-State Tuition: $8,092/year

MUW offers the lowest tuition among four-year universities and maintains a 100% acceptance rate, making it one of Mississippi's most accessible options. Nursing graduates earn $96,188 annually with a Master's degree—competitive with Ole Miss despite lower tuition costs.

The 37.4% graduation rate is the lowest among public universities, indicating this program may be best suited for highly motivated, self-directed students. With only 1,593 total students, MUW provides a small, intimate learning environment.

Best for: Budget-conscious students seeking affordable tuition and personalized attention in a smaller university setting.

Delta State University (Cleveland)

Public, 4-Year | In-State Tuition: $8,605/year

Delta State has an exceptional 99.7% acceptance rate—virtually open admission for qualified nursing students. In-state tuition is affordable at $8,605/year. Nursing graduates earn $68,221 annually with a Bachelor's degree.

The 46.6% graduation rate is moderate among Mississippi's public universities. Delta State enrolls 1,613 students, offering a mid-sized campus experience.

Best for: Students with flexible schedules or non-traditional backgrounds who need open admission policies and affordable tuition.

Alcorn State University (Alcorn State)

Public, 4-Year | In-State Tuition: $8,549/year

Alcorn State is Mississippi's only historically Black university (HBCU) with a nursing program. It has the most selective acceptance rate at 24.7%, making it the most competitive nursing program among public universities in the state. In-state tuition is affordable at $8,549/year.

Nursing graduates earn $66,273 annually with a Bachelor's degree. The 46.7% graduation rate is comparable to other public universities. Alcorn State serves 2,290 students and emphasizes community-centered nursing practice.

Best for: Highly qualified students seeking an HBCU experience with strong community engagement and cultural identity.

Mississippi College (Clinton)

Private Nonprofit, 4-Year | Tuition: $21,698/year

Mississippi College is the state's most expensive nursing program at $21,698/year—more than double the cost of public universities. However, it offers a 48.9% acceptance rate (selective) and a 62.5% graduation rate, the second-highest in the state.

Nursing graduates earn $57,332 annually with a Bachelor's degree—notably lower than public university graduates, suggesting the premium tuition doesn't translate to higher earning potential. Mississippi College enrolls 2,423 students.

Best for: Students prioritizing small class sizes and a faith-based, private institution experience who can afford higher tuition costs.

William Carey University (Hattiesburg)

Private Nonprofit, 4-Year | Tuition: $14,685/year

William Carey offers a middle-ground option between public and expensive private universities at $14,685/year. The 58.0% acceptance rate is moderately selective. Nursing graduates earn $88,874 annually with a Doctoral degree, reflecting strong advanced practice programs.

The 41.3% graduation rate is the lowest among four-year universities, indicating this program requires strong academic preparation and commitment. William Carey enrolls 1,818 students.

Best for: Students interested in advanced nursing degrees (DNP, MSN) with moderate tuition costs and willing to invest in doctoral education.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Mississippi's 13 community colleges offer Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs—a cost-effective, two-year pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Graduates earn $48,773 to $57,574 annually, and many later pursue Bachelor's degrees through RN-to-BSN programs.

Most Affordable Programs

Itawamba Community College (Fulton) — $3,420/year (lowest tuition) Nursing graduates earn $54,021 annually. Enrollment: 4,018 students.

Holmes Community College (Goodman) — $3,510/year Nursing graduates earn $53,644 annually. Enrollment: 3,847 students.

Pearl River Community College (Poplarville) — $3,650/year Nursing graduates earn $52,330 annually. Enrollment: 4,725 students.

Northwest Mississippi Community College (Senatobia) — $3,660/year Nursing graduates earn $55,890 annually. Enrollment: 5,181 students.

Largest Community College Programs

Hinds Community College (Raymond) — $3,825/year Mississippi's largest community college with 6,533 students. Nursing graduates earn $57,574 annually—among the highest for ADN programs.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Perkinston) — $3,950/year Enrollment: 6,231 students. Nursing graduates earn $55,148 annually.

Additional Community College Options

Other solid community college programs include:

East Mississippi Community College (Scooba) — $3,950/year
Southwest Mississippi Community College (Summit) — $3,960/year
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Perkinston) — $3,950/year
Meridian Community College (Meridian) — $3,932/year
East Central Community College (Decatur) — $3,865/year
Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Wesson) — $4,000/year
Jones County Junior College (Ellisville) — $4,000/year
Northeast Mississippi Community College (Booneville) — $4,770/year

Best for: Budget-conscious students, working professionals, and those seeking a faster entry into nursing practice. ADN graduates can later earn a BSN through bridge programs.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Selecting a nursing school is a significant decision. Consider these factors:

1. Tuition and Cost

Community colleges cost $3,420–$4,770/year, while public universities range from $8,092–$9,618/year. Private universities cost $14,685–$21,698/year. Calculate total cost over 2 or 4 years and explore financial aid options.

2. Admission Selectivity

If your GPA and test scores are strong, competitive programs like Alcorn State (24.7% acceptance) offer prestige. If you need more flexibility, programs with 99%+ acceptance rates (Delta State, Mississippi University for Women) are accessible.

3. Graduation Rate

Higher graduation rates indicate better student support. University of Mississippi (68.1%) and Mississippi College (62.5%) have the strongest completion rates. Lower rates (37–51%) may signal more rigorous programs or less student support.

4. Earning Potential

Doctoral degree holders earn $88,874–$164,002 annually, while ADN graduates earn $48,773–$57,574. If higher income is a priority, pursue a BSN or advanced degree.

5. Program Location

Consider commute time and campus size. Large universities (Ole Miss, USM) offer more resources; smaller schools (MUW, Delta State) provide personalized attention.

6. Career Goals

Bedside nursing: ADN or BSN from any program
Nurse practitioner/specialist: MSN or DNP from USM, William Carey, or Ole Miss
Leadership/administration: BSN or Master's from larger universities
Community nursing: HBCU (Alcorn State) or smaller colleges emphasizing service

Mississippi Nursing Job Market

Mississippi's nursing job market remains strong. The state faces a nursing shortage, particularly in rural areas, creating abundant employment opportunities. Hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies actively recruit new graduates.

Salary ranges by degree:

Associate's Degree (ADN): $48,773–$57,574/year
Bachelor's Degree (BSN): $57,332–$68,221/year
Master's Degree (MSN): $90,158–$96,188/year
Doctoral Degree (DNP/PhD): $88,874–$164,002/year

Advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical specialists) earn the highest salaries and face strong demand.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Mississippi

Federal Aid

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Available to all students; opens October 1 annually
Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year (2023–24) for eligible low-income students
Federal Student Loans: Unsubsidized and subsidized loans available; repayment begins 6 months after graduation

State Aid

Mississippi Higher Learning Commission Grants: Merit-based aid for Mississippi residents
Teacher/Healthcare Loan Forgiveness: Some programs offer loan forgiveness for service in underserved areas

Institutional Aid

Most universities offer scholarships and need-based aid. Contact financial aid offices directly for nursing-specific scholarships.

Employer Sponsorship

Many Mississippi hospitals offer tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness programs for new graduates who commit to employment.

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

Ready to explore nursing programs in Mississippi? Use GradeToGrad's comprehensive search tool to compare tuition, acceptance rates, graduation rates, and career outcomes side-by-side.

Search Nursing Programs in Mississippi →

Filter by:

Degree type (ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP)
Tuition range
Location
Acceptance rate
Graduation rate

Create a personalized comparison list, save your favorites, and reach out directly to admissions offices with questions about prerequisites, clinical placements, and NCLEX-RN pass rates.

Final Thoughts

Mississippi's 20 nursing programs offer something for every student—from affordable community college pathways to prestigious university degrees. Whether you prioritize low tuition, high graduation rates, advanced degree options, or community engagement, you'll find a program aligned with your goals and budget.

Start by identifying 3–5 programs that match your criteria. Request information, attend virtual or in-person information sessions, and speak with current students. Your nursing career begins with the right educational choice.