Nursing at Meridian Community College

Meridian, MS · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

with a smaller student body of 2,025 in Meridian, MS.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $65,755/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 93.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 39% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Nursing graduates.

With first-year pay of $65,755 far exceeding the $9,097 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #328 out of 947 programs, Meridian Community College's Nursing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $65,755 to $72,722 over five years (11% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Nursing connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

85 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
79
Low End
85
Score
85
High End
Earnings $65,755/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$738K
2.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
93.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$7,864
Out-of-state: $11,984
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,097
1.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,722
11% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

What can you do with a Nursing credential from Meridian Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Meridian Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Nursing at Meridian Community College?
This program scores 85/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
How vulnerable is Nursing to AI automation?
AI won't eliminate Nursing careers, but it may reshape them. At Meridian Community College, a score of 85/100 already accounts for the 39% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
How affordable is Nursing at Meridian Community College?
Median debt of just $9,097 against $65,755/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Can I learn Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of Meridian Community College?
If Meridian Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 4 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Nursing. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Nursing from Meridian Community College?
At 292,500 annual openings, Nursing has a very large employment base. Meridian Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →