Mississippi’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
Are you considering a nursing career in Mississippi? The time has never been better! The national growth rate of registered nurses is 6% between 2021-2031. However, Mississippi has a projected registered nurse (RN) growth rate of 14% between 2020-2030, with 2,010 RN job openings annually. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
Mississippi, referred to as the Magnolia State, is known for its blues and bluegrass music, magnolias, and southern hospitality and charm. It is also home to the largest river in the United States, the Mississippi River. Agriculture and forestry are the top industries in Mississippi today. The state produces most of the country’s farm-raised catfish, cotton, pulpwood, and sweet potatoes.
Home to miles of pristine beaches that stretch along the southern shore of Mississippi, residents and visitors can escape the heat and cool off in the ocean. If the beach isn’t your scene, Mississippi is also full of history, natural sceneries, and rural countryside.
Mississippi has the lowest cost of living in the nation, about 17% cheaper than the rest of the country. The housing and transportation costs are also the lowest in the nation. Additionally, childcare expenses are one of the least expensive in the nation, making it more affordable for working parents.
Education costs in Mississippi are also lower than in other states. The state is consistently ranked in the top five to seven lowest-cost states in the country for higher education, which makes getting your nursing degree even more affordable.
The Best Nursing Schools in Mississippi
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Mississippi to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Mississippi based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Mississippi Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Mississippi ADN Nursing Program
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University is a public university in Lorman, Mississippi. They offer an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and a BSN program. Their ASN program achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2022. Their ASN degree program offers a generic track option that can be completed in five semesters and a licensed practical nurse (LPN) advanced placement option that can be completed in four semesters.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,549
Out-of-State: $8,549
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$8,549 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,549 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
78.5% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
3,100 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Mississippi ADN Nursing Program
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Northwest Mississippi Community College is a public community college in Senatobia, Mississippi. They offer an ADN degree with quality nursing education to prepare students for entry-level RN positions. Students can attend full-time in their traditional track or apply to their LPN-RN transition track if they have a current LPN license.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,460
Out-of-State: $5,860
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,460 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$5,860 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
99.07% |
| Program Completion Rate 20221-2022 |
82% |
| Job Placement 2018 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
7,127 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Mississippi ADN Nursing Program
Southwest Mississippi Community College
Southwest Mississippi Community College is a public community college in Summit, Mississippi. They offer an ADN degree that provides educational opportunities to qualified students utilizing a curriculum designed to prepare graduates for entry-level RN positions. Their program prepares graduates to practice as professional interdisciplinary healthcare team members by providing safe client-centered care utilizing critical thinking, innovation, and adaptability in various healthcare settings. They offer a generic RN track and an LPN to RN track for students with active LPN licenses.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,600
Out-of-State: $6,300
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,600 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,300 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2021 |
98.65% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020 |
72% |
| Job Placement |
98% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,673 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Mississippi BSN Nursing Program
Delta State University
Delta State University is a public university in Cleveland, Mississippi. They offer a traditional BSN program and an RN to BSN program. Their traditional BSN program can be completed in five semesters when attending full-time. Students who attend their program are prepared to be competent and professional nurses to deliver nursing care in entry-level RN positions.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,217
Out-of-State: $4,217
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,217 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$4,217 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
99.04% |
| Retention Rate |
65% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,556 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
72% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Mississippi BSN Nursing Program
Belhaven University
Belhaven University is a private evangelical Christian university in Jackson, Mississippi. They offer a BSN program that can be completed in four years when attending full-time. Their program offers an outstanding learning environment with caring faculty members that prepare students to learn and practice in state-of-the-art facilities. Their mission is to provide a basic nursing education program that prepares graduates who are servant leaders that value integrity and justice in all aspects of their lives. Graduates are challenged to transform healthcare through the uniqueness of Christian-inspired nursing practice.
Average Tuition
In-State: $28,375
Out-of-State: $28,375
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$28,375 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$28,375 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
43% |
| Retention Rate |
68% |
| Students Enrolled |
4,278 |
| Institution Type |
Private Christian University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
69% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Mississippi BSN Nursing Program
The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi is a public university located in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, Mississippi. They offer a traditional BSN program and an RN to BSN program. Their programs prepare students for a career as an RN using a curriculum that includes a balance of courses based on liberal arts and science. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities in the state-of-the-art simulation lab on campus and clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $9,204
Out-of-State: $11,204
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$9,204 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$11,204 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
99.25% |
| Admission Rate |
99% |
| Retention Rate |
70% |
| Students Enrolled |
14,146 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Mississippi
When choosing a nursing program in Mississippi, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 17 ADN and 8 BSN programs in Mississippi are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in Mississippi
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and Mississippi estimates a nursing growth of 14% from 2020-2030. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
While U.S. News ranks Mississippi as the 48th best state to live in, with healthcare only ranking at 49, this shows that the state needs additional nurses. The state is ranked 45th for healthcare access, 50th for healthcare quality, and 46th for public health. Being a nurse in Mississippi means you can significantly impact the residents who deserve better healthcare.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Mississippi earn an average annual salary of $67,930. While this is well below the national average, the cost of living in Mississippi is the lowest in the nation, which means your dollar can stretch further.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Mississippi
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Mississippi is $67,930, and it employs 29,370 nurses. Mississippi also employs 4,000 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $117,270.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Mississippi for RNs |
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS |
$71,340 |
| Jackson, MS |
$69,750 |
| Hattiesburg, MS |
$68,750 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Mississippi
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Mississippi, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Mississippi:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Nevada:
- These are the steps to become an APRN in Mississippi
- These are the steps to become an APRN in Mississippi
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- APRNs must renew their license every two years. The renewal period is between September 1 through December 31 in even-numbered years. APRNs must register for a basic user account with CE Broker to manage continuing education. They must complete at least five contact hours of continuing education directly related to controlled substances. CE certificates must be uploaded in a PDF format within the renewal cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Mississippi
Is Mississippi a good place for nurses to work?
Mississippi is not ranked very high for overall healthcare. However, this allows nurses to significantly impact the communities they work in to help improve healthcare delivery in the state.
Is Mississippi a compact state for nursing?
Yes. Mississippi is a compact state for nursing. This means that RNs issued by your primary state of residence will be recognized in Mississippi and vice versa.
What are the requirements for RNs in Mississippi?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your Mississippi RN license, you must renew it every two years. The renewal period is between September 1 through December 31 in even-numbered years. RNs must complete 20 contact hours of continuing education before license renewal.
How much does a Mississippi RN license cost?
It will cost $100 to register for a Mississippi RN license by exam or endorsement. It will also cost $100 to renew your Mississippi every two years.
