Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Mississippi

It's tough to beat Delta State University's affordability. The Cleveland-based school of just over 3,000 students offers the same tuition rate to all students, meaning there's no out-of-state tuition—a rarity for a public school.

Delta State's low cost has no impact on the quality of the nursing program, as evidenced by the NCLEX performance of BSN graduates. The BSN takes five semesters to complete full-time, though a part-time option is also available. Additionally, Delta State is home to an online RN-BSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The online master's is one of the easiest MSN online programs to get into in the nation.

Mississippi College is one of the oldest colleges in the state. With a student body of just under 5,000 students, this Christian school is the epitome of a small school, private education. Nursing students of nearly every background have options at Mississippi College, including a traditional BSN, accelerated second-degree BSN, online MSN, and online RN-BSN.

If you're a current RN planning on completing the RN-BSN program, your tuition will be charged at a special credit hour rate. Depending on how many courses you need to complete a BSN, this could be more affordable than other options. 

Created as the nation's first public women's college, Mississippi University for Women now allows men to apply, too. Most classes at MUW have fewer than 20 students, which is potentially why nursing students have enjoyed so much success. Mississippi University for Women has seen every BSN graduate pass the NCLEX over the past four years.

In terms of consistency, this could be the best undergraduate nursing program in Mississippi. Also worth mentioning is that the RN-BSN charges a flat rate of $10,000 for the entire program, so you can budget for the entire degree upfront.

The University of Southern Mississippi is a large public research school spread over two Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses. If you're a student planning on a BSN, you can complete your education at either of the campuses. The BSN allows early admission, so qualified high school students can gain admission to the nursing school before starting their freshman year.

An online RN-BSN bridge program is also offered for current RNs with an associate degree in nursing. Graduate nursing students can choose from several master's and doctorate programs, including nurse anesthesia, family nurse practitioner, and nursing leadership. 

Once known as Mississippi Woman's College, William Carey University adopted its current name to reflect the many changes the school has seen over the past century. The two main campuses are Hattiesburg and Biloxi, though nursing students can choose to study at a third campus in Baton Rouge, LA.

Nursing school applicants are required to apply to only one of the three campuses, and after being admitted, students can only complete courses at that campus. Remember that William Carey University charges a higher per-credit tuition rate for nursing courses, which can impact your total tuition. 

Located in Jackson, the University of Mississippi Medical Center is a local leader in teaching health sciences. It has one of the most robust nursing programs in the state, offering students over a dozen nursing options. Undergraduate students can choose from a traditional BSN, early-entry BSN, accelerated BSN, or an online RN-BSN bridge program.

Additional graduate-level degrees are available, though students should complete a BSN before applying to UMMC graduate programs. Tuition rates vary depending on which degree is being pursued and the student's level of education, so a per-credit tuition rate is used to demonstrate potential costs. 

Alcorn State University is another affordable state school that offers the same tuition rate to all students. It has three campuses across Mississippi, and nursing students will attend courses at the Natchez Campus.

Alcorn State has one of the best HBCU nursing programs nationwide and offers three undergraduate options: an associate in nursing, a two-semester RN-BSN, and a four-semester BSN. Before starting either BSN option, students must complete prerequisites (all of which can be completed through Alcorn). With a low tuition rate and excellent student outcomes, Alcorn is worth considering. 

Founded in 1883, Belhaven University is a nationally renowned Christian college. Belhaven states that "all programs are taught from a Christian worldview perspective." While this may appeal to religious students, those interested in a secular nursing education may need to look elsewhere.

If Belhaven fits your needs, you'll have two nursing options: a traditional BSN and a three-semester online RN-BSN. Those in either program enjoy an impressive 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing plenty of individualized education opportunities. The university is also affordable, with over 92% of Belhaven students offset the costs with financial aid.

As a community college, Coahoma Community College focuses on offering two-year degrees. Students interested in nursing would enroll in the two-semester associate degree nursing program designed for current licensed practical nurses (LPNs). To save some money, students may want to complete an associate degree, become an RN, and then complete an RN-BSN program. 

Based in Goodman, Holmes Community College offers one of the least expensive tracks to becoming an RN. Like Coahoma Community College, Holmes CC doesn't offer a four-year nursing degree; however, a two-year associate degree is available.

Graduates of this program have excelled on the NCLEX in the past, and it is a good way to become an RN and prepare for an RN-BSN. Holmes CC even offers an evening and weekend ADN program, which may be ideal for working students.