Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and program lengths at every accredited Mississippi LPN school.
Mississippi's chronic shortage of healthcare workers in rural counties keeps demand for LPNs high. Yet the cost of training varies dramatically: public community college programs can start at $2,525 in net price, while a private diploma in Southaven exceeds $23,000. Among the 15+ accredited LPN programs, students choose between full-time one-year tracks and part-time evening or hybrid schedules. Because state licensure depends on NCLEX-PN success rates, program quality, not just cost, drives the decision.
Mississippi's community college system delivers practical nursing training through an unusually affordable network of campuses. The programs below combine classroom instruction with clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. Several offer part-time, evening, or multi-campus formats that fit working learners.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Southwest Mississippi Community College | Summit, MS | under $5,000/yr (est.) | Rural learners wanting a budget-friendly campus option | |
Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit offers a three-semester practical nursing certificate with a 48-credit, cohort-based format. The program emphasizes entry-level nursing for Mississippi's changing health-care delivery system and includes clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health. Graduates can articulate into the college's ADN program, making it a practical pathway for in-state learners. The college reports an institution-wide graduation rate of about 56%.
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| #2 | Copiah-Lincoln Community College | Wesson, MS | $4,000 – $5,000/yr (est.) | Working adults needing multiple campus locations | |
Copiah-Lincoln Community College delivers its practical nursing program at campuses in Wesson, Natchez, and Simpson, giving learners geographic flexibility. The full-time, three-semester career certificate prepares students for NCLEX-PN and includes clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. Admission uses a competitive rubric with ACT and ATI TEAS scores, plus background checks. Institution-wide, the college's graduation rate is about 50%.
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| #3 | Itawamba Community College | Fulton, MS | $3,000 – $6,000/yr (est.) | Hands-on learners wanting two annual cohort starts | |
Itawamba Community College in Fulton runs a three-semester practical nursing program with fall and spring entry points. A low 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports personalized instruction, and graduates are eligible for NCLEX-PN. The program requires an ACT composite of 16 plus prerequisite coursework. The college's institution-wide graduation rate is about 50%.
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| #4 | East Central Community College | Decatur, MS | ~$5,000/yr (est.) | ||
East Central Community College in Decatur admits one practical nursing cohort each fall, with a priority application deadline of February 1. The curriculum stresses nursing process, evidence-based practice, and ethical/legal responsibilities, with clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. The program is approved by the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Institution-wide, about 36% of students graduate.
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| #5 | Meridian Community College | Meridian, MS | $4,000 – $6,000/yr (est.) | ||
Meridian Community College offers a one-year, full-time practical nursing certificate with a strong track record: a 98% first-time NCLEX pass rate and 100% job placement for recent cohorts. The program is ACEN-accredited and requires TEAS, mandatory information sessions, and either ACT, ACCUPLACER, or prerequisite coursework. Fall and spring cohorts have distinct application deadlines. The college's institution-wide graduation rate is about 34%. ACEN accredited
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| #6 | East Mississippi Community College | Scooba, MS | $4,000 – $7,000/yr (est.) | ||
East Mississippi Community College provides a one-year practical nursing certificate with an August start at its Scooba and Mayhew/Golden Triangle locations. Admission requires ACT composite of 16, a 2.0 GPA, and anatomy and physiology prerequisites. The program covers medical-surgical, maternal-child, and mental health nursing. Institution-wide, the graduation rate is about 48%.
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| #7 | Hinds Community College | Raymond, MS | $4,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Hinds Community College offers practical nursing with both traditional full-time and part-time evening/weekend tracks at multiple campuses, including the Jackson Allied Health Center. The program opens three times per year and will move into a new Health Sciences Complex in fall 2026. Admission requires ACT or TEAS scores and prerequisite courses. Institution-wide, the graduation rate is about 43%.
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| #8 | Jones County Junior College | Ellisville, MS | $6,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Jones College in Ellisville provides a practical nursing program with full-time three-semester and part-time five-semester evening options. The competitive selection process weighs ACT/ATI TEAS scores, GPA, and prior coursework, and prior nursing credit may be accepted. Fall, spring, and summer starts give scheduling flexibility. Institution-wide, the college's graduation rate is about 41%.
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| #9 | Northwest Mississippi Community College | Senatobia, MS | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | ||
Northwest Mississippi Community College runs practical nursing cohorts on multiple campuses in Senatobia, DeSoto, Oxford, and Ashland. The program offers day and evening/weekend tracks that can be completed in 12 or 18 months, with a fall 2026 application window from February 2 to April 24. Admission requires an ACT composite of 16 and HESI exam, but no prerequisite courses. The college reports a 100% job placement rate and an institution-wide graduation rate of about 45%.
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| #10 | Pearl River Community College | Poplarville, MS | $4,000 – $6,000/yr (est.) | ||
Pearl River Community College in Poplarville offers practical nursing with full-time and part-time tracks that can be completed in 12 or 18 months. Evening and weekend options support working students, and the program uses small class sizes across multiple campuses. Graduates are prepared for NCLEX-PN and careers in offices, hospitals, long-term care, home health, and hospice. Institution-wide, the graduation rate is about 38%.
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Among Mississippi LPN programs, Southwest Mississippi Community College offers the lowest net price at $2,525, followed by Mississippi Delta Community College ($3,715) and Copiah-Lincoln Community College ($3,894). These three are all public community colleges, which dominate the affordable end of the list; most in-state tuition rates stay under $4,700 and net prices after financial aid remain below $9,000. Net price reflects an institution-wide average, not program-specific cost. The Pell Grant recipient share at many schools exceeds 85%, signaling a student body that typically qualifies for significant need-based assistance.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Pell Grant Recipients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Mississippi Community College | $4,080 | $6,780 | $2,525 | N/A |
| Mississippi Delta Community College | $3,540 | $3,540 | $3,715 | N/A |
| Copiah-Lincoln Community College | $4,200 | $5,200 | $3,894 | 92.6% |
| Hinds Community College | $4,250 | $7,300 | $4,060 | 89.2% |
| East Mississippi Community College | $4,095 | $7,445 | $4,608 | 90.6% |
| Itawamba Community College | $3,420 | $5,820 | $4,616 | 92.5% |
| East Central Community College | $3,990 | $6,090 | $5,240 | 92.3% |
| Holmes Community College | $3,710 | $6,610 | $5,643 | 91.5% |
| Jones County Junior College | $4,700 | $5,700 | $6,048 | 90.9% |
| Meridian Community College | $4,078 | $6,478 | $6,351 | 91.6% |
| Pearl River Community College | $3,700 | $6,100 | $6,532 | 91.9% |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | $4,250 | $7,850 | $6,962 | 87.7% |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College | $3,740 | $3,740 | $7,911 | 87.2% |
| Northeast Mississippi Community College | $4,470 | $7,750 | $8,343 | 91.4% |
| Concorde Career College-Southaven | N/A | N/A | $23,591 | 87.4% |
Pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) are one of the clearest indicators of how well a program prepares its students. The exam measures whether you have the entry-level knowledge and skills needed to practice safely as a licensed practical nurse. A school's first-time pass rate shows the percentage of graduates who passed on their first attempt within a given year. Consistently high rates suggest strong instruction, relevant clinical training, and effective test preparation. When rates dip below state or national averages, it can signal gaps in the curriculum or support.
In Mississippi, the Board of Nursing tracks and publishes pass rates for all approved LPN programs. The most recent publicly available data often comes from board reports or directly from school announcements. For prospective students, these numbers are essential: they affect your odds of passing the exam without extra cost and delay, and they influence your confidence when entering the job market.
Based on recent school reports, three campus-based LPN programs in Mississippi posted a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for the 2024-2025 cycle. This means every graduate who took the exam passed on the first try.
These results are drawn from press releases shared by the colleges themselves and cross-referenced with state board data where available. Because not all programs release pass rates simultaneously, this snapshot covers only the schools that have reported complete figures for the 2024-2025 testing year. For a full, up-to-date list of every Mississippi program's pass rate, the Mississippi Board of Nursing maintains official annual reports that are accessible to the public.
Even with a limited window, these numbers show that strong outcomes are achievable at multiple institutions. When a program's first-time rate consistently hovers at or near 100%, it demonstrates that graduates leave with the clinical judgment and test-taking stamina to succeed on the standardized exam.
Passing the NCLEX-PN on your first attempt has practical and financial implications. Each retake means waiting at least 45 days, paying another exam fee (currently $200 for the PN version), and potentially delaying a job start. Employers are aware of pass rates; some hiring managers prefer candidates from programs with a history of strong outcomes. In a state where many healthcare employers need to fill LPN positions quickly, a high first-time pass rate can give you an edge.
Beyond the exam itself, the pass rate reflects the program's ability to teach critical thinking and safe patient care. Nursing is a profession where situational judgment matters. If a program's graduates consistently pass on the first try, it signals that classroom and clinical experiences align well with national competency standards.
Not all schools will have a perfect or near-perfect rate, but a rate significantly below the state or national average warrants caution. The national first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-PN typically runs between 80% and 86% depending on the year, though it varies by candidate pool. Mississippi's overall average for LPN programs may differ slightly based on the cohort. When visiting schools or attending information sessions, ask the program director for the last three years of first-time pass rates. A single low year might reflect a temporary issue; a pattern of declines is more concerning.
You can also look at what the school offers to help students prepare: remediation plans, NCLEX review courses integrated into the final semester, and one-on-one faculty tutoring. A program that acknowledges a dip in rates and shows a plan for improvement is often more transparent than one that avoids the topic. Combining pass rate data with other quality indicators, such as accreditation status, clinical placement variety, and job placement rates, gives you a fuller picture of what to expect after graduation.
Program-level earnings data for Mississippi LPN graduates is not yet available from the College Scorecard. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for licensed practical nurses in Mississippi is $49,020, with top earners exceeding $61,000. Earnings are highest in the Hattiesburg and Jackson metro areas.
Gaining admission to a practical nursing program in Mississippi has grown more structured in recent years, with schools standardizing their requirements around common entrance exams and prerequisite coursework.
Most LPN programs in Mississippi rely on either the ACT, TEAS, or ACCUPLACER to assess academic readiness. Score thresholds vary by school, so checking each program's specifics is essential. At Hinds Community College, applicants need an ACT composite score of 18 with a minimum of 18 in each sub-score, or a TEAS score at the Proficient level. East Mississippi Community College requires the ACT with a composite of 16 and a reading sub-score of at least 16. Meridian Community College accepts ACT (composite 16) or ACCUPLACER scores, but additionally mandates the TEAS, making it one of the more exam-intensive programs in the state. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College sets an ACT composite minimum of 18; alternatively, students can qualify with 21 credit hours of college coursework including Anatomy & Physiology I & II and Microbiology, provided they maintain a 2.5 GPA. These alternative pathways are worth exploring if you already have some college credits.
Beyond testing, most programs share a common set of baseline requirements. A high school diploma or GED is universal. Applicants should be prepared to submit immunization records (typically MMR, varicella, and a TB skin test) and proof of current CPR certification. Meridian Community College, for example, also requires a flu shot and drug screening along with a background check. Background checks and drug screenings are standard across many Mississippi programs due to clinical site regulations, and a positive result can disqualify an applicant. Meeting these requirements early avoids last-minute hurdles.
What you need to complete before applying varies significantly. Some programs, like those at East Mississippi and Meridian, require college-level Anatomy & Physiology I and II as prerequisites, often with a recency limit of five years. Meridian additionally demands Human Growth and Development and Nutrition. In contrast, other schools embed these sciences within the LPN curriculum, meaning you can start the program without prior college coursework. Hinds Community College, for instance, does not list external prerequisites beyond general admission requirements, but you can expect to cover A&P as part of the program. Always confirm whether prerequisites are required and if any previous coursework has expired. A minimum GPA is common, Meridian enforces a 2.0, and several schools look for a 2.5 or higher in relevant sciences.
Many Mississippi community colleges advertise open admission policies, but that does not guarantee a seat in the LPN program. Slots are limited by clinical placement capacity, so nursing programs often use a competitive selection process. Meeting the minimum test score, GPA, and prerequisite requirements puts you in the applicant pool, but stronger candidates are prioritized. At Mississippi Gulf Coast, for example, more than one failing grade in a science course can disqualify you entirely. To improve your odds, aim above the minimum thresholds, complete all prerequisites with high grades, and submit your application early. Reaching out to a program advisor can also help you understand how they rank candidates and what might give you an edge.
Aspiring nurses searching for “online LPN programs in Mississippi” often hope to find a path that fits work or family schedules. But the nature of practical nursing demands direct patient care: no LPN program in the state is 100% online. Instead, you’ll encounter programs that blend online coursework with in-person clinical rotations, or campus-based programs that offer flexible scheduling.
In Mississippi, only one school currently offers a hybrid delivery model: Holmes Community College. Their practical nursing program delivers lectures online, but clinical training still happens on campus and in local healthcare facilities. This means you can complete theory work from home, but you must be available for hands-on practice, a trade-off that works well for students who need some flexibility but can manage scheduled clinical days.
Every LPN program in Mississippi requires substantial supervised clinical experience. The Mississippi Board of Nursing mandates that graduates complete real-world patient care hours to sit for the NCLEX-PN.1 Most programs pack 500 to 600 hours of clinical rotations into their curriculum.1 In hybrid models like Holmes’s, instructors arrange placements at hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics near the campus or within commuting distance. You won’t be able to complete these hours virtually; they’re in-person, often during daytime shifts, though some schools may offer evening clinical rotations.
If a hybrid program isn’t nearby, several campus-based schools offer schedules designed for working adults. Hinds Community College runs a part-time evening/weekend option at multiple locations. Northwest Mississippi Community College provides both day and evening/weekend cohorts. Northeast Mississippi Community College has a night program that meets three evenings per week plus Saturdays. These are still face-to-face programs, but they accommodate students who can’t attend traditional weekday classes. Jones College and Pearl River Community College also advertise part-time or evening paths.
When evaluating online or hybrid LPN programs in Mississippi, ask three questions: Can you travel to the clinical sites? Does the program have a track record of placing students in quality rotations? And does the schedule align with your other commitments? While true online-only LPN programs don’t exist, the state’s community colleges have worked hard to make lpn programs as accessible as possible through hybrid and evening options.
How quickly can you complete an LPN program in Mississippi? The short answer: the most direct route takes about 12 months of full-time study. Unlike some states that compress practical nursing into accelerated 9- or 10-month tracks, Mississippi's board-approved programs standardize at roughly one year. The key difference is whether a school runs year-round with minimal breaks, allowing you to finish in a crisp 12 calendar months instead of stretching over a traditional academic year.
In Mississippi, the standard full-time practical nursing program spans three consecutive semesters. Schools like Jones College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and Northwest Mississippi Community College structure their curricula to wrap up in precisely 12 months.12 There are no widely available fast-track options that dip below that threshold, as the Mississippi Board of Nursing's LPN education requirements mandate a minimum number of clinical and theory hours. The "fastest" programs, then, are those that avoid long summer and winter gaps, pushing students through without interruption.
Northwest Mississippi Community College offers a year-round day program, which essentially means students start and finish without a seasonal break.1 Jones College and Mississippi Gulf Coast CC also pack their coursework into three tight semesters, often beginning in the fall and ending the following summer.2 While not all schools explicitly label a summer-start cohort, the year-round calendar is what makes a 12-month timeline possible. If you apply for a fall entrance, you graduate the next August, saving months compared to a program that takes summers off.
Condensing the curriculum into a single year leaves little room for error. Heavy course loads are the norm, with multiple clinical days each week layered on top of classroom instruction. Most accelerated tracks are daytime only, limiting flexibility for students who need to work while in school. Evening and weekend options are rare for the fastest programs, though some schools may offer part-time tracks that stretch the timeline to 18 months or longer. The trade-off is clear: speed comes at the cost of intensity.
A fast-paced program is ideal if you can commit to full-time study without major outside obligations. If you have family responsibilities or a job, the compressed schedule may increase stress and the risk of falling behind. However, for those who want to enter the workforce quickly, a year-round LPN program remains the most efficient gateway to a nursing career in Mississippi.
Becoming a licensed LPN in Mississippi follows a clear five-step path. While state-approved programs suffice for initial licensure, attending an ACEN-accredited program can make it easier to transfer credits or pursue an RN bridge program. The Mississippi Board of Nursing requires a background check, NCLEX-PN success, and biennial renewal with continuing education for those returning to practice.
The salary and job outlook for Licensed Practical Nurses in Mississippi reflects a blend of steady demand and regional wage variation. Understanding what you can earn and where opportunities are growing helps clarify the return on your education investment.
In Mississippi, LPNs earn a median annual wage of about $46,490, which sits below the national median of $60,790 for the occupation. This gap is typical for many healthcare roles in the state, where the overall cost of living also tends to be lower. Entry-level LPNs often start closer to the 10th percentile, around $37,000, while experienced nurses in specialized settings can reach $55,000 or more.
Where you work influences your paycheck. BLS data for Mississippi metro areas shows:
Non-metro areas may offer slightly lower wages but often come with lower living expenses. These figures shift annually; checking the latest BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Mississippi provides the most current local data.
Nationally, LPN employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding about 54,000 new jobs. In Mississippi, the Department of Employment Security highlights ongoing demand fueled by an aging population and nurse turnover. While specific state growth rates through 2032 are modest, retirements and attrition create a steady stream of openings, often several hundred each year, particularly in nursing homes, home health, and outpatient care.
Program-level earnings data for Mississippi LPN graduates shortly after completing their programs is not yet available. Nationwide, early-career LPNs often earn 10–20% below the median until they gain experience and complete any required supervised practice. Completing an accredited practical nursing program and passing the NCLEX-PN remain the essential steps to entering the workforce. Over time, additional certifications in IV therapy, wound care, or gerontology can boost earning potential and open doors to higher-paying settings.
The pathway from licensed practical nurse to registered nurse has never been more direct in Mississippi, with community colleges and universities steadily shortening bridge programs and adding flexible scheduling.
Nearly a dozen Mississippi schools now offer LPN-to-RN transition tracks that can be completed in as few as 12 months. These accelerated options typically award an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and prepare you for the NCLEX-RN. Notable programs include:
Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs in Mississippi lead to an ADN. That route gets you into RN practice quickly, but if you think you may want to move into leadership, public health, or graduate study later, a BSN can be a stronger foundation. Some universities offer LPN-to-BSN bridges that build in general education credits, though these take longer than a 12-month ADN. Check whether your credits will transfer if you plan to start with an ADN and later pursue an RN-to-BSN completion program, many Mississippi schools have articulation agreements that make the transition seamless.
Once you hold an RN license, the next steps can lead to higher earning potential and expanded scope. Mississippi universities support several advancement tracks, including RN-to-BSN, MSN, and nurse practitioner (NP) programs. If you are interested in roles like family nurse practitioner or nurse educator, the BSN is the typical entry point for graduate-level training. For a closer look at the advanced practice landscape, the Mississippi Board of Nursing maintains a list of approved graduate programs, and many schools offer part-time online options to accommodate working nurses.
Earlier in this article we highlighted the difference between state-approved and ACEN-accredited LPN programs. The good news for Mississippi LPNs is that every bridge program listed above accepts graduates from both kinds of schools. No Mississippi bridge program requires that your initial LPN training was ACEN-accredited, your unencumbered LPN license is what matters. That said, if you earned your LPN through an ACEN-accredited program, you may find that some universities give you more advanced standing or waive certain prerequisites, so it is worth asking during the application process.
Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about practical nursing training in Mississippi. Whether you’re weighing costs, timelines, or career prospects, use these quick references to guide your next step.
Beyond the ranked programs above, Mississippi offers additional practical nursing options across the Delta, the northeast hill country, and the Gulf Coast. The schools below are grouped by region for easier browsing and are not presented in any ranked order. Each entry notes where the program sits, how it is delivered, and the average annual net price reported in federal data.
