Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College vs University of Southern Mississippi: Which Nursing School Wins on the Numbers?
Two of Mississippi's biggest nursing schools, side by side — 2025 first-time NCLEX pass rates from the state board of nursing, plus cost, admissions and each school's own nursing-graduate earnings from federal data. Both schools' best RN programs posted the same 2025 first-time NCLEX pass rate (100%), so the decision comes down to cost, campus and what their graduates go on to earn.
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community CollegePerkinston · Mississippi · Public | University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg · Mississippi · Public | |
|---|---|---|
| Best 2025 NCLEX-RN pass rate | 100% | 100% |
| In-state tuition / yrsticker, whole institution | $4,250 | $9,998 |
| Avg net price after aid / yr | $6,962 | $21,708 |
| Acceptance ratewhole institution | — | 99% |
| Graduation rate | 48% | 49% |
| Undergraduates | 6,353 | 10,075 |
| BSN grad pay, 1 yr outthis school’s own nursing grads | — | $70,068 |
| BSN grad median debt | — | $24,327 |
| ADN grad pay, 1 yr out | $66,438 | — |
| ADN grad median debt | $12,993 | — |
Green = better on that row (higher pass rate, pay and graduation rate; lower cost and debt). Acceptance rate and size aren't scored — bigger or more selective isn't better for everyone. “—” = not published for that school.
Want a different matchup? Open this comparison in the interactive tool and swap either school — any two in the country.
The pass-rate gap is a preparation gap
Whichever school you pick, the students who pass the NCLEX are the ones practicing NCLEX-style questions all the way through school — not just senior year. NurseSavvy does that from your own course materials for $19/mo, free for 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the higher NCLEX pass rate — Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College or University of Southern Mississippi?
They tied in 2025: both schools' best RN programs posted a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, per the Mississippi board of nursing.
Which is cheaper — Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College or University of Southern Mississippi?
On published in-state tuition, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College ($4,250/yr vs $9,998/yr). After average aid, net prices run $6,962 (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College) vs $21,708 (University of Southern Mississippi).
About this data
Pass rates are 2025 first-time NCLEX-RN rates from the Mississippi board of nursing (each school's best rated RN program). Tuition, net price, admissions, earnings and debt come from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard (June 2026 release); earnings and debt are program-level figures for each school's own nursing graduates and lag the current class by several years. Full sources are on each school's page.