Finding Affordable BSN Programs Near Hattiesburg, MS: Tuition Costs, Accreditation & Financial Aid
- 2026 Affordable BSN Program Options Near Hattiesburg, MS
- Why Hattiesburg Is a Great Place to Earn a BSN
- Understanding BSN Program Options in the Region
- What to Look for in an Affordable BSN Program
- Typical Tuition Costs Near Hattiesburg
- Accreditation and Program Approval in Mississippi
- Clinical and Hands-On Training Opportunities in the Hattiesburg Area
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources
- Tips for Lowering Your BSN Costs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Latest Articles & Guides
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, known as the "Hub City," is a growing center for healthcare and education in the Pine Belt. For aspiring registered nurses (RNs), it offers access to respected nursing programs, major medical centers, and affordable paths toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). As hospitals and clinics increasingly seek BSN-prepared nurses, local students are looking for programs that balance quality, cost, and accreditation.
Finding an affordable BSN program near Hattiesburg doesn't have to be difficult. Whether you're a first-time college student, an associate degree nurse pursuing a BSN, or a professional changing careers, the region offers flexible, accredited options that won't break your budget.
In this article, you'll learn:
- How to identify affordable BSN programs near Hattiesburg
- What accreditation and approval standards matter most
- Typical tuition ranges and clinical opportunities in the area
- Where to find financial aid, scholarships, and grants
2026 Affordable BSN Program Options Near Hattiesburg, MS
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| William Carey University |
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| University of Southern Mississippi |
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Why Hattiesburg Is a Great Place to Earn a BSN
Hattiesburg's healthcare system is one of the strongest in southern Mississippi, offering rich clinical training and job placement opportunities for nursing students. The city is home to major employers, including Forrest General Hospital, Merit Health Wesley, and the Hattiesburg Clinic, all of which serve as clinical partners for local nursing programs.
Regional advantages include:
- A growing demand for BSN-prepared nurses in both hospital and outpatient settings
- Affordable living costs compared to other parts of the state
- Strong ties between local universities and healthcare providers
- Opportunities for both traditional and RN to BSN pathways
Did you know? Forrest and Lamar Counties rank among the top Mississippi regions for healthcare employment and nurse training, making Hattiesburg a practical and rewarding place to earn your degree.
Discover other nursing schools in Mississippi.
Understanding BSN Program Options in the Region
Students near Hattiesburg have access to several BSN pathways, allowing flexibility depending on prior education and career goals.
Common BSN Pathways:
- Traditional BSN: For first-time undergraduates entering a four-year program.
- RN to BSN: For licensed registered nurses who hold an associate degree and want to complete their bachelor's degree.
- Accelerated BSN: For individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who want to transition quickly into nursing.
- Hybrid/Online BSN: Coursework offered online with local clinical requirements completed in Hattiesburg or nearby areas.
Each option prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, though completion time and tuition vary depending on transfer credits and delivery format.
What to Look for in an Affordable BSN Program
Cost is only one part of the equation when choosing a nursing program. Accreditation, local clinical partnerships, and state approval are equally important for ensuring a program's credibility and your eligibility for RN licensure.
| Factor | Why It Matters | Example in Hattiesburg Area |
| Accreditation | Confirms that the program meets national standards for nursing education | CCNE or ACEN-approved universities in Mississippi |
| State Approval | Required for graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam | Mississippi Board of Nursing approval |
| Clinical Placements | Provide supervised experience in local hospitals and clinics | Forrest General Hospital, Merit Health Wesley |
| Tuition Support | Financial aid and scholarships reduce costs | Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant, Pell Grant |
Before enrolling, confirm that your chosen school maintains accreditation and has clinical partnerships within reach of Hattiesburg.
Typical Tuition Costs Near Hattiesburg
Tuition rates vary depending on whether a school is public or private, the type of BSN pathway, and your residency status. Mississippi's public universities tend to offer the most affordable options for in-state students.
| Type of Institution | Estimated Annual Tuition (In-State) | Notes |
| Public University | $8,000–$12,000 | Includes general fees and lab costs |
| Private University | $14,000–$22,000 | Smaller class sizes, higher tuition |
| RN to BSN Online | $7,000–$10,000 (total) | Designed for working nurses |
Tip: Always review tuition per credit hour rather than just yearly cost. RN to BSN programs often accept transfer credits, significantly reducing total tuition.
For comparison, in-state tuition in Mississippi is typically among the lowest in the nation, making Hattiesburg-area programs especially appealing to local residents.
Accreditation and Program Approval in Mississippi
Accreditation ensures that a nursing program meets national quality standards, while state approval ensures graduates are eligible for RN licensure. Students should verify both before enrolling.
What to verify before applying:
- Program accreditation from CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing)
- Approval from the Mississippi Board of Nursing
- Recent NCLEX-RN pass rates (available on the Board of Nursing website)
- Faculty qualifications and student support services
Most employers in Mississippi require or prefer BSN graduates from accredited programs, so this step is essential for both licensure and future job opportunities.
Clinical and Hands-On Training Opportunities in the Hattiesburg Area
BSN programs in the Pine Belt region emphasize hands-on learning. Students complete supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, community clinics, and long-term care facilities throughout Hattiesburg and neighboring counties.
| Clinical Site | Location | Type of Experience |
| Forrest General Hospital | Hattiesburg | Medical-surgical, critical care, and pediatrics |
| Merit Health Wesley | Hattiesburg | OB-GYN, emergency care, and telemetry |
| Hattiesburg Clinic | Hattiesburg | Primary care, outpatient specialties |
| Covington County Hospital | Collins | Rural health and family practice |
| Pearl River County Hospital | Poplarville | Long-term care and gerontology |
These clinical experiences help students develop essential skills in patient care, teamwork, and clinical judgment. Some hospitals even offer employment opportunities after graduation through nurse residency programs.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources
Hattiesburg students have access to multiple financial aid and scholarship options that can significantly reduce tuition costs. Financial aid can come from federal, state, institutional, or private sources.
Common Financial Aid and Scholarship Options:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
- Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)
- Mississippi HELP Grant (Higher Education Legislative Plan)
- Employer tuition reimbursement (for RN to BSN students)
- Private or foundation-based nursing scholarships
| Type of Aid | Eligibility | Repayment Required? |
| Pell Grant | Based on financial need | No |
| MTAG / HELP | Mississippi residents meeting GPA and ACT criteria | No |
| Nursing Loan Forgiveness | Commitment to work in Mississippi post-graduation | No (if service completed) |
| Federal Direct Loans | FAFSA-based eligibility | Yes (after graduation) |
Applying for FAFSA early in the year is the best way to maximize federal and state aid eligibility. Students should also contact local hospitals and employers to learn about tuition reimbursement agreements for nursing students.
Tips for Lowering Your BSN Costs
There are several practical ways to make your BSN degree more affordable, even if tuition seems high at first glance.
Tips for saving on your BSN:
- Submit the FAFSA early to qualify for maximum aid.
- Complete general education and prerequisite courses at a community college before transferring.
- Consider an RN to BSN completion program if you already hold an associate degree in nursing.
- Explore local hospital tuition assistance or "work while you learn" programs.
- Seek out regional healthcare scholarships through hospitals, nonprofits, or the Mississippi Nurses Foundation.
Many local healthcare employers also offer tuition reimbursement or student loan repayment programs for nurses who commit to working in the area after graduation.
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, offers an ideal combination of affordability, accessibility, and academic quality for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With a variety of accredited programs, strong clinical partnerships, and financial aid opportunities, students can complete their BSN without taking on excessive debt. Whether studying full-time on campus or completing an online RN-to-BSN program, future nurses in the Pine Belt have the resources they need to succeed in one of the most vital careers in healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which hospitals in Hattiesburg offer clinical placements?
A: Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley are two of the largest clinical training sites, along with Hattiesburg Clinic and nearby community hospitals.
Q: Can I receive financial aid as a part-time nursing student?
A: Yes. Federal and state aid programs are available to part-time students who meet eligibility requirements, though some grants may be prorated.
Q: What is the average RN salary in the Hattiesburg region?
A: Registered nurses in southern Mississippi typically earn between $60,000 and $75,000 per year, with higher salaries for BSN-prepared or experienced nurses.
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