- Pearl River Community College is a public institution committed to providing quality educational and service opportunities for all who seek them.
School Highlights
Pearl River Community College serves 7,458 students (65% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 51%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 7,458 students
- In-state tuition: $2,855
- Out-state tuition: $5,253
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Student:teacher ratio: 16:1
- Minority enrollment: 39%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 453 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Pearl River Community College
(MS) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
453 staff
371 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Pearl River Community College has grown by 44% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Pearl River Community College diversity score of 0.53 is less than the state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has grown by 5% over five years.
Total Enrollment
7,458 students
3,804 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
4,816 students
2,538 students
# Part-Time Students
2,642 students
1,406 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
745 students
366 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,816 students
2,538 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,642 students
1,845 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
815 students
814 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
1%
3%
% Black
32%
39%
% White
61%
49%
% Hawaiian
1%
n/a
% Two or more races
n/a
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
4%
5%
Diversity Score
0.53
0.60
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3919%
0.3884%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$32,100
$30,000
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,855 is more than the state average of $2,427. The in-state tuition has declined by 18% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,253 is more than the state average of $4,463. The out-state tuition has grown by 16% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,855
$2,427
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,253
$4,463
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
91%
91%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,000
$8,448
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$4,808
Acceptance Rate
84%
84%
ACT Composite
21
21
ACT English
21
21
ACT Math
21
21
ACT Writing (Year 2013)
7
7
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Pearl River Community College is the state's oldest publicly funded two-year college. The campus features historic buildings situated on one of the loveliest campuses in the south. A complementary blend of old and new enhances the student's learning experience. Pearl River Community College has two campuses, one in Poplarville and one in Hattiesburg. The main campus at Poplarville is located on U.S. Highway 11. The Forrest County Center is located in Hattiesburg on U.S. Highway 49 South. PRCC was originally founded as the Pearl River County Agricultural High School in 1909 and became the first community college in Mississippi in 1921. Some of the buildings date back from the early 20's, but have been well maintained over the years and serve as landmarks on the modern campus. Academic courses are designed for the student who will go on to a four-year institution to obtain a Bachelor's degree. Technical courses are designed for the student who wants to get a good grounding in his or her preferred field and then go to work after two years of school. Career courses are for the student who wishes to go to school for a year and then go to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Pearl River Community College cost?
Pearl River Community College's tuition is approximately $2,855 for In-State students and $5,253 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Pearl River Community College?
The acceptance rate of Pearl River Community College is 84%, which is equal to the state average of 84%.
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