- 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 4,986 students (72% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is higher than the state community college average of 10:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the state average of 98%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 4,986 students
- In-state tuition: $2,855
- Out-state tuition: $5,253
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Student:teacher ratio: 11:1
- Minority enrollment: 99%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Pearl River Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
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
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
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 stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Pearl River Community College diversity score of 0.52 is less than the state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,986 students
3,127 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
10:1
# Full-Time Students
3,610 students
2,090 students
# Part-Time Students
1,376 students
1,037 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
389 students
295 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,610 students
2,090 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,376 students
1,187 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
815 students
814 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
30%
39%
% Hispanic
n/a
n/a
% Black
2%
3%
% White
1%
2%
% Hawaiian
62%
52%
% Two or more races
4%
3%
Diversity Score
0.52
0.58
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.387%
0.3913%
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 declined by 10% 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: 2023 (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%.
What is Pearl River Community College's ranking?
Pearl River Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Mississippi for: Average community college minority breakdown.
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