- The mission of Meridian Community College is to improve the quality of life in our community through excellence in teaching, diverse learning opportunities and services, and visionary leadership.
School Highlights
Meridian Community College serves 2,780 students (68% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is lower than the state community college average of 25:1.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 50%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 2,780 students
- In-state tuition: $2,430
- Out-state tuition: $3,830
- Student-teacher ratio: 22:1
- Minority enrollment: 57%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Meridian Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 125 teachers has declined by 66% over five years.
Meridian Community College
(MS) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
125 staff
130 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
8
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Meridian Community College has declined by 7% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 has increased from 9:1 over five years.
The Meridian Community College diversity score of 0.58 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,780 students
3,770 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
25:1
# Full-Time Students
1,896 students
2,386 students
# Part-Time Students
884 students
1,384 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
215 students
306 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,896 students
2,386 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
884 students
1,455 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
368 students
814 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
2%
4%
% Black
48%
39%
% White
43%
50%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
1%
3%
% Unknown races
3%
2%
Diversity Score
0.58
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
33%
39%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,800
$30,000
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,430 is more than the state average of $2,427. The in-state tuition has declined by 32% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $3,830 is less than the state average of $4,463. The out-state tuition has declined by 29% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,430
$2,427
Out-State Tuition Fees
$3,830
$4,463
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
94%
93%
Median Debt for Graduates
$5,500
$8,448
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,164
$4,808
Acceptance Rate
n/a
77%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Founded in 1937 as the "13th and 14th grades" at Meridian High School, Meridian Community College is the only one of Mississippi's 15 public community colleges to originate through the initiative of the local school system. MCC began as the vision of Dr. H.M. Ivy (1884-1977), superintendent of the Meridian Separate School District in the 1930s. The College, then known as Meridian Junior College, operated at Meridian High School until 1965 when the College moved to its present location. Meridian Community College is a public institution of higher learning dedicated to improving the quality of life in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, and surrounding areas. Through campus-based and distance education programming, MCC serves a diverse student population and accomplishes its mission. The college offers courses leading to the Associate in Arts Degree and/or transfer to senior colleges and universities; Associate of Applied Science Degree and occupational certificate programs, and customized workforce training; continuing education courses designed for personal and/or professional enrichment and adult basic and developmental education programs designed to equip students for expanded opportunities. Faculty and students participating in distance learning courses interact through phone, e-mail, discussion boards, chat rooms, and face to face meetings. These courses meet the same educational requirements as the traditional classroom, just in a more flexible format. Meridian Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate in Arts and the Associate of Applied Science Degrees. MCC holds membership in the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges, the Mississippi Community and Junior College Association, the Mississippi Association of Colleges and the Southern Association of Community and Junior Colleges. Additionally, MCC is officially recognized by various occupational accrediting agencies, such as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Meridian Community College cost?
Meridian Community College's tuition is approximately $2,430 for In-State students and $3,830 for Out-State students.
What is Meridian Community College's ranking?
Meridian Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Mississippi for: Least expensive tuition and Least debt for graduating students.
Recent Articles
Community College Housing Options for Students
Explore community college housing options in 2026, including apartments, dorms, homestays, and commuter strategies for students.
How Community Colleges Prepare Students for AI Careers
Learn how community colleges are preparing students for AI and technology careers through workforce training, certifications, and employer partnerships.
Community Colleges: A to Z Guide for 2026
Explore the complete 2026 A to Z guide to community colleges, including costs, transfer pathways, online learning, and career programs.
