- 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 6,011 students (71% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 36:1 is higher than the state community college average of 25:1.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 50%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 6,011 students
- In-state tuition: $2,855
- Out-state tuition: $5,253
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Student-teacher ratio: 36:1
- Minority enrollment: 39%
- 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 Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 169 teachers has declined by 62% over five years.
Pearl River 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
169 staff
130 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
8
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Pearl River Community College has grown by 16% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 36:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Pearl River Community College diversity score of 0.52 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
6,011 students
3,770 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
36:1
25:1
# Full-Time Students
4,263 students
2,386 students
# Part-Time Students
1,748 students
1,384 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
565 students
306 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,263 students
2,386 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,748 students
1,455 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
815 students
814 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
n/a
4%
% Black
32%
39%
% White
61%
50%
% Two or more races
n/a
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
6%
2%
Diversity Score
0.52
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
39%
39%
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
97%
93%
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: 2025 (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: Percent of students receiving financial aid.
Recent Articles
Community College vs University: Key Differences in 2026
Compare community colleges and universities in 2026, including cost, admissions, degrees, campus life, and transfer opportunities.
AI-Augmented Careers and Community Colleges
Explore AI-augmented careers and how community colleges prepare students with practical skills, credentials, and employer-aligned training.
Community Colleges and the Creator Economy
Explore how community colleges prepare students for YouTube, podcasting, content creation, and creator economy careers.
