Pearl River Community College
- 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 5,157 students (74% 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 36% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 46%.
Quick Stats (2022-23)
- Enrollment: 5,157 students
- In-state tuition: $2,855
- Out-state tuition: $5,253
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Student:teacher ratio: 11:1
- Minority enrollment: 36%
- 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
Student Earnings
School Overview
The teacher population of 453 teachers has grown by 21% over five years.
Pearl River Community College
(MS) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Vocational & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
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 13% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 has decreased from 12:1 over five years.
The Pearl River Community College diversity score of 0.51 is less than the state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,157 students
3,243 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
10:1
# Full-Time Students
3,824 students
2,299 students
# Part-Time Students
1,333 students
1,093 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
389 students
295 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,824 students
2,299 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,333 students
1,139 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
815 students
814 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
2%
2%
% Black
29%
37%
% White
64%
54%
% Two or more races
n/a
2%
% Unknown races
4%
3%
Diversity Score
0.51
0.57
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
5.96%
5.4%
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 $2,428. The in-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,253 is more than the state average of $4,459. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,855
$2,428
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,253
$4,459
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
96%
94%
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: 2021 (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.
Profile last updated: 08/26/2022
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: Highest graduate earnings (10 years post graduation).
Recent Articles
FAFSA Applications: Community Colleges Offer Assistance
Need help with your FAFSA application?Many community colleges are offering workshops and other types of assistance to help students get the financial aid necessary to head to college next year.
What to Consider When Choosing a Community College
There are thousands of different schools out there, so how do you make your choice? Consider these three categories to narrow your search and find the perfect school.
Community College Pathways to a Career in Air Traffic Control
Air traffic controllers enjoy secure, interesting work. Earning a degree in ATC at a community college is an excellent first step to securing a job.
