East Central Community College: $3,865 Tuition

$3,865Tuition

1,584Students

39%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,421Earnings

#16 in MississippiPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About East Central Community College

East Central Community College serves as a gateway to higher education in rural Mississippi, drawing 1,584 students to its Decatur campus. The Warriors have built a reputation for practical workforce training and affordable pathways to four-year degrees since 1928. Nearly 99% of students come from Mississippi, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere where everyone knows each other.

Students pay an average net price of $5,770, making this one of the state's most affordable college options. Graduates earn a median of $32,421 ten years after enrollment, while typical student debt sits at just $5,500. The math works in students' favor with monthly loan payments averaging only $58. Low-income students pay even less, with net prices around $5,154 for families earning under $30,000.

Women make up 60% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing and education. The Warriors field 12 varsity sports with 212 total athletes competing in NCCAA competition. Athletic scholarships total nearly $1 million annually. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students personally. The 39% graduation rate reflects the challenges many rural community college students face, but those who complete their programs find solid employment opportunities with a 91% job placement rate.

Academics & Faculty

East Central Community College serves as a transfer and workforce preparation center for rural Mississippi students. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors in a setting where personalized attention matters for first-generation college students. The college offers traditional transfer programs alongside career-focused training in nursing, welding, and automotive technology. With a 39.30% graduation rate, the school reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. Students can complete prerequisites for four-year universities or earn certificates in high-demand trades. The semester calendar system allows flexibility for working students. Most programs emphasize hands-on learning that prepares graduates for immediate employment in Mississippi's rural economy.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 50.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 39.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,421

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$52,789
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Associate	$38,289
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$28,212
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$25,967
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$25,194
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,410

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

The 1,584 students at East Central spread across a rural Mississippi campus where 41% of the student body comes from low-income families. With housing for only 650 students, most Warriors commute from nearby towns rather than live on campus. The nearest major city is Jackson, about 90 minutes southeast through winding country roads.

Students here experience true Southern seasons, from humid summers where air conditioning becomes essential to mild winters that rarely require heavy coats. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in hands-on programs like welding and nursing that the college has built its reputation around. Women make up 60% of enrollment, reflecting the strong health sciences and education transfer programs. Weekend activities center around the 12 varsity sports teams, with baseball and softball drawing the biggest crowds. The NCCAA Warriors compete against other small colleges across the region. When not at games, students often head home or gather in nearby Decatur's handful of restaurants and shops.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 650 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1928

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–58°F
July Avg: 69°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 58.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.4"

Student Demographics

East Central Community College draws students from across Mississippi, with 98.6% coming from in-state. The college serves a predominantly local community with strong ties to rural Mississippi. Women make up 60% of the student body, reflecting the school's popular nursing and health science programs. The Warriors attract a diverse population, with white students comprising 53% and Black students 29% of enrollment. Nearly 41% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college's role in providing affordable education to working-class families in central Mississippi.

Men: 39.7%
Women: 60.3%
White: 52.8%
Black: 28.9%
Hispanic: 5.6%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 98.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.5%

Location

East Central Community College sits in Decatur, Mississippi, about 80 miles northeast of Jackson and 90 miles southeast of Meridian. The campus occupies 208 acres in Newton County's rural landscape. This is small-town Mississippi at its core, where agriculture and timber drive the local economy. Decatur's population hovers around 1,800 residents, making it smaller than most college towns. The school draws 98.62% of its students from within Mississippi, reflecting its deep roots in the state's educational fabric. Pine forests and farmland stretch in every direction from campus. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare East Central Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Decatur, Mississippi 39327-0129

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,421
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,574
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 34.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $58/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $5,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at East Central Community College?

East Central Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college enrolls 1,584 students with 98.62% coming from Mississippi. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local students seeking affordable higher education in rural Newton County.

How much does East Central Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,770 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $3,865 while the total cost of attendance reaches $9,239 including room and board. About 40% of students receive financial aid, with typical graduates leaving with just $5,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of only $58.

What is the student-faculty ratio at East Central Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 18:1, providing relatively personalized attention for a community college setting. ECCC has built a reputation for strong workforce training programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The college serves a diverse student body with 52.84% white students and 28.91% Black students.

What are the job prospects for East Central Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 91.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation. Median earnings reach $32,421 ten years after graduation, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training. The college has historically emphasized programs that meet local industry needs in rural Mississippi.

Where do students live at East Central Community College?

The campus offers housing for up to 650 students with room and board costing $3,894 annually. This rural-remote setting in Decatur provides a close-knit campus atmosphere where students can focus on academics. The college's Warriors compete in 12 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 212 total athletes receiving $962,707 in athletic scholarships.

How successful are East Central Community College students at completing their programs?

The six-year graduation rate reaches 39.30%, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing education with work and family obligations. Founded in 1928, ECCC has long served as an educational anchor for central Mississippi. The college operates on a semester system and maintains strong ties to local employers and transfer institutions.