East Mississippi Community College: $3,950 Tuition

$3,950Tuition

2,914Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,772Earnings

#11 in MississippiPublic2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About East Mississippi Community College

East Mississippi Community College serves as a launching pad for students seeking second chances and new beginnings in rural Mississippi. The school enrolls 2,914 students across its Scooba campus and has built a national reputation for its football program, which regularly sends players to major Division I universities. Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere in this remote setting.

Students typically pay around $3,880 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable pathways to higher education in the state. Graduates earn a median of $33,772 ten years after enrollment, while carrying just $9,006 in debt with monthly payments of only $95. The school offers strong value for students from low-income families, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $3,020 net price.

The student body reflects Mississippi's diversity, with 47% white students and 47% Black students creating an evenly balanced campus community. Athletics play a central role in campus life, with 200 student-athletes competing across 10 NJCAA sports and receiving $428,000 in athletic scholarships. The Lions compete at the highest level of junior college athletics, particularly in football where they've gained national recognition.

Academics & Faculty

East Mississippi Community College serves as a launch pad for students seeking affordable career training and transfer pathways. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors across programs ranging from healthcare and industrial technology to general education courses. With a 41.8% six-year graduation rate, the school faces typical community college challenges of helping students balance work, family, and academic commitments. The college is particularly known for its strong athletic programs that help student-athletes transfer to four-year universities. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families in rural Mississippi. Most programs focus on workforce development and preparing students for immediate employment or university transfer.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 49.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,772

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Associate	$61,020
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$48,935
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$31,839
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Certificate	$31,314
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$30,771
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science.	Associate	$30,228
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$29,141
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$21,052
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$20,140
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$17,377

View all 122 programs →

Campus Life

The rural campus sits in Scooba, population 700, about 90 miles from Columbus and two hours from Jackson. With housing capacity for 668 students and total enrollment of 2,914, roughly 23% of students live on campus. The rest commute from surrounding small towns across eastern Mississippi's rolling hills.

Mississippi's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both sunscreen and a light jacket. Summer temperatures regularly hit the 90s with high humidity, while winters are mild with occasional frost. The campus buzzes during football season when the Lions draw crowds. East Mississippi gained national attention from the Netflix series "Last Chance U," showcasing its powerhouse football program that sends players to major universities. With 200 total athletes across 10 sports and $427,958 in athletic scholarships, sports dominate weekend social life. The student body splits almost evenly between Black (46.6%) and white (46.4%) students, with women comprising 57% of enrollment. Small-town life means limited nightlife options, so students create their own entertainment through campus events and athletic competitions.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 668 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1927

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	1	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 36°–58°F
July Avg: 72°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 54.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

East Mississippi draws a nearly even split between Black and white students, reflecting the diverse demographics of rural Mississippi. The student body tilts 57% female, typical for community colleges where many women pursue nursing and education programs. With 94% of students coming from Mississippi, EMCC serves as the local college for eastern Mississippi communities. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, indicating the school fulfills its mission of providing affordable higher education to working-class families. The college attracts students seeking both career training and a pathway to transfer to four-year universities.

Men: 42.7%
Women: 57.3%
White: 46.4%
Black: 46.6%
Hispanic: 2.8%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 94.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 45.5%

Location

East Mississippi Community College sits in Scooba, a small rural town in eastern Mississippi about 100 miles from Jackson and 120 miles from Birmingham, Alabama. The campus serves a remote agricultural region where cotton fields and pine forests dominate the landscape. With 94.16% of students from in-state, the college draws heavily from Mississippi's rural counties. Scooba itself has fewer than 500 residents, making the campus the town's primary center of activity. The college's 668-bed housing capacity accommodates students from farming communities across the region who need residential options. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare East Mississippi Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Scooba, Mississippi 39358-0158

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,772
Median Earnings (5 years): $35,263
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $95/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,006

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at East Mississippi Community College?

East Mississippi Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college serves 2,914 students with 94.16% coming from Mississippi. This accessibility makes EMCC a popular choice for local students seeking affordable higher education or a pathway to four-year universities.

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

Students pay an average net price of $3,880 annually, with costs varying by family income from $3,020 for the lowest-income families to $5,655 for middle-income households. In-state tuition runs $3,950 while out-of-state students pay $6,950. About 45.49% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working-class communities in rural Mississippi.

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

The student-faculty ratio stands at 18:1, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college of this size. EMCC offers programs designed to transfer to four-year institutions or provide direct workforce training. The college has built a particular reputation for its athletic programs, especially football, which serves as a pipeline for players seeking to continue at Division I schools.

What are the career outcomes for East Mississippi Community College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $33,772 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 93.1% employment rate showing strong job market success. The relatively low median debt of $9,006 keeps financial burden manageable for most students. However, the 41.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education.

Where is East Mississippi Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in rural Scooba, Mississippi, housing up to 668 students in a tight-knit community setting. With 200 student-athletes competing in 10 NJCAA sports and $427,958 in athletic scholarships available, athletics form a central part of campus culture. The student body is nearly evenly split between Black (46.57%) and white (46.43%) students, with women comprising 57.28% of enrollment.

Is East Mississippi Community College known for its football program?

East Mississippi Community College has gained national recognition for its football program, which serves as a crucial stepping stone for athletes transferring to four-year universities. The Lions compete at the NJCAA level and have been featured in the Netflix series "Last Chance U," highlighting the program's role in giving players second chances at Division I scholarships. This athletic prominence has put the small rural college on the national map and attracts student-athletes from across the country.