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$3,510Tuition
3,847Students
45%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$32,922Earnings
#9 in MississippiPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Holmes Community College

Holmes Community College draws students seeking practical career training and strong athletic programs in Mississippi's rural heartland. This public community college enrolls 3,847 students across multiple campuses, with the main campus situated in the small town of Goodman. The school has built a reputation for workforce development and competitive sports since opening in 1911.

Students pay an average net price of $5,980 after financial aid, making Holmes one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in the region. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families. Graduates earn a median salary of $32,922 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt loads of just $9,274. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging only $98.

The student body is predominantly female at 68% and reflects Mississippi's demographics with a nearly even split between Black and white students. Holmes fields eight varsity sports teams called the Bulldogs, distributing over $543,000 in athletic scholarships to 202 student-athletes. With 98% of students coming from in-state, the college serves as a local institution where students often know each other before arriving on campus.

Academics & Faculty

Holmes Community College serves central Mississippi with practical career training and transfer programs. The college maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing more personal attention than many larger institutions. Students can choose from workforce development programs in areas like nursing, welding, and automotive technology. The 45% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face while balancing work and family responsibilities. Holmes operates multiple campuses across the region, making education accessible to rural communities. The college's semester system allows students to complete associate degrees or certificates before entering the workforce. Transfer agreements with Mississippi universities help students continue their education affordably.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
45.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$32,922

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $52,420
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $49,423
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $43,798
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. Associate $36,674
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $36,324
Business/Commerce, General. Associate $25,967
Legal Support Services. Associate $25,774
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $25,774
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $24,679
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. Associate $23,166

View all 83 programs →

Campus Life

Holmes Community College sits in rural Goodman, Mississippi, about an hour north of Jackson. With housing for only 536 students and total enrollment of 3,847, roughly 14% of students live on campus while the majority commute from surrounding towns. The 202 student-athletes across 8 varsity sports create much of the campus energy, especially during baseball and softball seasons when the Bulldogs compete in NCCAA athletics.

Mississippi's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both sunscreen for blazing summer heat and a decent jacket for occasional winter cold snaps. Women make up 67.66% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. Weekend activities center around athletic events, intramural sports, and trips to nearby Jackson for shopping and entertainment. The small-town setting means students often know each other well, fostering a tight-knit community feel. Campus life moves at a relaxed pace typical of rural Mississippi, where tailgating, outdoor activities, and local festivals provide the main social outlets. Many students also work part-time jobs in the area while completing their two-year programs.
Setting
Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity
536 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1911

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
34°–56°F
July Avg
70°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
57.5"
Annual Snowfall
1.3"

Student Demographics

Holmes Community College draws students from across Mississippi's rural communities, with nearly all students staying in-state for affordable education close to home. Two-thirds of students are women, reflecting the school's strong nursing and allied health programs that attract female students seeking healthcare careers. About half the student body is Black and half is white, mirroring central Mississippi's demographics. The high percentage of Pell Grant recipients shows Holmes serves working-class families looking for practical job training without the debt burden of four-year universities.
Men
32.3%
Women
67.7%
White
43.4%
Black
50.8%
Hispanic
2.2%
Asian
0.6%
In-State Students
98.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
42.2%

Location

Holmes Community College sits in Goodman, Mississippi, a small rural town about 50 miles north of Jackson, the state capital. The campus serves a region of rolling hills and farmland in central Mississippi, where agriculture and small-town life define the community character. Nearly 99% of the 3,847 students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep Mississippi roots. The rural-remote setting offers a quiet environment for focused study, though students seeking big-city amenities must travel to Jackson or other urban centers. The area embodies classic small-town Mississippi culture, with strong community ties and traditional Southern values shaping campus life. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare Holmes Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Goodman, Mississippi 39079

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$32,922
Median Earnings (5 years)
$37,638
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$26,000
Loan Repayment Rate
33.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$98/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,274

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Holmes Community College?

Holmes Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning qualified high school graduates and adult learners can enroll. The college serves 3,847 students primarily from Mississippi, with 98.37% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility makes Holmes a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education in central Mississippi.

How much does Holmes Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Holmes Community College is $5,980 annually, making it highly affordable for Mississippi families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $5,963, while those from middle-income families ($30-48K) pay $7,686. With in-state tuition at just $3,510 and room and board at $3,680, Holmes offers one of the most cost-effective college experiences in the state.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Holmes Community College?

Holmes Community College maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonably accessible instruction for a community college. The college is known for its strong career training programs and vocational education that prepare students for immediate employment. With 67.66% of students being women, Holmes has developed particular strength in nursing and healthcare programs.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Holmes Community College?

Holmes Community College graduates have a 93.9% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on career-ready training programs. The median earnings after 10 years are $32,922, which is competitive for two-year degree holders in Mississippi. Graduates typically carry minimal debt, with a median of just $9,274 and monthly loan payments of only $98.

Where is Holmes Community College located and what is campus life like?

Holmes Community College sits in rural Goodman, Mississippi, providing a small-town college experience in a remote setting. The campus houses 536 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. As the Bulldogs, Holmes fields 8 varsity sports with 202 total athletes competing in the NJCAA, making athletics a central part of campus culture.

Does Holmes Community College have a good graduation rate?

Holmes Community College has a 45.40% six-year graduation rate, which reflects both the challenges many community college students face and the college's rural Mississippi location. Founded in 1911, Holmes has over a century of experience serving students who often work while attending school or transfer before completing their associate degrees. The college's strength lies in providing accessible education to a diverse student body that is 50.77% Black and 43.44% White.