Jones County Junior College: $4,000 Tuition

$4,000Tuition

3,248Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,377Earnings

#18 in MississippiPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Jones County Junior College

Jones County Junior College serves the pine belt region of Mississippi with a strong focus on career preparation and affordable education. The college enrolls 3,248 students in this small town setting about an hour from Hattiesburg. JCJC has built its reputation on practical programs that connect directly to local industries, particularly healthcare, business, and skilled trades. Students appreciate the college's commitment to keeping education accessible while maintaining quality instruction.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for Mississippi families. Students pay an average net price of $7,945 after financial aid, with 38% receiving federal Pell grants. Graduates typically leave with just $6,291 in debt and monthly loan payments of only $67. Within five years, alumni earn a median salary of $37,042, making this education a solid investment. The 94% employment rate shows employers value JCJC training.

Women make up 62% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's popular nursing and allied health programs. The college fields 10 varsity sports teams with 212 student-athletes competing in NJCAA Division II. Athletic scholarships total over $1 million annually. With 95% of students coming from Mississippi, JCJC maintains deep community ties while preparing graduates for both immediate employment and transfer to four-year universities.

Academics & Faculty

Jones County Junior College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in rural Mississippi. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, but faculty focus on practical skills training. With a 36% graduation rate, the college emphasizes workforce development over traditional academic transfer. JCJC is known for its strong vocational programs, particularly in healthcare, automotive technology, and welding. The college also maintains solid transfer pathways to four-year Mississippi universities. Students earning $33,377 ten years after enrollment reflects the school's emphasis on career-ready training rather than liberal arts education. Most graduates enter the workforce immediately rather than continuing their education.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Full-Time Faculty: 80.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,377

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$49,868
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$38,289
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$33,993
Ground Transportation.	Certificate	$33,281
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Associate	$32,119
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$31,492
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$28,236
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$27,126
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$20,140
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$18,619

View all 83 programs →

Campus Life

Jones County Junior College sits in Ellisville, a small Mississippi town about 90 minutes from Jackson and two hours from the Gulf Coast. With housing for 846 students and total enrollment of 3,248, roughly a quarter of students live on campus in a close-knit residential environment. The campus operates on a semester system with a student body that's 61.82% women and draws heavily from Mississippi, with 95.41% of students coming from in-state.

Mississippi's humid subtropical climate means students need both air conditioning and occasional light jackets, but rarely heavy winter gear. The college is known for its strong athletic programs across 10 varsity sports, with $1,063,021 in athletic scholarships supporting 212 student-athletes who compete in NJCAA divisions. JCJC has built a reputation as a stepping stone for students transferring to four-year universities, particularly in Mississippi. Weekend activities often center around Bobcat athletics, with football and basketball games drawing strong local support. The small-town setting means most social life happens on campus or requires a drive to larger cities for entertainment options.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 846 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1911

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 34°–59°F
July Avg: 70°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 59.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Jones County Junior College draws heavily from Mississippi, with 95% of students calling the state home. The student body is 62% women, reflecting the college's strong nursing and allied health programs that traditionally attract more female students. About 38% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training. The diverse student population is 61% white and 33% Black, mirroring the demographics of south-central Mississippi where JCJC has built deep community ties over more than a century.

Men: 38.2%
Women: 61.8%
White: 60.6%
Black: 32.6%
Hispanic: 2.1%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 95.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.7%

Location

Jones County Junior College sits in Ellisville, Mississippi, a town of roughly 4,500 people located about 90 miles southeast of Jackson. The campus serves the Piney Woods region of south-central Mississippi, an area known for its dense pine forests and timber industry. Ellisville operates as a classic small college town, with the campus forming a central part of the community's identity. The town offers a quiet, rural atmosphere typical of Mississippi's interior, far removed from the Gulf Coast's beaches or major metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare Jones County Junior College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Ellisville, Mississippi 39437

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,377
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,042
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 45.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $67/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,291

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Jones County Junior College?

As a public community college, Jones County Junior College maintains an open enrollment policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 3,248 students across its programs and has been providing accessible education in rural Mississippi since 1911. This open-door approach reflects the institution's mission to serve the local community and surrounding areas.

How much does Jones County Junior College cost after financial aid?

Students at Jones County Junior College pay an average net price of $7,945 after financial aid. In-state tuition runs $4,000 annually while out-of-state students pay $6,000, making it an affordable option for community college education. About 38% of students receive financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying around $7,675 net.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Jones County Junior College?

Jones County Junior College has a student-faculty ratio of 24:1, which is typical for community colleges focused on serving large numbers of transfer and career-oriented students. The college operates on a semester calendar system and emphasizes practical education pathways. Students can choose from various associate degree programs designed for either university transfer or direct workforce entry.

What are the graduation rates and earnings at Jones County Junior College?

The six-year graduation rate at Jones County Junior College is 35.9%, reflecting the diverse paths community college students take including part-time enrollment and stopping out. Graduates earn a median of $33,377 ten years after enrollment with relatively low debt loads averaging $6,291. The employment rate reaches 93.7%, demonstrating strong job placement for career program graduates.

Where is Jones County Junior College located and what is campus life like?

Jones County Junior College sits in Ellisville, Mississippi, a small town setting that serves the rural Pine Belt region. The campus houses 846 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. Nearly 95% of students come from Mississippi, contributing to the college's strong local identity and regional focus.

Does Jones County Junior College have strong athletics programs?

Jones County Junior College competes in the NJCAA with 10 varsity sports programs and 212 total student-athletes. The college awards over $1 million in athletic scholarships annually, making it a significant pipeline for student-athletes seeking to continue their education and sports careers. The Bobcats have built a reputation for competitive junior college athletics in Mississippi.