About Meridian Community College
The financial picture looks promising for most students. After aid, the average student pays $6,811 annually for their education. Graduates earn a median of $31,002 ten years after starting, while carrying just $5,521 in debt. Those monthly loan payments of $59 won't break the bank. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, and the employment rate hits an impressive 94.9%.
Women make up 70% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare and human services. The Eagles compete in 12 varsity sports with 164 total athletes sharing $714,444 in athletic scholarships. The campus houses 368 students, creating a tight-knit community where 94% of students come from in-state. The diverse student body is split almost evenly between white and Black students, mirroring the region's demographics.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 62.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $31,002
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,224 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $44,384 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $31,848 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $29,685 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,019 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $26,353 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $19,957 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,794 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,048 |
Campus Life
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in programs ranging from nursing to automotive technology. With 94% of students coming from in-state, many already have connections to the area's timber and manufacturing industries. The Eagles compete in 12 varsity sports through the NCCAA, with 164 total athletes receiving $714,444 in athletic scholarships. Weekend activities often revolve around sporting events or trips to nearby Meridian for shopping and dining. Students frequently work part-time jobs while attending classes, preparing for careers that typically yield $31,002 in median earnings ten years after graduation.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 368 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1937
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–56°F
- July Avg
- 69°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 56.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- -777.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 29.9%
- Women
- 70.1%
- White
- 45.7%
- Black
- 46.2%
- Hispanic
- 2.6%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 94.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.0%
Location
- Address
- Meridian, Mississippi 39307-5801
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $31,002
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $42,319
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 41.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $59/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $5,521
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Meridian Community College?
Meridian Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of Mississippi community colleges, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college enrolls 2,025 students and serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in east-central Mississippi. Founded in 1937, MCC has built a reputation for providing affordable education to local working-class families.
How much does Meridian Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,811 annually, making MCC one of the most affordable college options in Mississippi. In-state tuition runs just $3,932, while 39.96% of students receive Pell Grants for low-income families. The college keeps costs manageable with a total attendance price of $11,452 including room and board.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Meridian Community College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 15:1, providing relatively small class sizes for a community college setting. MCC operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career-oriented programs like nursing, welding, and automotive technology. The college has built strong partnerships with local employers in Meridian's manufacturing and healthcare sectors.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Meridian Community College?
Graduates achieve a 94.9% employment rate, reflecting the college's emphasis on workforce-ready programs. Median earnings reach $31,002 ten years after enrollment, while graduates typically carry manageable debt loads of $5,521. MCC specializes in training students for Mississippi's growing healthcare and advanced manufacturing industries.
Does Meridian Community College have on-campus housing?
The campus houses 368 students in residence halls, unusual for a community college of this size. Women make up 70.07% of the student body, while the racial composition is nearly split between white students at 45.73% and Black students at 46.17%. The Eagles compete in 12 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 164 total athletes.
How diverse is the student population at Meridian Community College?
The student body reflects the demographics of east Mississippi with 46.17% Black students and 45.73% white students creating an evenly balanced campus. About 94.29% of students come from Mississippi, giving MCC a strong local identity. The college has historically served as a bridge to higher education for first-generation college students from rural communities.
