Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: $3,950 Tuition

$3,950Tuition

6,231Students

47%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,017Earnings

#7 in MississippiPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has built its reputation around workforce training and university transfer programs since 1925. The college serves 6,231 students across its rural Mississippi campus, preparing them for careers or four-year degrees. Students can choose from strong technical programs that directly feed into Gulf Coast industries, while others use MGCCC as an affordable stepping stone to universities. The college operates on a semester system with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio.

Students pay an average net price of $7,372 after financial aid, with 40.84% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $33,017 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt loads of just $10,000. The low debt burden makes this an accessible option for students seeking career training or avoiding heavy borrowing before transferring. In-state students pay $3,950 in tuition, keeping costs manageable for Mississippi families.

The student body is 62.29% women and primarily local, with 95.73% from Mississippi. The Bulldogs compete in 12 NJCAA sports with 271 total athletes sharing $1.2 million in athletic scholarships. Campus housing accommodates 1,078 students who want the full college experience. With a 92.4% employment rate, graduates typically find work quickly after completing their programs.

Academics & Faculty

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College serves as a workforce development center for the state's coastal region, emphasizing practical training and university transfer preparation. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means classes can feel crowded, but instructors typically bring real-world experience from local industries. Students gravitate toward programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and maritime trades that align with the Gulf Coast economy. The 47.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degrees. Strong partnerships with universities like Southern Miss create clear pathways for students planning to earn bachelor's degrees. The college prioritizes job placement over traditional academic prestige.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Full-Time Faculty: 80.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 47.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,017

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$52,107
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Certificate	$52,107
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$51,993
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$47,260
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$43,240
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$38,289
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$37,748
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$32,569
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$31,314
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Associate	$28,055

View all 139 programs →

Campus Life

The rural campus in Perkinston sits about 80 miles northeast of New Orleans and 60 miles north of the Gulf Coast beaches. With housing for just 1,078 students and total enrollment of 6,231, most students commute from nearby towns. The hot, humid climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and light jackets for brief winter months.

Women make up 62.29% of students, creating a female-majority environment across campus. The 12 varsity sports teams draw significant attention, with 271 total athletes competing in NJCAA divisions. Weekend activities often revolve around Bulldogs athletics or trips to the coast. Students frequently head to Hattiesburg for shopping and dining, while New Orleans offers big-city entertainment within driving distance. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes despite the large enrollment. With 95.73% of students from Mississippi, the campus maintains a tight-knit, local community feel. Many students balance coursework with part-time jobs, preparing for either workforce entry or transfer to four-year universities.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 1,078 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1925

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	3	3
Motor Vehicle Theft	5	0
Domestic Violence	3	0
Dating Violence	1	1
Stalking	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 35°–61°F
July Avg: 69°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 62.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College draws overwhelmingly from within state borders, with 96% of students calling Mississippi home. This reflects the school's role as a regional workforce pipeline for Gulf Coast industries. Women make up 62% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where healthcare and education programs attract more female students. The student body is 53% white and 25% Black, mirroring the diverse demographics of coastal Mississippi. With 41% receiving Pell Grants, MGCCC serves many first-generation college students seeking affordable pathways to careers or four-year transfers.

Men: 37.7%
Women: 62.3%
White: 53.0%
Black: 25.2%
Hispanic: 7.3%
Asian: 2.3%
In-State Students: 95.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.8%

Location

Perkinston sits in rural Mississippi, about 60 miles northeast of New Orleans and 25 miles north of the Gulf Coast beaches. The campus serves a region where 95.73% of students come from in-state, reflecting its deep community roots. This small town environment offers a quiet setting for focused study, though students are within driving distance of both coastal recreation and urban opportunities. The rural-distant classification means students experience true small-town college life, with the campus housing capacity of 1,078 serving as a central center for the community. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Perkinston, Mississippi 39573

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,017
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,233
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 33.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $106/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College?

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 6,231 students primarily from Mississippi, with 95.73% coming from in-state. This accessibility has made MGCCC a popular stepping stone for students pursuing both workforce training and transfer pathways since 1925.

How much does Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College cost after financial aid?

Students at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College pay an average net price of $7,372 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $3,950 while out-of-state students pay $7,250, making it an affordable option for Gulf Coast residents. About 40.84% of students receive Pell Grants, helping to keep education accessible for working-class families in the region.

What academic programs is Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College known for?

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College operates with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio and focuses heavily on workforce development programs that serve the Gulf Coast's maritime and industrial economy. The college has built a strong reputation for preparing students for both immediate employment and transfer to four-year universities. With a 47.40% six-year graduation rate, MGCCC provides practical education pathways for students in rural Mississippi.

What are the career outcomes for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College graduates?

Graduates of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College earn a median salary of $33,017 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on practical workforce training. The employment rate stands at 92.4%, demonstrating strong job placement in the Gulf Coast region. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $10,000 median, with monthly loan payments averaging just $106.

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

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College sits in rural Perkinston, Mississippi, offering a small-town college experience with housing for 1,078 students. The campus serves a diverse student body that is 62.29% women and includes significant representation from Black (25.20%) and Hispanic (7.27%) communities. Room and board costs $5,500, making on-campus living affordable for students in this rural setting.

Does Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College have strong athletics programs?

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College competes as the Bulldogs in NJCAA athletics with 12 varsity sports programs. The college supports 271 student-athletes with $1,236,730 in athletic scholarships, showing significant investment in sports programs. This athletic commitment helps the college maintain school spirit and provides opportunities for students to continue competing while pursuing their education in rural Mississippi.