Pearl River Community College: $3,650 Tuition

$3,650Tuition

4,725Students

35%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,019Earnings

#19 in MississippiPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Pearl River Community College

Pearl River Community College serves the pine forests of southern Mississippi as a traditional stepping stone to four-year universities. The school enrolls 4,725 students on its rural campus in Poplarville, where it has operated since 1909. Nearly 92% of students come from Mississippi, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The college balances transfer preparation with career training programs that prepare students for immediate employment.

Students typically pay $4,881 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in the state. Graduates earn a median of $33,019 ten years after enrollment, while carrying manageable debt loads of $9,750. The employment rate reaches 94.2%, suggesting strong job placement for career program graduates. Students from low-income families pay just $3,236 net price, making college accessible even for those with limited resources.

The student body is 67% female and reflects Mississippi's demographics with 60% white and 33% Black students. The Wildcats compete in 11 NJCAA sports with 233 total athletes supported by nearly $1 million in athletic scholarships. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but the rural setting creates opportunities for close mentorship relationships that help explain the strong employment outcomes.

Academics & Faculty

Pearl River Community College focuses on preparing students for transfer to four-year universities and providing career-ready workforce training. The college maintains a 27:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes typical of community colleges but still allows for meaningful instructor interaction. With a 35% six-year graduation rate, PRCC serves many students who take longer to complete their programs while balancing work and family commitments. The college is particularly known for its nursing and allied health programs, which feed into Mississippi's healthcare workforce. Students can choose from transfer pathways in liberal arts and sciences or dive into technical programs like automotive technology and welding that lead directly to employment.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,019

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$51,951
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$50,270
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$45,618
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$41,565
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$36,848
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$33,993
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$33,281
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$30,771
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,045
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$19,455

View all 55 programs →

Campus Life

Pearl River sits in the pine forests of southeastern Mississippi, about 90 miles from New Orleans and 60 miles from the Gulf Coast. With housing for just 1,019 students out of 4,725 enrolled, most Wildcats commute from nearby towns rather than live on campus. The humid subtropical climate means you'll need lightweight clothes and rain gear more than heavy winter coats.

Women make up 67% of the student body, and nearly 92% of students come from Mississippi. The rural setting means weekend entertainment often centers around athletic events, with 233 student-athletes competing in 11 NJCAA sports. Many students work part-time jobs in the area while taking classes. The small-town atmosphere creates tight-knit relationships, though social options remain limited compared to urban campuses. Students often drive to Hattiesburg or the Mississippi coast for shopping and entertainment. The semester calendar allows for summer jobs in the region's timber, agriculture, and tourism industries along the nearby Gulf Coast.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 1,019 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1909

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 38°–59°F
July Avg: 71°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 61.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Pearl River draws students primarily from Mississippi, with over 90% coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly female at about two-thirds of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and allied health fields. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families throughout rural Mississippi. The diverse racial composition mirrors the region's demographics. Most students see Pearl River as an affordable pathway to transfer to four-year universities or gain career credentials without leaving their home communities.

Men: 33.0%
Women: 67.1%
White: 60.1%
Black: 33.3%
Hispanic: 0.5%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 91.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.5%

Location

Poplarville sits in rural southeastern Mississippi, about 70 miles northeast of New Orleans and 45 miles from Hattiesburg. The 4,725 students experience true small-town life in this community of fewer than 3,000 residents. Pearl River's campus spans the heart of Mississippi's Piney Woods region, where tall pine forests define the landscape. Over 91% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep Mississippi roots. The rural setting means students drive to nearby towns for shopping and entertainment beyond campus activities. Housing capacity reaches 1,019 students who want the full residential experience. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare Pearl River Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Poplarville, Mississippi 39470

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,019
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,430
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $103/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Pearl River Community College?

Pearl River Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 4,725 students primarily from Mississippi, with 91.62% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking a fresh start or affordable pathway to higher education.

How much does Pearl River Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,881 after financial aid, with costs varying by family income. Nearly half of students (47.47%) receive Pell Grants, and the total cost of attendance reaches $10,000 including room and board. Low-income families pay as little as $3,236 net price, making education highly affordable for rural Mississippi families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Pearl River Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 27:1, which is higher than many community colleges but reflects the school's focus on efficient, large-scale education delivery. Classes tend to be larger, particularly in introductory courses that serve as stepping stones to four-year universities. The college emphasizes practical career training alongside traditional academic preparation.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Pearl River Community College?

The six-year graduation rate reaches 35.30%, with graduates earning a median of $33,019 ten years after enrollment. Employment rates are strong at 94.2%, reflecting the college's emphasis on job-ready skills training. Graduates typically carry modest debt loads of $9,750 with manageable monthly payments of $103.

Where is Pearl River Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in rural Poplarville, Mississippi, offering a small-town atmosphere with housing for 1,019 students. Women make up 67.05% of the student body, and the campus serves a diverse population with 60.13% white and 33.27% Black students. The Wildcats compete in 11 NJCAA sports with 233 total athletes receiving $950,297 in athletic scholarships.

Does Pearl River Community College have a strong athletic program?

The Wildcats field teams in 11 varsity sports through the NJCAA with 233 student-athletes competing. Athletic scholarships total $950,297, providing significant opportunities for talented athletes in rural Mississippi. The athletic program serves as both a pathway to four-year scholarships and a source of campus pride in this tight-knit community.