Southwest Mississippi Community College: $3,960 Tuition

$3,960Tuition

1,497Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,227Earnings

#14 in MississippiPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Southwest Mississippi Community College

Southwest Mississippi Community College serves 1,497 students in the rural town of Summit, where the Bears have been preparing students for careers and transfer since 1918. The college focuses on workforce development and transfer programs that meet the needs of rural Mississippi communities. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for personalized attention.

Students pay an average net price of $3,057 after financial aid, making this one of Mississippi's more affordable college options. About 55% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $33,227 ten years after starting, which represents solid returns for a two-year investment. The employment rate hits 91.7%, showing strong job placement success.

The student body is 60% women and reflects Mississippi's demographics with 49% white students and 45% Black students. Ten varsity sports teams compete at the NJCAA level, with 207 student-athletes sharing $781,548 in athletic scholarships. Campus housing accommodates 538 students, creating a residential experience uncommon among community colleges. Nearly 91% of students come from Mississippi, giving the campus a strong sense of local community and shared purpose.

Academics & Faculty

Southwest Mississippi Community College serves a diverse student body with 60% women and nearly equal representation between white and Black students. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than at many community colleges, but the school maintains strong workforce preparation programs. With a 40% graduation rate, students face typical community college challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities. The college emphasizes career training and transfer preparation for students in rural Mississippi. Many programs focus on healthcare, business, and technical fields that serve the regional economy. Students benefit from low costs with an average net price of just over $3,000, making higher education accessible to working-class families throughout the area.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,227

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$54,035
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$41,565
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$28,055
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$19,455

View all 28 programs →

Campus Life

Southwest Mississippi Community College sits in Summit, a small town about 90 minutes south of Jackson. The rural campus houses 538 students in dormitories, meaning roughly one-third of the 1,497 students live on campus. Mississippi's humid subtropical climate means you'll need lightweight clothes most of the year, though winters require a light jacket for temperatures that dip into the 40s.

The Bears compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 207 student-athletes receiving $781,548 in athletic scholarships. Basketball and baseball games draw crowds during their respective seasons. With 60.12% women and 39.88% men, the student body reflects the surrounding Pike County demographics at 48.50% white and 44.56% Black students. Most weekends revolve around athletic events, trips to nearby McComb for shopping and dining, or outdoor activities in the heavily forested region. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit atmosphere where professors know students by name. Many students work part-time jobs in town or commute home on weekends since 90.85% come from Mississippi.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 538 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1918

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
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 38°–59°F
July Avg: 71°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 60.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.2"

Student Demographics

Southwest Mississippi draws students primarily from across the state, with nine out of ten coming from Mississippi. The student body reflects the rural South's demographics, with roughly equal numbers of white and Black students creating a diverse learning environment. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, drawn to the college's strong nursing and allied health programs. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves as an affordable pathway for working-class families. The Bears have built their reputation on providing accessible education to students who might otherwise struggle to afford college.

Men: 39.9%
Women: 60.1%
White: 48.5%
Black: 44.6%
Hispanic: 1.9%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 90.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 55.3%

Location

Southwest Mississippi Community College sits in Summit, Mississippi, about 90 miles south of Jackson. The campus serves a rural area where 90.85% of students come from in-state. Summit is a small town surrounded by rolling hills and pine forests typical of south-central Mississippi. The region relies heavily on agriculture, timber, and small manufacturing. Students experience a close-knit community atmosphere where everyone knows each other. The rural setting means limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger college towns. Housing capacity of 538 beds serves about one-third of the 1,497 enrolled students. The Bears compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 207 total athletes. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare Southwest Mississippi Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Summit, Mississippi 39666-0000

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,227
Median Earnings (5 years): $34,577
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,400

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Southwest Mississippi Community College?

As a community college, Southwest Mississippi Community College maintains an open admission policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 1,497 students primarily from Mississippi, with 90.85% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students in rural southwestern Mississippi.

How much does Southwest Mississippi Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,057 after financial aid, making it highly affordable. Over 55% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants due to financial need. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $2,489 per year.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southwest Mississippi Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 20:1, which is typical for community colleges but higher than smaller institutions. Founded in 1918, the college has built a reputation for practical, career-focused education in rural Mississippi. The school operates on a semester calendar system to accommodate working students.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Southwest Mississippi Community College?

The six-year graduation rate is 40.20%, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education. However, graduates see strong employment outcomes with a 91.7% employment rate and median earnings of $33,227 ten years after enrollment. The college's focus on workforce development helps students enter the job market quickly.

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

The college sits in Summit, Mississippi, in a rural-fringe setting that serves the broader southwestern region of the state. Campus housing accommodates 538 students with room and board costing $4,450 annually. The Bears compete in NJCAA athletics across 10 varsity sports with 207 total athletes.

Does Southwest Mississippi Community College serve a diverse student population?

The student body reflects the demographics of rural Mississippi, with 48.50% White students and 44.56% Black students comprising the majority. Women make up 60.12% of enrollment, which is common at community colleges nationwide. The college has served as an educational anchor in this predominantly rural region for over a century.