About Three Rivers College
Students pay an average of $9,980 after financial aid, making it an affordable option for families across income levels. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, highlighting the college's role serving working-class communities. Graduates earn a median of $32,442 ten years after starting, while typical student debt sits at just $10,000. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging only $106.
The Raiders compete in six NJCAA sports with 112 total athletes sharing nearly $1 million in athletic scholarships. Students can live on campus in housing that accommodates 184 residents, though most commute from the surrounding area. The 34.5% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations, but the 92.5% employment rate shows strong job placement for those who complete their programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 34.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $32,442
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,856 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,208 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $24,421 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,426 |
Campus Life
The campus feels intimate with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, though women outnumber men more than two to one at 70%. Most students work part-time jobs in Poplar Bluff, which serves as a regional center for farming and lumber communities. The Raiders compete in six NJCAA sports with 112 total athletes, creating modest school spirit around basketball and baseball games. Weekend entertainment often means driving to Cape Girardeau for shopping or nightlife, though some students gather for intramural sports or campus events. The community college atmosphere means many students are balancing family responsibilities with their studies, creating a practical, get-it-done culture rather than a traditional college party scene.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 184 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–43°F
- July Avg
- 69°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 96.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- -772.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 30.1%
- Women
- 69.9%
- White
- 75.2%
- Black
- 11.4%
- Hispanic
- 3.7%
- Asian
- 0.5%
- In-State Students
- 94.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 46.9%
Location
- Address
- Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $32,442
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $36,886
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $24,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 29.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $106/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Three Rivers College?
Three Rivers College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 1,909 students and draws 94.19% of its enrollment from Missouri residents. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local students seeking affordable higher education in southeastern Missouri.
How much does Three Rivers College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,980 annually at Three Rivers College. In-state tuition runs $4,860 while the total cost of attendance reaches $12,684 including room and board. Nearly half of students (46.91%) receive Pell Grants, making this one of the most affordable college options in the region.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Three Rivers College?
Three Rivers College maintains a 22:1 student-faculty ratio across its academic programs. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career and technical education alongside traditional transfer courses. Women make up 69.88% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing and other health sciences.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Three Rivers College?
Graduates achieve a 92.5% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation. The median earnings reach $32,442 ten years after enrollment, though the 34.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the part-time nature of many community college students. The college's career-focused programs align well with regional employer needs in healthcare and manufacturing.
Does Three Rivers College offer on-campus housing?
Three Rivers College provides housing for 184 students at $6,804 annually for room and board. The compact campus serves the rural Poplar Bluff community in Missouri's Bootheel region. Most students commute from the surrounding area, creating a close-knit atmosphere typical of small-town community colleges.
What sports programs does Three Rivers College offer?
The Raiders compete in six NJCAA varsity sports with 112 total athletes receiving $960,098 in athletic scholarships. The college's athletic programs provide opportunities for student-athletes to continue competing while pursuing their education. These scholarships reduce college costs for talented athletes in this rural Missouri community.
