Pearl River Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$6,100
In-state $3,700
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
6,011
Student-faculty ratio 26:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
35.3%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 39.5%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Pearl River Community College (PRCC), located in Poplarville, Mississippi, represents a beacon of educational opportunity in the region. Established in 1909, the college has a rich history and is committed to providing quality education that meets the diverse needs of its students. With a strong emphasis on community involvement, PRCC fosters a welcoming environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. The college's mission is encapsulated in its motto, “Your Future Starts Here,” which reflects its dedication to supporting students in achieving their career goals and aspirations.
The college offers a wide array of programs and courses, including associate degrees in arts, science, and applied science, as well as various certificate programs. PRCC emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the workforce upon graduation. The college boasts a talented faculty, many of whom have extensive professional experience in their fields, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship. Moreover, PRCC is known for its vibrant campus life, with numerous student organizations, athletic programs, and cultural events that enhance the overall educational experience. The college's commitment to student success is evident in its robust support services, which include academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, making it a nurturing environment for learners from all walks of life.
Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Pearl River Community College
The data from Pearl River Community College reveals intriguing trends in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention that warrant discussion. Over the years, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has shown a consistent increase, rising from $2,630 in 2014 to $3,650 in 2024. This 38.7% hike in tuition highlights the growing financial burden on students and their families, particularly in an era where many are already grappling with rising living costs and student debt.
In contrast, the graduation rates for undergraduate students have experienced a notable improvement. The on-time graduation rate rose from approximately 20.1% in 2013 to 30.1% in 2023, indicating a significant enhancement in the college's ability to support students toward timely completion of their degrees. This positive trend could be attributed to various factors, including improved academic resources, enhanced advising services, or program adjustments aimed at better meeting student needs.
Retention rates also show a promising trajectory, increasing from around 46.9% in 2013 to 62.8% in 2023. This improvement suggests that more students are choosing to continue their education at Pearl River Community College, which is a positive indicator of student satisfaction and institutional support. Higher retention rates often correlate with improved academic performance and a stronger sense of community among students.
Furthermore, the student-to-faculty ratio has been climbing, reaching 24 students per faculty member in 2023, compared to 16 in 2013. While this increase might raise concerns about the level of individual attention students receive, it also reflects a growing student body, which can enhance campus diversity and enrich the educational environment.
In summary, while rising tuition presents challenges, the improvements in graduation and retention rates signal that Pearl River Community College is making strides in fostering student success. Balancing these factors will be crucial for the institution as it navigates the complexities of higher education in a changing economic landscape.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, remote
- Nearest major city
- New Orleans, about 60 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), about 70 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Adam Breerwood (President)
- Phone
- 6014031000
- City
- Poplarville, Mississippi
- Address
- 101 Hwy 11 N, Poplarville, MS 39470
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Pearl River Community College
The graduation data from Pearl River Community College in 2023 reveals a significant focus on associate degree programs, particularly in the health and medical fields. Among the various disciplines offered, Registered Nursing stands out with 107 graduates, which is a remarkable achievement considering the growing demand for healthcare professionals. This aligns with national trends indicating a critical shortage of nurses in the healthcare system, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the broad category of Health and Medical Administrative Services produced a total of 31 graduates, showcasing the increasing need for administrative experts in healthcare settings to ensure efficient operations. This trend reflects the growing recognition of the importance of healthcare management in fostering effective service delivery.
On the other hand, technical fields such as Electrical/Electronics Equipment Installation and Automotive Mechanics recorded modest graduation numbers, with 4 and 3 graduates, respectively. This indicates a potential gap in skilled labor within these critical sectors, which may hinder technological advancements and economic growth if not addressed.
Interestingly, there were no graduates reported for bachelor, master, or doctorate degrees across all programs, highlighting a potential area for growth in higher education offerings at the college. This absence of advanced degree programs may limit opportunities for international students, as the data indicates no international graduates as well.
Overall, the concentration of graduates in health-related fields signifies a strategic alignment with workforce needs, while the lack of advanced degree offerings could present challenges in attracting a diverse student body and meeting broader educational demands.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $26,273 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assisting/Assistant. | $49,321 | |
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. | $49,321 | |
| Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder. | $27,224 | |
| Occupational Therapist Assistant. | $43,714 | |
| Physical Therapy Assistant. | $43,714 | |
| Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist. | $55,091 | |
| Surgical Technology/Technologist. | $55,091 | |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician. | $55,091 | |
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $55,091 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | - | |
| Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $70,448 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | |
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $22,643 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician. | $44,290 | |
| Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician. | $52,888 | |
| Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installation/Installer, General. | $44,891 | |
| Electrician. | $44,891 | |
| Building/Property Maintenance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programming, Specific Applications. | - | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | - | |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Photographic and Film/Video Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. | - | |
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Court Reporting and Captioning/Court Reporter. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | - |
Students
6,011 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 35:65 · Freshman retention 64.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 2,205
- First-year undergraduates 1,115
- Transfers and others 2,691
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (6,011)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Pearl River Community College in 2023
In 2023, Pearl River Community College exhibited a diverse student composition across various categories. The total number of undergraduate freshmen reached 858, with a notable gender distribution of 45.1% male and 54.9% female students. This slight female majority aligns with broader trends in higher education, where many institutions report higher enrollment rates for women compared to men.
Undergraduate juniors represented a significant portion of the student body, totaling 2,333. The gender ratio here shifted to a more pronounced female dominance at 62.1%, indicating a potentially growing trend of female students pursuing their studies at this level. This reflects a larger national trend where women are increasingly outperforming men in terms of college enrollment and graduation rates.
The undergraduate transfer students numbered 1,388, with a striking 78.6% of them being female. This overwhelming female representation may suggest that women are more likely to seek transfer opportunities, perhaps reflecting their adaptability and pursuit of diverse educational pathways.
Lastly, the non-degree seeking students comprised 883 individuals, maintaining a gender ratio of 38.4% male and 61.6% female. This data signifies a continuing trend of female participation in higher education, which has gained momentum over the past few decades.
Overall, the demographic landscape at Pearl River Community College indicates a strong presence of female students across all categories, marking a significant shift in the traditional student body composition. As higher education evolves, institutions must continue to address the unique needs and challenges faced by diverse student populations to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Student Age Demographics at Pearl River Community College in 2023
The age composition of students at Pearl River Community College in 2023 reveals a clear trend towards younger demographics, particularly in the under-18 and 18-19 age categories. The largest group consists of students aged 18-19, where the male and female student populations amount to 888 and 1212, respectively. This trend aligns with the broader national trend of increased enrollment in community colleges among younger students, likely influenced by the rising costs of traditional four-year institutions and the growing recognition of the value of community college education.
Interestingly, as we examine the data, we notice a significant drop in student numbers as age increases. For instance, in the 22-24 age group, the total number of students drops to 524, with a noticeable decrease in male enrollment. The data shows that older age groups, particularly those above 30, have minimal representation, with only a few students in each category. This may suggest that community college primarily serves traditional-age students or that older adults may prefer alternative forms of education or training.
Another point worth noting is the absence of graduate male and female students, indicating that Pearl River Community College predominantly caters to undergraduate students. This absence reflects a common characteristic of community colleges, which typically focus on associate degrees and vocational training rather than graduate education.
Overall, the age distribution at Pearl River Community College highlights the institution's role as a crucial educational platform for younger individuals seeking to advance their education and skills in a rapidly changing job market. As educational trends continue to evolve, it will be essential for community colleges to adapt and address the needs of a diverse student population, including older learners and those pursuing further education.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Pearl River Community College
The data regarding international student enrollment at Pearl River Community College reveals a fluctuating trend over the years. From 2011 to 2022, the total number of undergraduate students has seen a slight decline, dropping from 5,731 to 4,986. Interestingly, the number of international students has experienced variations, with the highest enrollment recorded in 2020, where it reached 10, representing 0.19% of the total undergraduate population. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, where the percentage of international students remained below 0.2%.
The years 2021 and 2022 depict a contrasting scenario, as the number of international students plummeted to just 2, which is 0.04% of the total undergraduate enrollment. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected international travel and education. The overall decline in enrollment numbers during this period underscores the challenges faced by educational institutions in attracting international students.
It's crucial to recognize that while the college has made strides in increasing diversity through international representation, the data from the past decade indicates the need for a more robust strategy to sustain and grow this demographic. The fluctuating numbers highlight the importance of adapting to global circumstances and enhancing support systems to attract international students effectively. The current trends suggest that Pearl River Community College may benefit from targeted outreach and partnerships to bolster its international enrollment in the coming years.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$11,802
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $6,100
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $3,700
- Room and board
- $5,702
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 16% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 33%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$99.8M
Expenses$77.9M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 64 | - |
| Soccer | 25 | 20 |
| Baseball | 34 | - |
| Basketball | 11 | 15 |
| Rodeo | 15 | 7 |
| Golf | 11 | 5 |
| Softball | - | 16 |
| Volleyball | - | 15 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 61 | - |
| Soccer | 23 | 24 |
| Baseball | 31 | - |
| Rodeo | 17 | 9 |
| Basketball | 11 | 14 |
| Softball | - | 19 |
| Volleyball | - | 16 |
| Golf | 10 | - |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 65 | - |
| Soccer | 23 | 20 |
| Baseball | 36 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 15 |
| Rodeo | 18 | 9 |
| Softball | - | 21 |
| Volleyball | - | 16 |
| Golf | 9 | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Tulane University of LouisianaNew Orleans · 71.4 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge · 101.7 mi
U.S. News #202
-
Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State · 185.7 mi
U.S. News #208
-
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa · 201.1 mi
U.S. News #156
-
Samford UniversityBirmingham · 242.2 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of MississippiUniversity · 243.3 mi
U.S. News #179
-
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham · 244.0 mi
U.S. News #137
-
Auburn UniversityAuburn · 267.4 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of MemphisMemphis · 296.2 mi
U.S. News #288
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Pearl River Community College:
-
Tulane University of Louisiana - Ranked 73rd in the US News 2024 rankings, Tulane is a prestigious research university located in New Orleans, known for its vibrant campus life and strong academic programs.
-
Loyola University New Orleans - With a ranking of 260, Loyola is a Jesuit university offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing social justice and community service.
-
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College - Ranked 185th, LSU is a flagship institution known for its research initiatives and a diverse array of degree programs.
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham - This university is ranked 142nd and is recognized for its health sciences programs and research contributions.
-
Rice University - With an impressive rank of 17, Rice is a private research university in Houston known for its strong academic reputation and small student-to-faculty ratio.
-
Rhodes College - Ranked 56th, Rhodes is a liberal arts college in Memphis, celebrated for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus.
These institutions provide excellent educational opportunities and are well-respected within their respective fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Pearl River Community College
The crime statistics from Pearl River Community College reveal noteworthy trends in campus safety over the years. The data indicates fluctuations in the number of reported arrests and incidents, with a peak in 2016 when the average crime rate reached approximately 9.96 per 1,000 students. This spike may reflect an increased awareness and reporting of criminal activities during that period.
Interestingly, the years 2020 and 2021 show a significant decline in crime rates, dropping to 3.68 and 0.99 per 1,000 students, respectively. This reduction could potentially be linked to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to decreased campus activities and a reduced student population on-site. The subsequent years illustrate a gradual increase in crime rates again, though they remain lower than the highs observed in earlier years.
The types of crimes reported, including arrests for drug-related offenses, alcohol-related incidents, and violent crimes such as assault, suggest areas for further improvement in campus safety and student support services. In particular, the consistent presence of alcohol and drug-related arrests over the years highlights the need for targeted educational programs aimed at prevention and intervention.
Overall, while the campus crime rates at Pearl River Community College demonstrate variability, the college appears to be on a path toward addressing these issues effectively. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures will be essential to ensure a safe learning environment for all students. For more detailed methodologies on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Pearl River Community College include Jimmy Buffett (Singer-songwriter, author and businessman), Darral Willis (Basketball player for the Toyama Grouses) and James Singleton (Former professional basketball player and coach).
-
Jimmy Buffett 1946–2023
Singer-songwriter, author and businessman
-
Darral Willis 1996–
Basketball player for the Toyama Grouses
-
James Singleton 1981–
Former professional basketball player and coach
-
Leland Mitchell 1941–2013
American basketball player
-
Rhyne Hughes 1983–
Former MLB first baseman for Baltimore Orioles
-
Demetrius Byrd 1986–
Former NFL wide receiver
-
Lamayn Wilson 1980–
Professional basketball player
-
Cornelius Griffin 1976–
Former NFL defensive tackle
-
Donovan Morgan 1982–
Former arena football wide receiver
More alumni (1, by field)
Sports
-
Larry Brackins 1982–
Former NFL wide receiver
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.