is Pearl River D1?
No, Pearl River Community College (PRCC) does not compete at the NCAA Division I level. Instead, PRCC is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), specifically competing in NJCAA Division I sports.
The college’s athletic teams, known as the Wildcats, participate in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC), which is part of NJCAA Region 23.
Pearl River Community College (PRCC), located in Poplarville, Mississippi, is a public institution with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1909.
As the first junior college in Mississippi, PRCC has evolved to offer a diverse range of academic and technical programs aimed at meeting the educational and workforce needs of its community.
Academic Programs and Degrees
PRCC provides a variety of programs, including associate degrees in liberal arts, sciences, and applied sciences, as well as technical certificates. The college’s programs are designed to facilitate seamless transfer to four-year institutions or to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. Notably, the Liberal Arts & Sciences program is among the most popular, with 589 degrees awarded in 2022.
Student Demographics and Enrollment
As of the 2022-2023 academic year, PRCC enrolled a total of 5,462 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 35% male and 65% female students. The racial composition includes 62.5% White, 31.5% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.6% Hispanic or Latino students. The majority of students (71.2%) are enrolled full-time, and a significant portion (27.3%) participate in online courses.
Tuition and Financial Aid
PRCC offers affordable tuition rates, with in-state tuition at approximately $2,855 and out-of-state tuition at $5,253. The college provides various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, to assist students in managing educational expenses.
Campus Life and Facilities
The main campus in Poplarville features a blend of historic and modern facilities, including residence halls, academic buildings, and recreational areas. The campus is known for its inviting and home-like atmosphere, with well-maintained gardens and living areas. Student organizations, such as the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and various clubs, offer opportunities for engagement and personal development.
Student Outcomes
PRCC boasts a graduation rate of 45%, slightly below the national average of 49% for community colleges. Furthermore, graduates report a median earnings of $27,600 six years after graduation. Thus, compared to the national median of $33,028. Additionally, 84% of graduates are employed two years after graduation, indicating strong workforce integration.
Recent Achievements
In the fall of 2024, PRCC achieved a record enrollment of 6,093 students, marking a 24.81% growth since 2017, while the state average saw a decline of 7.27%. This milestone underscores the college’s commitment to accessibility and quality education.
Student Reviews and Feedback
Students commend PRCC for its welcoming environment, supportive faculty, and well-maintained campus. One student noted, “The campus is cozy, inviting, friendly, and home-like, which meant a lot for myself transitioning to a new experience.” Another highlighted the helpfulness of instructors and the availability of resources aimed at student success.
Important Data for Prospective Students
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Location | Poplarville, Mississippi |
| Total Enrollment | 5,462 students (2022-2023) |
| Gender Distribution | 35% Male, 65% Female |
| Racial Composition | 62.5% White, 31.5% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino |
| Tuition (In-State) | $2,855 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $5,253 |
| Graduation Rate | 45% |
| Median Earnings | $27,600 (6 years after graduation) |
| Campus Setting | Rural |
| Housing Capacity | 815 students |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 |
PRCC offers a variety of men’s and women’s sports, including baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, and softball.
As a junior college, PRCC focuses on two-year degree programs and provides student-athletes with opportunities to develop their skills before potentially transferring to four-year institutions, some of which may compete at the NCAA Division I level.
For more detailed information, prospective students are encouraged to visit PRCC’s official website at www.prcc.edu.
Mississippi’s Largest Uni & College data available:
| Institution | Enrollment | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State University | 23,150 | Public | Starkville |
| University of Mississippi | 23,981 | Public | Oxford |
| University of Southern Mississippi | 13,170 | Public | Hattiesburg |
| Hinds Community College | 9,407 | Public | Raymond |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | 7,845 | Public | Perkinston |
| Jackson State University | 6,326 | Public | Jackson |
| William Carey University | 5,662 | Private | Hattiesburg |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College | 7,198 | Public | Senatobia |
| Holmes Community College | 4,948 | Public | Goodman |
| Itawamba Community College | 4,599 | Public | Fulton |
| Jones College | 4,399 | Public | Ellisville |
| Mississippi College | 3,946 | Private | Clinton |
| East Mississippi Community College | 3,324 | Public | Scooba |
| Belhaven University | 3,627 | Private | Jackson |
| Northeast Mississippi Community College | 3,062 | Public | Booneville |
| Alcorn State University | 2,995 | Public | Lorman |
| Delta State University | 2,654 | Public | Cleveland |
| Mississippi University for Women | 2,193 | Public | Columbus |
| Mississippi Valley State University | 2,205 | Public | Itta Bena |
| Pearl River Community College | 5,462 | Public | Poplarville |
| Copiah–Lincoln Community College | 2,801 | Public | Wesson |
| East Central Community College | 2,380 | Public | Decatur |
| Meridian Community College | 2,621 | Public | Meridian |
| Mississippi Delta Community College | 2,039 | Public | Moorhead |
| Coahoma Community College | 1,783 | Public | Clarksdale |
| Southwest Mississippi Community College | 1,807 | Public | Summit |
| Blue Mountain Christian University | 922 | Private | Blue Mountain |
| Millsaps College | 661 | Private | Jackson |
| Rust College | 755 | Private | Holly Springs |
| Tougaloo College | 677 | Private | Tougaloo |
| Wesley Biblical Seminary | 180 | Private | Ridgeland |
| Southeastern Baptist College | 97 | Private | Laurel |
| Blue Cliff College | 352 | Private | Gulfport |
