March 10, 2026
91福利 continues to break records, with enrollment at an all-time high for the spring semester.
According to the 10th-day enrollment report released by the Mississippi Community College Board, PRCC once again leads the state in spring-to-spring growth, recording the largest increases in both overall enrollment and credit hours among Mississippi鈥檚 community colleges. This spring, Pearl River enrolled 5,956 students, reflecting a 10.7% increase compared to spring 2025. Credit hours also climbed by 8.4% over the previous year, highlighting the institution鈥檚 continued momentum and strong demand for a quality, affordable and accessible education.
Since 2018, PRCC has seen enrollment growth of 38.6% for the spring semester, while the state community college average, excluding Pearl River, has decreased by 5.2%. For the same time period, credit hours have increased by 42.9%, with PRCC as the only Mississippi community college to show positive net growth. Pearl River has continued to grow and maintain its position as the 4th largest community college in Mississippi for 10 consecutive semesters. The report reflects that Pearl River continues to outpace all other 2-year institutions across the state, showcasing the college鈥檚 commitment to cultivating an environment conducive to producing future leaders of our local community.
“Students have numerous opportunities in today鈥檚 world of higher education, and the continued choice of PRCC at record-breaking numbers is both humbling and a testament to the unwavering dedication of our faculty and staff,鈥� said Dr. Adam Breerwood. 鈥淎s Mississippi’s fastest-growing community college, we are committed to remaining affordable and accessible while continuously seeking ways to improve our internal efficiency. This remarkable growth in enrollment reflects our efforts and the vibrant student-first culture we nurture.
鈥淲e are dedicated to finding innovative ways to serve more students, remaining comprehensive and forward-thinking in addressing the diverse roles we are charged with. Here, students can embark on a journey that takes them anywhere from advancing their education to entering the workforce or pursuing further opportunities, showcasing the limitless potential of our students. We have to keep going; we are changing lives, and that responsibility is much more important than any excuse to slow down in our efforts.”
As the only Mississippi community college to grow significantly since 2017, PRCC continues to expand opportunities that empower students to thrive both academically and personally.
Creating a Student Forward Culture
The River continues to rise as customer service for current and prospective students remains front-of-mind for all faculty, staff, and administrators. The opening of the enrollment centers across all three campuses as a singular location to complete most administrative tasks eliminates the need to guess where to go for help.
Faculty and staff who go above and beyond the call of responsibility to care for students and often fill a gap in boosting confidence is reflected in student success rates.
鈥淧RCC鈥檚 continued enrollment growth is the result of intentional, data-driven decision making, faculty and staff who go beyond academic responsibilities to genuinely support students, and increased efficiency across the institution,鈥� said Vice President of Enrollment Dr. Candace Harper. 鈥淏y expanding online and dual enrollment opportunities, strengthening high-performing programs, and addressing roadblocks head-on, every area of the college has refined its processes and service approach to better meet student needs. This spring鈥檚 more than 10% increase reflects a collective commitment to adaptability, access, and student-centered service.鈥�
Whether an academic, allied health, or career and technical education student, Pearl River offers clear pathways leading to either transfer opportunities or immediate entry into the workforce.
From the moment a student submits their application for acceptance into Pearl River, they are guided through the enrollment process step by step. Dedicated faculty and staff work diligently to ensure an efficient enrollment process. Affordability and accessibility to finding success in higher education are made possible through financial aid and institutional scholarships.
All new students are required to attend a financial counseling session with a counselor in the Office of Financial Aid to ensure they understand the ways in which they will pay for their education and what is available to help assist them in doing so. Scholarships could be academic, service-based, or from the PRCC Development Foundation. Annually, over half a million dollars in foundation scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of our donors. Residents of Forrest County and Hancock County are eligible for the County Tuition Assistance Program (CTAP), which helps to close the gap between aid received from scholarships and grants and the cost of base tuition.
All students are assigned to an advisor who works closely with them to meet degree and/or transfer requirements. Whether general education, Allied Health, or Career and Technical education-focused, all current and prospective students are paired with a knowledgeable advisor to successfully complete their academic journey.
Throughout the year, the Advisement Office coordinates on-campus visits from area colleges and universities, allowing our current student body to discover what lies beyond an Associate’s Degree or completion of their CTE program. College fairs provide a one-stop shop for students to explore opportunities with local businesses and industries and make relationships with potential employers.
Meeting Students Where They Are
Online instruction has grown each year, allowing PRCC to meet students where they are. This includes asynchronous courses delivered through the eLearning Campus. Online classes are popular with both traditional and non-traditional students.
In the last nine years, online enrollment has more than doubled. The number of students taking an online course increased by 149.6%, while credit hours increased by 225.3%. Approximately 79.2% of students have at least one online class, with 34.1% of students exclusively enrolled online.
Students pursuing certificates or degrees in all Business Pathway Career Technical Programs (Accounting Technology, Graphic Design, Business & Marketing Management Technology, Business Management Technology, and Medical Billing & Coding), as well as Computer Networking and Cybersecurity Technology, can complete them entirely online. General education courses can also be taken through eLearning.
A growing number of high school students are taking their first college classes at PRCC, whether they attend on campus, complete a class online, or receive instruction at their local school. Dual-enrolled students can take up to 15 credits at a reduced rate, enabling them to start college with up to one semester of coursework under their belt. The Middle College program fully enrolls students at PRCC, awarding them an associate degree before they receive a high school diploma.
Non-traditional student enrollment continues to climb. A non-traditional student is someone who chooses to start their journey later in life, not right out of high school. Whether they entered the workforce, served in the military, focused on raising a family, or took time before returning to the classroom, their path is uniquely their own.; Pearl River focused on the future growth of this population by highlighting the campaign 鈥淣on-Traditional November鈥� focusing on students who have real-life experience to bring with them into the classroom.
A Holistic Student Experience
This academic school year saw the start of a holistic approach to instruction that builds upon the intentional and meaningful interactions PRCC faculty have with their students each semester. This momentum continues through the college鈥檚 Quality Enhancement Plan titled 鈥楨mpowering Learners Through Holistic Design.鈥� The plan was developed collaboratively by faculty, staff, and administrators to support students as whole individuals in and out of the classroom.
Faculty-guided activities supporting the emotional, social, and occupational dimensions of wellness concepts will be woven into coursework, leading to a more holistic approach to education. Students have the opportunity to explore, reflect, connect, and create to allow for an assessment of well-being and building strategies for personal and professional growth.
The Office of Student Services has also expanded its programming to reach students who may not naturally find themselves involved in campus activities. By intentionally creating welcoming, low-stakes opportunities for engagement, the department is helping students who may still be searching for their place on campus to connect with the college community. These efforts ensure that every student has a chance to participate, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging at Pearl River.
Campus life is vibrant with clubs and organizations, like the Ally Club, Gaming Club, History & Humanities Club, and Phi Theta Kappa. Welcome Week, Homecoming Week, the annual fall campfire near Halloween, Wildcat Wonderland, TurnUp Tuesdays, and the annual Spring BBQ are just a few of the regular events that allow Wildcats to connect and socialize.
Moving from Moments into Memories
At 91福利, the college experience goes beyond academics. PRCC is committed to creating an environment where everyday moments become lifelong memories. This year-long campaign celebrates the Wildcat journey and the people who make the PRCC community truly special.
This year鈥檚 theme highlights the heart of the Wildcat experience, recognizing the moments that shape each student鈥檚 path and the memories formed along the way. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or through involvement in student organizations, every experience contributes to a story students carry with them for life. At PRCC, students gain more than an education; they become part of a community where friendships are formed and memories last a lifetime.
Staying Up to Date on All Things PRCC
Between social media, an easy-to-navigate website, and weekly radio shows, many avenues are available for staying up to date.
The Wildcat Family and community members are encouraged to follow the college on social media. The college can be found on Facebook (), Instagram (), , Twitter (), and TikTok ().
The weekly Wildcat Radio Show hosted by Chuck Abadie is broadcast on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. on SuperTalk Mississippi 97.3 FM Hattiesburg. Recent episodes can be found on the .
How to Enroll
Enrolling at 91福利 requires a few simple steps:
1. Apply for Admissions online and have your transcript(s) sent from high school and any past colleges you have attended.
2. Apply for Financial Aid, including doing your FASFA. Submit your ACT score for academic scholarships.
3. Apply for Housing if needed
Visit to become a Wildcat today.
How to Schedule a Tour
Anyone interested in a tour of the Forrest County Campus or Poplarville Campus can reach out to the Office of Recruitment by calling 601-403-1197, emailing recruitment@ prcc.edu, or visiting the webpage .
For the latest news on 91福利, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (), Instagram (), Facebook (),and TikTok ().
Article by Alexx Kennedy, Laura O’Neill and Dr. Kari Eve Valence.
