Meridian Community College, located in Meridian, Mississippi, was founded in 1937 and was originally named Meridian Junior College, changing its name to the current in 1987 to better reflect its roll in the community and state. The school was originally established by the local school system to provide the 13th and 14th grades of education and Meridian High School, though the school began to operate independently, eventually receiving its own permanent location in 1964. By 1970 the school merged with the Historically Black T.J. Harris Junior College through court order. The school became completely independent from local control in 1980 when it was given its own district.
Academics
The school offers academic transfer and career training opportunities. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education then apply to colleges and universities to transfer those credits, continue their education, and eventually earn a bachelor's degree. Career training programs provide education and skill development in a particular industry or field with intention of preparing the student for entry into the workforce as career professional. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in an associate degree or certificate upon completion.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students who meet the minimum requirements for entry to MCC may enroll by completing an application for admission, payment of fees, and providing previous transcripts if available. Student may also be asked to perform several tasks prior to their first registration, including meeting with a counselor, participating in orientation, and taking a placement exam. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships and awarded based on need as determined through the information provided on a student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $6,900. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- State Residents: $2,100-$2,500
- Out-of-State: $3,400-$4,056
- Charges for part-time students are:
- In-State: $100-$120 per unit
- Out-of-State: $160-$190 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 93% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 93% | $4,268 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 15% | $2,824 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, Meridian Community College may offer services like:
- Online course work available
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial instructional courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Employment search assistance
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges often offer both career training programs and options for students to transfer-out to four year institutions, which is why the table below is so important, it compares this school against community colleges in Mississippi.
| MCC | Lauderdale County | Mississippi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 35.2% | - | 25.4% |
| Transfer-out Rate | 29.2% | - | 22.3% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Dental Assistant Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 2007)
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1977)
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1978)
- See a list of all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in Mississippi
- Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1984)
- Radiology Technician Program
- Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (since 1978)
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
Get more information about the programs offered by Meridian Community College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Administrative Assistant (A, C)
- Advertising and Marketing (A)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (A)
Communication Technology
Computer and Information Sciences
Construction Trades
- Carpentry (C)
Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) (A)
- Telecommunications Technology (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Nursing Assistant (C)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology (A)
- Dental Assistant (C)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (A)
- EMT & Paramedic (A, C)
- Medical Lab Technician (A)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Surgical Technologist (C)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Health and Medical Administrative Services (A)
- Medical Assistant (A)
- Radiologic Technology (A)
- Pharmacy Technician
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Mechanic and Repair Technology
Personal and Culinary Services
- Cosmetology (C)
- Cooking and Related Culinary Arts (A, C)
- Cosmetology, Barber and Nail Instructor (C)
- Nail Technician
Precision Production
Security and Protective Services
Transportation and Materials Moving
Visual and Performing Arts
- Graphic Design (A)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Meridian Community College.
- East Central Community College in Decatur, MS (23 miles away)
- Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, MS (60 miles away)
- Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, AL (86 miles away)
- George C Wallace State Community College - Selma in Selma, AL (100 miles away)
- Alabama Southern Community College in Monroeville, AL (102 miles away)