Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid is dedicated to helping students and families reach educational and career goals through the various financial aid programs available at Pearl River Community College. Financial aid helps students and their families pay for college and is available through a variety of federal, state and institutional programs. Students may receive assistance through scholarships, grants, loans, and/or part-time employment.

Steps to Apply for Federal Financial Aid

Contact Information:

Main Office Number-Poplarville (601) 403-1000 finaid@prcc.edu

Main Office Number-Hattiesburg (601) 554-5534 finaid@prcc.edu

Main Office Number-Hancock Center (228) 252-7001 finaid@prcc.edu

Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.govv

Step 2: Student may accept or decline federal student loans in RiverGuide. Parents of dependent students may also apply for the Federal Direct PLUS loan.

Step 3: Students who want to apply for federal and institutional work-study must complete the Work-Study Application in River Guide.

Important Note: Students must be regularly admitted and seeking a degree or certificate from Pearl River Community College in order to qualify for any type of federal student aid.

The PRCC Financial Aid staff is available to answer questions about the application process and understanding policies. Although the main financial aid office is located at the Poplarville campus, staff at the Forrest County and Hancock Centers can answer general questions for students.

State Grants

The Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant, or MTAG, offers up to $500 per year for freshmen and sophomores who are residents of Mississippi who do not qualify for a full Pell Grant and have a high school grade point average of 2.50 and an ACT of 15 or above on the national test. Students who have prior college coursework, other than that earned during dual enrollment while in high school, must have a 2.50 grade point average on all prior coursework.

The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant, or MESG, offers up to $2500 per year for students who are residents of Mississippi, and who graduate from high school with a high school grade point average of 3.50 and an ACT score of 29 or above on the national test. To complete the online application for state aid through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, please access the state website at www.riseupms.com.

Help Grant

The Higher Education Legislature Plan for Needy Students, or HELP, covers tuition & required fees at a public institution. Students must complete a specific high school curriculum, graduate high school with a 2.5 gpa, have a minimum ACT score of 20 and meet income limitations.

Scholarships

Service Scholarships

Service scholarships are awarded to students who are involved in athletic and/or service endeavors. For additional information regarding how to apply for these scholarships, please contact the appropriate office (i.e. athletic, band, cheerleader, etc.) at Pearl River Community College.

Foundation/Development Scholarships

These scholarships are made available to students through generous gifts from individual, corporate, and organizational supporters of Pearl River Community Colleges. Once admitted to PRCC, students can apply for Foundation Scholarships through RiverGuide. The priority date for these scholarships is based on enrollment. Students who have applied for Foundation Scholarships and are enrolled for the fall term by July 31st will receive priority consideration for Foundation Scholarships. Awards are made based on students meeting guidelines specified by the scholarship donor, application submission, enrollment date and the availability of funds. Please visit https://prcc.edu/ alumni/development-foundation/ for a full list of Foundation Scholarships available. For more information on how to apply; visit https://prcc.edu/ financial-aid/scholarships/foundation-scholarships/

Academic Scholarships

Based on students’ composite ACT score

Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship

· Tuition, Room, & Board

· Recipients must graduate from a high school in PRCC’s district.

· Student must apply separately for housing.

Presidential Scholarship

· Tuition, Room, & Board

· 29-36 ACT Score

Vice Presidential Scholarship

· Full Tuition

· 25-28 ACT Score

Honors Scholarship

· Half Tuition

· 21-24 ACT Score

Scholastic Excellence Scholarship

· $350 per semester

· Must have ACT score of 18-20.

Full Career/Technical Scholarship

· Full Tuition - Mississippi Only

Half Career/Technical Scholarship

· Half Tuition - Mississippi Only

*Additional information for Academic and CTE scholarships can be found on our website at prcc.edu/financial-aid/ scholarships.