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.

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Steps to Apply for Federal Financial Aid

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.

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

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.

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 gifts from individual, corporate, and organizational supporters of Pearl River Community College. Students may apply for these scholarships through RiverGuide. The priority date for application submission is at the beginning of April. Awards are made based on students meeting eligibility requirements, the submission date of the application, and on the availability of funds. Please visit the Financial Aid webpage at prcc.edu for a list of available scholarships and their respective eligibility requirements.

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.

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

*Other scholarships are available for out of state and district students. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid to see which scholarships you qualify for.