Welcome!
Greetings Wildcat Parents! We extend you a warm welcome from The River. A new school year is upon us and many of you will have questions concerns. Sending your child off to college is a difficult transitional period for both you and your child. Just like you, we have expectations for your student. If you’ve already made your decision, we’re honored you and your child selected Pearl River Community College to help meet those expectations. If, together, you are still seeking a place to take that next step, let us show you how things Roll at the River!
We are proud to welcome you and your child into the Wildcat family!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ADMISSIONS
Thank you for considering Pearl River Community College for the educational needs of your loved one! We encourage all new students to visit our Future Wildcats page to learn more about getting started at PRCC.
TUITION & FEES
Pearl River Community College works to offer competitive pricing for both tuition and fees. The need to raise tuition is always weighed carefully and balanced with charging the lowest tuition and fees possible while being mindful of the need to maintain a faculty that is highly qualified. This allows us to maintain small student-to-teacher ratios with teachers that are knowledgeable in their teaching disciplines.
Tuition is due each semester and we encourage students to sign up for a payment plan early. Signing up early can allow the student the opportunity to make smaller payments over time and have peace of mind that their account remains in good standing. Students can explore their payment plan options, statements, account details, and more by logging into RiverGuide and clicking the “My Finances” tile.
FINANCIAL AID
The Office of Financial Aid at Pearl River Community College is dedicated to helping students and families reach educational and career goals through the various financial aid programs available. Financial aid is designed to help students and their families pay for college and is available through four sources; the federal government, the state, the institution and private funding. Students may receive assistance through scholarships, grants, loans, and/or part-time employment.
The largest source of financial aid is the federal government. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal grants, loans or work programs. The application should be completed even if the student does not expect to qualify for federal grants. The results of the FAFSA application is a requirement to be considered for state awards and is needed to determine eligibility for foundation scholarships and potential outside resources.
Before sitting down to complete the FASFA, make sure to have the following items at hand:
- Students and parents need the FSA ID created at StudentAid.gov/fsaid. The FSA ID is the login and password used to submit the FAFSA. It serves as a virtual signature at the time of submission. It is important that parents and students use different email addresses when creating their own FSA ID.
- Students and parents need completed tax returns. The FAFSA application will specify the year needed. If parents and students have completed taxes, they will be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to link tax information to the FAFSA.
- Students and parents may also need additional financial information on savings, investments, and business assets.
The Department of Education provides customer service for assistance with completing the FAFSA. The number is 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). The PRCC Office of Financial Aid staff is also available for assistance.
The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid is another resource for funding. Students are encouraged to apply for state aid each school year. As a reminder, the MS Office of Student Financial Aid requires that students be enrolled in a minimum of 15 credit hours to remain eligible for state aid and to be mindful of application deadlines. For additional information visit MS Financial Aid.
Incoming freshmen are automatically reviewed for academic scholarships once ACT scores are submitted to the Office of Admissions. Students are encouraged to apply for foundation, service and private scholarships. Click here for additional information.
Lastly, The PRCC Office of Financial Aid communicates with students via the RiverGuide student portal and student school email addresses. Students should check the student portal and emails frequently for notices and updates.
Academic Calendar
Review our Academic Calendar to learn more about important dates at PRCC. This calendar provides the start and end dates of each semester, along with the dates that PRCC will be closed for holidays. Make sure your student has reviewed his/her class schedule prior to the start date of each semester. Not all classes have the same start and end dates.
WHAT IS IT?
Wildcat Bucks is additional funds for any student or employee who wants the convenience of paying for food with their PRCC Student/Employee ID card. You can add money using your available financial aid up to the fifth week of class (scholarships may not be used for additional Wildcat Bucks; scholarships do cover the traditional dorm meal plan which includes $150 in Wildcat Bucks per semester). You may also load your card with cash or credit card at the Business Office.
WHERE CAN I USE IT?
All PRCC dining services. This includes the cafeteria, coffee shop and grill, and food truck when available on the Poplarville Campus. Wildcat Bucks can also be used at the PRCC food truck on the Forrest County Campus when available. Wildcat Bucks do expire at the end of each school year on April 30th.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN A DORM MEAL PLAN & WILDCAT BUCKS?
The dorm meal plan only covers meals in the cafeteria. Dorm students may use their $150 per
semester Wildcat Buck credit at other dining services on campus. Once dorm students have exhausted their $150 Wildcat Buck credit, they may purchase additional Wildcat Bucks at the Business Office.
HOW DO I GET IT?
Money can be added at the Business Office with available financial aid balance, cash, check, debit or credit card throughout the semester (Students using their available financial aid must purchase
Wildcat Bucks before the fifth week of school each semester). Please allow 24/48 hours for your card to be loaded once payment has been received.
For more questions regarding Wildcat Bucks, email businessoffice@prcc.edu.
*Wildcat Bucks are non-refundable and non-transferable. They do expire every April 30th.
Remaining balances not used will disappear.
DINING
Opportunities for dining are provided on the Poplarville Campus and at the Forrest County Center. Poplarville has a cafeteria to support the Residence Halls and a Bistro that serves sandwiches and salads. Students can view the cafeteria menu by logging into RiverGuide. Students living in the dormitories will use their ID to record the visits to the cafeteria. Commuter students can visit the Business Office and inquire about adding money to an account that can be used for dining purposes.
Micro-Mart – Forrest County Campus
Located in Building 5 at the Forrest County Campus, the Micro Mart provides pre-made sandwiches and snacks and is a welcoming environment to rest in between classes.
Micro-Mart – Hancock County Campus
Located in The Frank Ladner Workforce Academy on the Hancock County Campus, the Micro Mart provides pre-made sandwiches and snacks and is a welcoming environment to rest in-between classes.
Wildcat Food Truck
The Wildcat Food Truck will be available for lunch on our Forrest County Campus (FCC) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
BOOKSTORE
The Pearl River Community College Bookstore is called the Wildcat Den. With locations on both the Poplarville Campus and the Forrest County Center, the Wildcat Den provides class and program supplies, ebooks, textbooks, PRCC logo clothing, electronics, computers, and a wide assortment of gift items ranging from Vera Bradley and MudPie to monogrammed items. If you would like the Wildcat Den to create personalized gift baskets for your student, contact them at:
prccwildcatden@prcc.edu
Poplarville Campus 601-403-1362
Forrest County Center 601-554-5501
Ebooks have proven themselves a beneficial tool enabling students to obtain the course materials they need on the first day of class at a fraction of the cost. Compared to new traditional textbooks, students save an average of $300 per semester using the course fee model. Students also receive their materials on the first day of class in an integrated, pin-less digital package through Canvas exclusive to PRCC students with the eBook, additional resources, and the option to purchase a loose-leaf directly from RedShelf for an additional low-cost print price using any major credit card if one is needed. Less than 10% of our students ordered a loose leaf after using the eBook for a few weeks. The eBook is very user-friendly and allows the student to print, highlight, annotate, make flashcards, and view them on any device such as a cell phone, tablet, or computer. You can take your book with you everywhere now!
Not all courses are on the course fee model. Stop by the Wildcat Den Bookstore to find out what you need for class!
You can visit the Wildcat Den online!
RESIDENCE LIFE
One of the most significant changes for a new college student can be moving into campus housing. For many students, this is the first time living away from home, and it is where a sense of independence is truly first experienced. Whether your student is living in one of the residence halls or commuting from home, as a parent, your role will change significantly. Be patient as your student learns what adulthood is all about.
It has been proven that most students bring a number of different technological devices with them to college. Most students today have never known a world without computers and the Internet. These things are an extension of who they are. If your student will live in campus housing, it is always a good idea to ensure all the devices being brought to college are compatible with the technology situation at Pearl River. The Information Technology department has more information about recommended items.
Regardless of whether your student will live in one of the residence halls or whether he or she will commute, being involved in campus activities is a proven factor in student success. While athletics and fine arts are on the Poplarville campus, all Pearl River Community College locations have clubs and organizations. Encourage your student to join and actively participate in the available opportunities.
Dormitories are provided on the Poplarville Campus. If your student wants to reside in one of these facilities, it is imperative to apply early. There is always a waitlist for both male and female dorms. There are also some very specific items that students plan to bring and not bring to dorm life. Make sure to refer to this list as you help your student prepare for life away from home.
Do Bring
- Bed Linens (twin), pillows, blankets
- Towels and other bathroom necessities
- School supplies – paper, pens, pencils, tape, etc.
- Alarm clock
- Flip flops for the shower
- An umbrella for rainy days
- Cleaning supplies
- Storage boxes with locks
- Laundry basket and soap
- Small first-aid kit
- Renter’s insurance or a personal property rider on your parents’ insurance
- TV
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Do NOT Bring
- Weapons of any kind
- Ammunition
- Alcoholic beverages and/or empty containers
- Controlled substances
- Candles
- Hotplates, toasters, and/or toaster ovens
- Personal air-conditioners or space heaters
- Pets
- Water guns
- Firecrackers or other explosives
- Grills
- Incense
- Satellite dishes
CONTACT US
The Wildcat Hub is ready to assist you! Visit our Contact Us page to learn more about contacting the Wildcat Hub.
