Academic Programs & Learning
Explore academic rigor, student retention, and distance education at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, MS.
What About Academic Quality at Pearl River Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
26:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
65%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
15%
Part-time students continuing
How Pearl River Community College Compares
Pearl River Community College's 65% full-time retention is right in the typical band for trade and vocational schools (most run between 50% and 70%). A 26:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 15% part-time retention tell a balanced story — academic quality is solid without being a clear standout.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 26:1 means there are approximately 26 students for every faculty member. This higher ratio may mean larger class sizes but can also indicate efficient resource utilization.
Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.
Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 32% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Pearl River Community College?
Understanding Faculty Composition
Pearl River Community College employs 161 instructional staff members. About 100% hold tenured positions, which is typical for community and technical colleges where faculty are often hired on annual or multi-year contracts.
How Successful Are Students at Pearl River Community College?
Student Retention Rates
Retention Rate Comparison
New full-time students returning for second year
New part-time students returning for second year
Cohort Information
Student Success Analysis
Full-Time Success:65% retention rate shows moderate student engagement with room for improvement.
Retention Impact: Higher retention rates indicate student satisfaction, academic success, and effective institutional support systems.
Year-over-year retention at Pearl River Community College is 65%. While this is within a normal range, exploring the school's student support resources can give you a fuller picture.
Where Do Online Students at Pearl River Community College Come From?
Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)
Where exclusively-online students are located
About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.
94% of Pearl River Community College's exclusively online students are located in MS. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Pearl River Community College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:100.2% FTE ratio indicates students are primarily full-time
Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.
Full-Time Equivalent enrollment at Pearl River Community College standardizes headcount by weighting part-time students proportionally. This gives a more accurate view of institutional capacity.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Pearl River Community College?
Student Enrollment Intensity
The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.
Nearly all students attend full-time, indicating a traditional, immersive academic environment with full-time commitment.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
The enrollment intensity ratio at Pearl River Community College is 1.00. This figure helps prospective students understand the school's enrollment patterns and peer dynamics.
Academic Support & Resources
Academic Advising
Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.
Student Success Services
Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.
For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Pearl River Community College directly at 6014031000 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 26:1 supports personalized learning
- 161 instructional staff with 100% holding tenured positions
- Primarily full-time enrollment creates immersive learning environment
- Online students primarily from MS (94% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Pearl River Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.