Have you ever heard of Southwest Mississippi Community College? Or maybe you are searching to get more information about the college, your search is over. In this article, you will find out the necessary information such as tuition rates, financial aid, the various academic departments at SMCC and lots more.
So, without further ado, let us explore Southwest Mississippi Community College beginning with a brief overview of the college.
About Southwest Mississippi Community College
Southwest Mississippi Community College was founded in 1908. It is a public community college in Summit, Mississippi, United States. The college first began as an agricultural high school. After receiving approval from the Pike County School Board, on the 3rd of September in 1918 the Pike County Agricultural High School was opened. In 1929 and 1932, the school began to incorporate college work into the curriculum and became a two-year junior college respectively. Also, the school’s name was officially changed in 1988 to Southwest Mississippi Community College to meet the educational and public needs of its district.
Since its inception, the college has had seven presidents; J.M Kenna 1918; H.D Pickens July 1947; Clyde H. Snell July 1948; Charles C. Moore July 1951; H.T Huddleston July 1952; Horace Holmes July 1972; Oliver Young July 2005 and Steve Bishop in July 2011 who is President till date. Southwest Mississippi Community College has an excellent leadership pattern, an array of quality staff and faculty, and an impressive vision for the future of the college and its students.
The college has recorded the enrolment of about 2,000 students. Southwest Mississippi Community College runs an open admission program which makes it easy for students to apply and get admitted almost immediately if they meet all the institution’s requirements. In addition, the acceptance rate is usually 100%. They have a student-faculty ratio of 24 -1.
At Southwest Mississippi Community College, the highest degree offered is an Associate Degree. Also, students can earn degrees and certificates in 20 different fields. The most popular majors are Nursing, Arts, and Child Care Provider/Assistant.
Contact Information of SMCC
Address: 1156 College Drive, Summit, MS 39666, United States.
Phone: +1 601-276-2000
Alternate Phones: +1 601-276-3708, +1 601-276-2001, +1 601-276-3717.
Website: http://www.smcc.edu/
Notable Alumni of Southwest Mississippi Community College
| Names of Alumni | Area of Expertise |
| Woodie Assaf | Weatherman at WLBT in Jackson |
| Jarrod Dyson | Outfielder for the Seattle Mariners and also a former outfielder for the 2015 World Series Kansas City Royals |
| David Green | Mississippi State Legislator |
| Billy Milner | Former offensive tackle in the National Football League |
| Glover Quin | American former professional football player |
| Cannan May | Leader of the “Free Canaan Way” movement |
Why Choose Southwest Mississippi Community College?
1. Tuition Rates:
If you are a student on a budget, Southwest Mississippi Community College is a good place for you because they offer quality education at a very affordable rate.
2. Classroom Sizes:
The classrooms are not usually big. Southwest Mississippi Community College has smaller classroom sizes which enhances personalized learning. Here, students also have the privilege of building strong connections with their professors.
3. Diverse Programs:
The school has diverse programs which will catch your interest. From Nursing to Arts or Agriculture just to mention but a few. As we go further in this article you will find out all the courses and programs they offer at Southwest Mississippi Community College.
4. Facilities:
Southwest Mississippi Community College has state-of-the-art libraries, laboratories, museums etc, which enhances learning by providing a hands-on experience.
5. Career Services:
At SMCC, you will receive appropriate guidance on your career. The college helps to prepare students by offering assistance in their CV/resume writing and interview skills to get good job placements.
6. Campus Lifestyle:
Southwest Mississippi Community College is simply a home away from home. It has an active campus lifestyle that inspires, educates and entertains students. There are several clubs and organizations for students at SMCC.
7. Transfer Opportunities:
Students who attend SMCC but wish to transfer to a four-year institution to further their education can do so effortlessly, this is because Southwest Mississippi Community College has established transfer agreements with numerous institutions.
8. Supportive Community:
Members of the community where the school is located are friendly. Also, the serene and picturesque natural ambience often inspires learning and exploring outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking etc.
9. Supportive Faculty/Staff:
The staff at Southwest Mississippi Community College always have the best interest of their students at heart and they don’t hesitate to assist them in achieving their goals in life.
10. Time Management:
The college understands the needs of its students which is why they have provided flexible schedules/timetables such as online and evening classes for the students who are working, have families and so on. In addition, it is to help students to have a balance between their education and other commitments.
Clubs & Organizations
Student organizations at Southwest Mississippi Community College are;
1. Baptist Student Union
This is a Christian-based organization. It is open to all students at SMCC. The aim is to help students deepen the relationship they have with God. Also, BSU offers a place of fellowship, a springboard for missions and a house for discipleship.
2. Phi Theta Kappa
The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) organization recognizes the incredible academic performances of college students. To be an eligible member of the PTK Omicron Delta Chapter, you should have the following;
- You must have a good academic record of a cumulative 3.5 GPA. Once you become a member, you must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
- Must have earned at least 15 college course hours.
- Enrol in an associate degree program of study either in a fall or spring semester
- Must be a high school graduate
- Lastly, you must pay the one-time initiation fee of $95.00
3. Student Government Association (SGA)
SGA is a student-representative body. They are actively involved in overseeing and relating ideas, observations, regulations, and thoughts between the students and the faculty.
4. Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society
This is open to all college students who have an interest in life sciences or are already majoring in biological sciences. To be an eligible member of this organization, you must have an academic record of at least a B average.
5. Collegiate DECA
It is an organization that motivates students academically successful, community-oriented, responsible and adequate leaders. It also enhances quality networking with other people which in turn connects the students to long-lasting internships, recruitments, job placements and so on.
6. Health Information Management Student Association (HIMSA)
The role of HIMSA is quite simple. It is to educate the campus community on Health Information Management and current healthcare initiatives.
7. Students Nurses Organisation (SNO)
This organization is open to all nursing students. Also, SNO represents both the Mississippi Organisation for Associate Degree Nurses (MOSA) and the Mississippi Association of Student Nurses (MASN).
Others include
Bass Fishing Club: They promote and also compete in recreational activities and fishing tournaments
Whispering Pines: This is the campus yearbook club which is responsible for recording students’ lives and school events.
Choir and Southwest Singers: This is a group of talented singers who perform at college events
Pine Burr: The college newspaper publishing club. It consists of staff, student writers and editors
Band: It includes marching band and stage band. These set of musicians are selected to perform in shows throughout the year.
Sports: Intramural sports organisation promotes sporting activities on campus. These sports are; basketball, ping-pong, dodgeball, football, pool, and cabbageball.
Bear Trackers: This is a volunteer organization which assists with recruitment, orientation and other promotional events of the college.
Relevant: Empowering Schools: 5 Fundraising Ideas for Educational Excellence
Financial Aid Available at Southwest Mississippi Community College
Financial Aid – Grant
There are four types of financial aid (Grant) at Southwest Mississippi Community College namely;
1. Pell Grant
2. Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)
3. Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)
4. Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP)
Pell Grant
This is a federal aid program and as such, it requires the student to demonstrate a financial need.
Eligibility and How to Apply
- You must submit a financial aid application with the U.S Department of Education
- Complete your online FAFSA application. The application is free
- After you have applied, contact the Finance Aid Office to complete the required paperwork
- Selection is based on first come first serve and you must meet all their requirements
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)
Eligibility and How to Apply
- Must be a permanent resident of Mississippi
- Have an ACT score of 15
- You must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Have a standard high school diploma or GED
- Complete the MTAG application online
Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)
The MESG is for first-time college students who have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program or attended a Home Education Program for grades 9-12.
Eligibility and How to Apply
- Have an ACT score of 29
- Maintain an academic record of a cumulative 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Complete the MESG application online
Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP)
Here, students and student’s parents can be awarded about $42,500 or less but this increases by $5,000 depending on some factors. (source).
Eligibility and How to Apply
- Applicants must have a minimum ACT score of 20
- You must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.
- Complete the online HELP application
- Lastly, always check their website for more information as unlike others, they usually have a short deadline.
Financial Aid – Scholarships
There are several scholarship programs at Southwest Mississippi Community College, and each of them has its requirements however, these are the basic requirements.
1. You must complete the FAFSA application
2. You must be a full-time student
3. Must not have a college degree, unless stated otherwise
4. Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0
5. Must complete 12 hours for each semester the scholarship is awarded.
Requirements For Admission for International Students
The following are admission requirements for international students which must be met six weeks before enrollment.
1. Complete the application for international admission
2. Complete the affidavit of financial support for international students
3. Provide a high school transcript or its equivalent certificate transcripts. All transcripts must be translated into English.
4. Provide an English proficiency test if you are from a country where English is not your first language
- TOEFL iBT score of at least 61
or
- Duolingo score of at least 95
5. Provide proof of medical insurance
Admissions
Southwest Mississippi Community College runs an open admissions policy. It gives admissions to students based on the when they apply, and if they meet all the admissions requirements. SMCC is not partial in giving admission which is why they run an open admissions policy. Lastly, the acceptance rate is high.
How Do I Apply to Southwest Mississippi Community College?
Follow these four basic steps
Step 1: Complete and Submit the Online Application
Firstly, to apply for admissions at Southwest Mississippi Community College, you should complete and submit your online application or simply contact the institution via phone call at (601) 276-2000 or visit the admissions office at 1156 College Dr, Summit, Mississippi, 39666-0000. You can also contact the admissions office at Southwest Mississippi Community College by phone.
Step 2: Submit the following documents
- An essay submission
- Transcripts. (*transcripts should be submitted directly to the institution and not online)
- Official SAT Test scores. The SAT SMCC code is 1729
Step 3: Confirm your Attendance
The next step after submitting your required documents, is to confirm your attendance to complete the third step. Also, select your housing and complete your financial aid process.
Step 4: Register for Classes
Lastly, after going through the aforementioned processes, go on and register for classes.
What Are the Courses and Programs at Southwest Mississippi Community College?
As mentioned earlier, SMCC has many courses and programs that will pique your interest. Let us look at the different departments at SMCC.
Academic Departments
- Arts
- Army (ROTC)
- Automotive Technology
- Banking and Finance Technology
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Business Office Technology
- Carpentry
- Chemistry
- Child Development Technology
- Computer Science
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Diesel Equipment Technology
- Economics
- Educational Psychology
- Electrical Technology
- Electronic Engineering Technology
- English
- Foreign Language
- Geography
- Health
- Health Care Assistant
- Health Information Technology
- History
- Information System Technology
- Journalism
- Leadership
- Learning and Lifeskills
- Library Science
- Management and Marketing Technology
- Mathematics
- Music
- Nursing
- Oil and Gas Production Technology
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Refrigeration
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Speech
- Technical Allied Health
- Welding
- Well Construction Technology
- Work-based Learning
What Is the Tuition for the 2024 Academic Year SMCC?
According to the source, the 2023/2024 tuition for undergraduates at Southwest Mississippi Community College for out-of-state students is $6,660 while for Mississippi residents it is $3,960. Also, the estimated tuition for undergraduates for the 2025 academic year is $7,041 for out-of-state students and $4,356 for Mississippi residents. Comparing both the 2024 academic year and the 2025 academic year, it is estimated that the year 2025 will have a 5.7% increase in tuition rates.
Which Bodies Are Accredited Southwest Mississippi Community College?
The Southwest Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
Rankings of Southwest Mississippi Community College
Southwest Mississippi Community College is ranked #6 out of 265 Best Online Colleges in America, and #24 out of 922 Best Community Colleges in America, this is on a national level. Also, in Mississippi, SMCC is ranked #1 Best Community College in Mississippi out of 15 others, and #1 out of 5 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi. (source).
Conclusion
To conclude, Southwest Mississippi Community College has a lot to offer in terms of quality education, affordable tuition rates and so on as discussed earlier. SMCC is simply a home away from home. Hopefully, this article will guide you in choosing a good school with your best interest at heart. Thank you for reading through.
Editor’s Recommendation
- Ellsworth Community College Review| Tuition, Admission, Programs, Scholarships
- Trinity Valley Community College Review| Tuition, Admission, Programs, Scholarships
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Review| Tuition, Admission, Programs, Scholarships
- Lassen Community College Review| Tuition, Admission, Programs, Scholarships
- Pratt Community College Review| Tuition, Admission, Programs, Scholarships
- How to Get a Job as a Student in Ireland in 2024
- How to Get a Job a Job as a Student in Finland in 2024
