Admissions

We keep our admissions process simple, so there’s no big hassle when you fill out your applications. You can even apply online!

At Gulf Coast, we have students of all ages and all backgrounds, so no matter who you are, you’ll feel right at home. Our diverse student body and variety of programs means we have what you need, when you need it.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College ascribes to an “open admissions” policy consistent with all appertaining laws. The College embraces the philosophy that students be provided opportunities for learning, e.g. developmental courses, counseling, tutorial assistance, etc., that will help individual students to succeed in achieving their educational goals. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College utilizes relevant diagnostic instruments to determine the strengths and needs of students in order to assist in the selection of the most appropriate program options to help assure student success.

Under the “Open Door” policy, all applicants who have fulfilled admission requirements will be considered for acceptance by the campus admissions committee. Requirements for admission are not restrictive but vary with the curriculum.

Admission to the college does not necessarily imply immediate admission to a particular program of study. Students should review the particular pages of the Catalog, which describe the program of their choice to determine whether they must meet additional requirements.

Residency for the purposes of calculating tuition and fees is not necessarily determined by the address listed on the student’s application. Other factors determine if a student is classified as in-state or out-of-state for calculating tuition and fees. Mississippi laws govern residency and fees of students attending or applying for admission to educational institutions. For more information, please see excerpts from the Mississippi statutory law, Mississippi code, Title 37, Chapter 103 outlined in the “Special Admissions” section.

Requests for application forms should be addressed to the Director of Admissions of the campus where the student plans to attend. The admission application can also be electronically submitted on the College’s website at www.mgccc.edu.

The following procedures must be completed before admission to the college is granted.

Academic and Technical Programs

First-Time College Students

1. Submit a completed application for admission.
2. Have official transcripts of all high school work or GED score report mailed to the Director of Admissions. Facsimile (FAX) copies are not acceptable as official copies.
   1. An applicant must be a high school graduate or the recipient of the General Education Development (GED) Test Certificate.
   2. Applicants who received a Certificate of Attendance or Certificate of Completion through a high school Individualized Education Program must pass the GED Test to enroll in academic or technical programs.
3. Students entering Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College for the first time are required to participate in an orientation program and provide the Director of Admissions an official copy of their ACT results or take the appropriate portions of the COMPASS Test Battery. COMPASS retesting policy: ACT recommends that retesting not occur before a full 30 days has elapsed such that there is sufficient opportunity for intervening learning/instruction.
   1. All students who display an overall weakness in high school grades or low scores on the ACT, COMPASS, or other college-administered placement exams will be required to enroll in developmental courses.
   2. Applicants who test for placement in all developmental courses may enroll in a maximum of 12 semester hours.
4. Applicants are not officially accepted until all admission requirements are met by providing proper documentation. Documentation must be provided before enrollment or by the Friday of the 4th week of class. Students failing to do so may be denied continued enrollment.

Transfer Students

1. Submit a completed application for admission.
2. Have an official transcript from each institution attended mailed directly to the Director of Admissions. Student copies and/or facsimile (FAX) copies are not acceptable as official copies.
3. Applicants who have attended non-regionally accredited institutions may request credit by following the guidelines listed under “Credit by Non-Traditional Means.”
4. Provide ACT scores or take the math and/or English sections of the COMPASS Test Battery before enrolling in college math and/or English classes for the first time.
5. Attend an appropriate orientation session as scheduled (not mandatory).
6. Applicants are not officially accepted until all admission requirements are met by providing proper documentation. Documentation must be provided before enrollment or the Friday of the 4th week of class. Students failing to do so may be denied continued enrollment.
7. All out of state/out of country/non-resident students should refer to the “Special Admissions” section for definitions and conditions that determine whether a student is a resident or non-resident student.

Transfer credit earned from institutions that hold accreditation from one of the regional accrediting commissions in the United States will be considered for acceptance. Once admitted, transfer students will be under the same college probation, suspension, and re-admission policy as native students.

Applicability of transfer work depends on the coincidence of transfer credit meeting requirements of MGCCC’s degree programs or a particular program of study. Transfer work will be evaluated based on this factor. Evaluation of transfer work will be completed by Student Services personnel during the first semester of enrollment.

Transient Students

Transient Students are students actively pursuing a degree at another post-secondary institution who plan to take a course or courses at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. This differs from a Transfer Student or a Re-entering Transfer Student who may be fully admitted to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College with the intention of transferring previously earned college credit and earning a degree with the College.

To enroll as a Transient Student:

1. Submit an application for admission.
2. Submit a current letter of good standing and/or official transcript from current post-secondary institution directly to the Director of Admissions. Student copies and/or facsimile (FAX) copies are not acceptable as official copies. (must submit each semester of enrollment)
3. Students who wish to enroll in courses that require a pre-requisite or ACT sub score, show adequate proof of successful completion in the pre-requisite and/or official ACT score report.

No more than 15 hours may be earned as a Transient Student. To enroll after 15 credit hours are earned, students must submit a new application for admission, be admitted as a Transfer Student and meet applicable admission requirements.

Students entering as Transient are not eligible for financial aid and must complete all necessary admissions criteria for pre-registration eligibility. Transient students who have completed admission are eligible for pre-registration after priority pre-registration has ended.

Non-Degree Students

Non-degree seeking students are students who plan to attend Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College on a limited basis and are not pursuing an associate type degree or diploma. Students are limited to 15 semester hours earned at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College as non-degree seeking. To enroll after 15 credit hours are earned, students must meet all regular admission requirements. Students entering as non-degree seeking are not eligible for financial aid. Students wishing to use veteran’s benefits must contact the campus VA office for any additional requirements.

1. Submit a completed application for admission.
2. Have an official transcript from the last college, university, or high school attended, mailed directly to the Director of Admissions.

Career Programs

1. Submit a completed application for admission.
2. Have official transcripts of all high school work or GED score report mailed to the Director of Admissions.
3. Applicants who received a Certificate of Attendance or Certificate of Completion through a high school Individualized Education Program must pass the “ability to benefit” test (COMPASS) or the GED Test to enroll in a career program. (Note: Commercial Truck Driving students are exempt from this requirement.)
4. Applicants to career healthcare programs must be high school graduates or have earned the GED diploma. High school transcripts or GED score reports must be provided. Other entrance tests are required, and students are selected by a healthcare admissions committee; refer to the “Programs of Study ” section for more information about admissions requirements for these programs.
5. An applicant less than 18 years of age should be a high school graduate. An exception may be made when recommended by the secondary school last attended by the applicant and with the permission of the applicant’s parent or guardian.
6. An applicant may be required to take a career aptitude test to determine admission to a specific career program.
7. Applicants are not officially accepted until all admission requirements are met by providing proper documentation. Documentation must be provided before enrollment or by the Friday of the 4th week of class. Students failing to do so may be denied continued enrollment.

Students With Disabilities

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Prospective students who require special and reasonable accommodation(s) must contact the Support Services Coordinators on their campus. The self-identified student must follow these guidelines in requesting special and reasonable accommodation(s):

1. Contact the Support Services Coordinator, Campus Dean of Student Services, or the District Office ADA Coordinator prior to the beginning of classes, if coordination of outside resources is needed.
2. Complete the “Request for Accommodation Form,” available from the Support Services Coordinator.
3. In cases of physical disabilities, current medical diagnosis and needed remediation must be documented by the prospective student’s physician.
4. In cases other than physical disabilities, prospective students must provide documentation verifying the diagnosed condition and needed remediation. Psychological Reports or Individualized Educational Program Reports should be current, completed within 3 (three) years. Students who plan to transfer to a university may be required by the university to submit more current documentation.

Dual-Enrollment High School Students

MGCCC encourages qualified high school students to apply for admission under the college’s dual-enrollment program. Through dual enrollment, academically talented students are able to enroll at MGCCC while still attending high school classes. This program is primarily designed for high school seniors. However, students below the senior level may be considered on an individual basis. Students must meet the following provisions:

1. Complete the college application for admission.
2. Submit a letter of recommendation from their high school counselor or principal stating that the student has completed either 14 units of college preparatory coursework with a 3.0 or better grade point average on a 4.0 grading scale, or has achieved a minimum composite score of 30 on the ACT test. If meeting the ACT test requirement, official scores must be submitted to the Director of Admissions.
3. Provide official high school transcript indicating grades through the last semester of attendance.

The above requirements should be completed well in advance of the intended semester of enrollment. A discussion with a college enrollment specialist concerning course selections must be completed before registration takes place. Dual enrolled students may register for a maximum of 6 hours per semester. Credit earned through the dual-enrollment program will be awarded once a student has completed high school graduation requirements and final official transcripts have been received.

Early Admissions

Highly qualified high school students have the option to be considered for early admission to the college. To be considered for early admission, applicants must:

1. Complete the college application for admission.
2. Submit a letter of recommendation from their high school principal stating that the student has completed 14 units of college preparatory coursework with a 3.0 or better grade point average on a 4.0 grading scale and outlining why early college admission is in the best interest of the student.
3. Provide official high school transcript indicating grades through the last semester of attendance.
4. Submit official ACT results indicating a composite score of 26 or higher.

Out-of-State Students

A limited number of out-of-state students who meet the standard admission requirements will be accepted for admission to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The student should schedule an appointment with an enrollment specialist to have transfer coursework evaluated (if applicable). All out of state/out of country/non-resident students should refer to the following section for definitions and conditions that determine whether a student is a resident or non-resident student.

Determining Residency for Tuition Purposes

The definitions and conditions stated herein are excerpts taken from Mississippi statutory law, Mississippi code, Title 37, Chapter 103, sections 1 to 29 which govern residency and fees of students attending or applying for admission to educational institutions. Request for a review of residency classification should be submitted to the campus Director of Admissions and Records.

1. Legal Residence of an Adult: The residence of an adult is the domicile, i.e., the place where the person physically resides with the intention of remaining or returning to if temporarily absent. MCA 37-103-13.
2. Legal Residence for Persons under 21: The residence of a person under 21 years of age is that of the father, mother or general guardian duly appointed by a proper court in MS. However, if custody has been granted to one parent, then the person’s residency is that of the custodial parent. If both parents are deceased, residency is that of the last surviving parent unless the person under 21 lives with a general guardian, as appointed by a MS Court. MCA 37-103-7 eff. July 1, 2005. If both parents move out of Mississippi, a minor is immediately classified as a nonresident. MCA 37-103-11.
3. When Residency Is Established: A student may not be admitted as a resident unless required documentation showing proof of established residency in Mississippi is provided prior to admission. MCA 37-103-3. Students who enroll as a nonresident must stop attending either a fall or spring semester to establish residency before reapplying for admission as a MS resident. A person entering the state to enter an educational institution is considered a nonresident and remains a nonresident even if adopted by a Mississippi resident or registers to vote or owns land. MCA 37-103-5. See exception in MCA 37-103-25(2) which provides that if a nonresident (1) was born in Mississippi but relocated outside Mississippi as a minor in their father or mother’s care, (2) is a veteran of the Armed Forces, and (3) is domiciled in Mississippi no later than six months after separation from service for the purpose of enrolling in a CC/IHL, then such person shall pay resident tuition and fees.
4. Special Rule for Married Persons: A married person may claim the residency of their spouse or independent status under MCA 37-103-15. MCA 37-103-13.
5. Special Rule for Children of Faculty and Staff: Children of parents who are members of the faculty or staff of a CC/IHL may be considered a resident for the purpose of attending that institution. MCA 37-103-9.
6. Special MPACT Rule: An MPACT beneficiary is considered a resident. MCA 37-155-5(d) (iii); MS AG Op., Patterson (Oct.11, 1996).
7. Special Military Provisions:
   1. Active Duty in Mississippi and Mississippi National Guard. Members of the Armed Forces on extended active duty in Mississippi and members of the Mississippi National Guard may be classified as residents. Resident status of those not residents of Mississippi per MCA 37-103-13 shall terminate upon reassignment for duty in the continental U.S. outside Mississippi. MCA 37-103-17. See MCA 37-103-21 for proof requirements.
   2. Status of Spouse and Children of Military Personnel on Extended Active Duty. Resident status of a spouse or child of a member of the Armed Forces on extended active duty shall be that of the military spouse or parent during the time that the spouse or parent is stationed in Mississippi. Resident status continues if the military spouse or parent is reassigned from Mississippi to an overseas area (except training assignments en route from Mississippi). Resident status of a minor child terminates upon reassignment of the military parent for duty in the continental U.S. outside Mississippi. However, children who attain residency under this section and who begin and complete their senior year in high school in Mississippi and who enroll full-time in a CC/IHL for the fall after their graduation from high school maintain status as long as they remain enrolled in good standing (summer school is not required). MCA 37-103-19(1).
   3. Spouse or Child of a Member of the Armed Forces Who Dies or Is Killed. A spouse or child of a member of the Armed Forces who dies or is killed is entitled to pay resident tuition if the spouse or child becomes a resident of Mississippi within 180 days of the date of death. MCA 37-103-19(2).
   4. Spouse or Child of a Member of the Armed Forces Stationed Outside Mississippi. If a spouse or child of a member of the Armed Forces stationed outside Mississippi establishes residency in Mississippi and registers with a CC/IHL, the CC/IHL will permit the spouse or child to pay resident fees and tuition regardless of the length of time that the spouse or child has resided in Mississippi. MCA 37-103-19(3).
   5. Effect of Continuous Enrollment. If a member of the Armed Forces or their spouse or child is entitled to pay resident tuition and fees under another provision of this section while enrolled in an associate type degree or diploma program, they may continue to pay resident tuition and fees in subsequent terms while continuously enrolled in the same associate type degree or diploma program. (Student may withdraw or not enroll for one semester with medical documentation without losing status and no summer term is required. In addition, student’s status remains unchanged even if they are no longer a member of the Armed Forces or the child or spouse of a member of the Armed Forces). MCA 37-103-19(4).
8. Aliens. Section 37-103-23 states that all aliens are classified as nonresidents. However, this section was declared unconstitutional in Jagmadan v Giles, 379 F. Supp. 1178 (N.D. Miss. 1974), affirmed in part on other grounds 538 F.2d 1166 (5th Cir. 1976). No statutory provision addressing aliens and residency for tuition purposes is currently in effect. Accordingly, aliens should be treated in the same manner as other persons attempting to prove resident status for the purpose of determining tuition and fees charged by CC/IHL’s.
   
   1. Immigrants Distinguished from Nonimmigrants. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, aliens are classified as (1) “immigrants”, i.e., persons seeking to be permanent residents, and (2) “nonimmigrants”, i.e. persons seeking admission to the U.S. for a limited time, usually for a limited purpose.
   2. Immigrants, Permanent Residents or “Green Card” Holders. Generally speaking, most persons having immigrant or permanent resident status (“green card” holders) have the ability to establish a domicile in Mississippi and to qualify as Mississippi residents.
   3. Nonimmigrant Visa Holders. Most persons holding nonimmigrant visas, including F-1 student visas, will not be able to demonstrate the requirements for a Mississippi domicile because their visas are temporary in nature and U.S. approval of their visas may have required a determination that the persons intended to return to their country of origin after the purpose of their visas is concluded. This being the case, the person’s domicile would remain in their country of origin. In addition, Section 37-103-5 provides that a person entering Mississippi to attend an educational institution is and remains a nonresident for tuition purposes. See 3 above.
9. Miscellaneous Provisions. Any student willfully presenting false evidence of residency is deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. MCA 37-103-27. Law is not to be construed as requiring the admission of nonresidents. MCA 37-103-29.
   
   * Three (3) of the following documents showing the Mississippi address must be provided prior to enrollment if the student wishes to prove Mississippi residency:
   
   • MS Driver’s License
   • Emancipation Documents
   • Employment Documents
   • MS Court Appointed Guardianship Documents
   • Homestead Exemption
   • MS State Income Tax Return
   • Lease Agreement
   • Military Orders
   • Mortgage Documents
   • Utility Bill
   • Vehicle Registration
   • Voter Registration Card
   • MS State issued ID
   • Other approved documentation

International Students

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College reserves the right to determine the number of international students admitted. International students must meet all of the following admissions requirements at least six weeks prior to enrollment (November 1 for the spring semester or July 1 for the fall semester):

1. Complete a Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College application for admission.
2. Provide proof of immunization against measles, mumps, and Rubella. In addition, the State of Mississippi requires all new foreign applicants to be screened for tuberculosis by the local office of the Mississippi Department of Public Health. Tuberculosis screening must take place in the United States.
3. If English is not the native language of the applicant one of the following is required:
   1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 525 on the paper based, 69 on Internet Based (iBT), and 195 on the computer based test. (It is recommended that the applicant take the Test of Written English portion of the TOEFL.)
   2. b. A grade of “C” or better in English Composition I and English Composition II transferred from a regionally accredited university or college within the United States
   3. c. Proven proficiency in English following completion of English as a Second Language (ESL), English Language Institute, or Intensive English Language Program provided through a U.S. college or university designed for non-native born students. A letter of recommendation from the program director indicating the student has achieved “proficiency satisfactory to enroll in and successfully complete college work and is able to converse and communicate intelligibly and effectively” must accompany certification of completion.
4. Complete, official scholastic records translated into English (if these are being submitted from a high school, a graduation or completion date must be listed on the transcript) and evaluated by an approved credentialing agency*. Applicants who have not received a degree equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma may submit a passing General Education Development (GED) test score. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must be submitted to an approved evaluation service* for evaluation and translation. If the student would like to have credit applied towards a degree from MGCCC, the evaluation service must provide course comparisons for the appropriate courses. Results should be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions at the appropriate campus. This process will take four to six weeks and the college must receive the evaluation prior to the six-week admissions deadline.
5. Official transcripts from regionally accredited colleges or universities (if applicable). Applicants who have completed 12 or more semester hours of college level from regionally accredited colleges or universities are required to submit only their United States transcripts.
6. Provide a copy of the applicant’s passport with an effective date through the first six months of enrollment.
7. Provide a notarized Affidavit of Support from a bank indicating available American funds sufficient for tuition, transportation, and room and board for at least the first year of the student’s enrollment ($12,000.00).
8. To secure housing, complete the online Housing Application and pay the $50 application fee. Residence hall rooms are available on the Perkinston campus on a first come first serve basis. Please note that residence halls are closed during college scheduled breaks and holidays. Students will not be allowed to remain in campus housing during these times and must make their own housing arrangements for scheduled breaks and holidays.
9. Prior to registration, applicants may be required to schedule a personal interview with the Admissions Director and selected instructors to determine the student’s ability to perform in the chosen field of study.
10. Participate in an orientation session prior to registration.

Following completion of admission requirements, the Admissions Office will mail the applicant the form I-20.

*The evaluation service is at the expense of the student. Transfer credit from a foreign institution will be considered for acceptance if a course-by-course evaluation is obtained from an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). NACES identifies foreign colleges/universities meeting the highest standards for accreditation in their countries. Agency information may be obtained at www.naces.org.

SEVIS Fee Notice

Effective September 1, 2004, all international students applying for F-1 status are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at www.fmjfee.com. New students and exchange visitors with a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 issued on or after September 1, 2004 are subject to the fee. Continuing students and exchange visitors are not required to pay the fee except under certain circumstances. For complete information on payment of the fee go to www.fmjfee.com, www.ice.gov or call 1-212-620-3418.

Senior Citizens

Persons above the age of 65 may be admitted on the first day of classes on a space-available basis to any course offered by the College without tuition; however, all fees must be paid by the student (registration, book service, and technology fees). This does not include private or semi-private lessons. Those 62-64 are admitted under the same conditions if retired. Regular admissions requirements must be met prior to registration.

Denial of Admission

Admission to the College may be denied should the campus admissions committee become aware of information that would lead the committee to believe an applicant’s admission would not be in the best interest of the student or the college community. Denial of admission to the College may result from any of the following:

1. Conviction of a felony.
2. Involvement in use, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs and/or narcotics.
3. Military discharge under conditions other than honorable.
4. Involvement in campus disorders at other institutions.
5. Disciplinary dismissal from other institutions.
6. Falsifying any information on records required for admission.
7. A minor living outside the home of his/her legal parent or guardian without the parent or guardian providing the college with advance written permission.
8. Any information relative to the applicant’s character, conduct, and/or institutional relationships that would be inconsistent with the philosophy, objectives, and attitudes of the constituency of the college community.
9. Any student applying for admission for a subsequent enrollment period will be denied admission for failure to remove financial indebtedness or other unfulfilled obligations to the college resulting from a previous enrollment.
10. Any other reason or information considered to be of such nature that it would be detrimental to the academic society.