Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is ranked No. 1 on the 2021-22 Military Friendly® Schools list for the nation’s largest community colleges.  This is the second year in a row that Gulf Coast has received the No. 1 ranking. 

Now in its 11th year, the list has come to set the standard for higher education institutions to provide the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses. MGCCC has had a top 10 designation for the past three years and has been ranked on the list since its inception.

Institutions of higher learning competed for the title by completing an extensive survey covering 10 indicators of success, including support for student veterans on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. Only those in the top 15 percent are included on the list. 

“The college has a strong relationship with the military and values the opportunity to have locations at Keesler Air Force Base and the Naval Construction and Battalion Center,” said Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president.  “Serving the men and women who serve and have served our nation is a privilege. We are proud of our commitment to the military and are honored that MGCCC has been ranked as the best community college for our military families for the second year in a row.” 

MGCCC was ranked in six different categories, exceeding standards by more than 70 percent on Academic Policies & Compliance, Admissions & Orientation, Culture & Commitment, Graduation & Career, and Military Student Support & Retention.   

MGCCC provides a wide variety of services to active–duty military personnel and veterans.  The college assists its military students in scheduling courses around temporary duty assignments and interruptions for deployment. The institution’s military withdrawal policy ensures military students avoid any hardships when called into active duty. Additionally, the college offers military–base campus representatives to provide one-stop-shop services, including priority registration assistance, degree evaluations and book service. MGCCC also provides a VA school certifying official (SCO) to meet the needs of veterans, military spouses and military dependents. Enrollment specialists at campus locations coordinate the review of transfer credit/military credit.  Finally, active–duty military students and veterans receive in-state tuition. 

For more information about MGCCC’s Military Friendly designation and No. 1 ranking, please visit https://www.militaryfriendly.com/mississippi-gulf-coast-community-college/.