Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) is the main community college system in the area, with four campuses and four academic centers. One of its main campuses -- the Jefferson Davis campus -- is in Gulfport. Two learning centers are located in Gulfport: the Applied Technology and Development Center and a learning center located at Keesler Air Force Base. Typical of most community colleges, MGCCC offers both career and technical coursework as well as associate's degree programs whose credits can be transferred to a four-year institution. MGCCC offers day, evening and online classes.
Virginia College is a for-profit technical college that has over a dozen branches in the Southeast, including one 19 minutes east of Gulfport in Biloxi. Programs include criminal justice, medical assistant, medical billing and coding, office administration, paralegal studies, pharmacy technician and therapeutic massage. Virginia College offers both diplomas and associate's degrees, depending on the field. However, its courses are not regionally accredited and credits usually cannot be transferred to other schools.
Blue Cliff College is a for-profit technical college with seven branches, including one in Gulfport. Several career and technical programs are offered at Blue Cliff, including massage therapy, cosmetology, dental assisting, medical assisting and office administration. Some programs are accredited, but it is unlikely that credit for courses taken at Blue Cliff will be transferable. However, its students are eligible for federal aid programs.
Attending community college carries numerous advantages. Many students attend community college for a couple of years before transferring to a four-year institution. Generally speaking, costs are much lower at community colleges. For example, costs at MGCCC for a full-time semester are just over $1,000. Attending a community college close to home allows students to focus on studying or work on the side and not having to relocate. At most reputable community colleges, credits can be transferred to other institutions.