Mississippi Delta Community College Ranked in Top 15% of U.S. Vocational Schools by USA TODAY

MOORHEAD, MS (August 1, 2025) – Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) has earned national recognition as one of America’s Top Vocational Schools for 2025, according to USA TODAY. Out of approximately 1,800 vocational institutions evaluated, MDCC ranked in the top 15% nationwide. The college also received a distinguished 5-star rating from the publication. The award list was announced on July 22nd, 2025, and can currently be viewed on USA TODAY’s website.
 
This prestigious ranking highlights colleges that offer vocational training through undergraduate certificates or diplomas and is based on Key Performance Indicator (KPI) analysis in five critical areas: Graduation Rate, Graduate Salary, Years to Pay Off Net Price, Social Mobility, and Diversity. Data was sourced from publicly available platforms, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
 
MDCC’s inclusion on USA TODAY’s list follows similar recognition in 2017 from The New York Times, which ranked the college in the top 10% of two-year colleges nationwide for its Overall Mobility Index—a measure that reflects both student access and economic advancement, particularly the likelihood of students moving up two or more income quintiles after attending.
 
Vice President of Instruction and Accreditation/Provost Dr. Valarie Morgan praised the MDCC community, stating, “I am incredibly proud of our MDCC CTE faculty and staff. We have an amazing slate of programs, and more importantly, we have the best people—dedicated professionals who take the responsibility of providing our students with the highest quality education and opportunities very seriously. We are also deeply thankful for our students and the trust they place in us. We are proud of our Trojan family and excited for what the future holds.”
 
Dean of Career-Technical Education Allison Folk added, “We are honored to be recognized by USA TODAY as one of the top 250 vocational schools in the nation and to receive a 5-star rating. This distinction reflects the hard work of our faculty, staff, and industry partners who are committed to providing high-quality, hands-on training that leads to meaningful careers. At Mississippi Delta Community College, we are proud to prepare students for the workforce and to contribute to the economic vitality of the Delta region.”
 
Dean of Health Sciences Dr. Patricia Kelly echoed the sentiment, noting the deep sense of purpose behind MDCC’s mission. “We are incredibly honored to be named among the top vocational schools in the country by USA TODAY. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, the dedication of our students, and the strong partnerships we’ve built with local healthcare providers over many decades,” said Dr. Kelly. “This moment serves as a reminder of how vital our programs are in meeting the healthcare needs of our communities now and into the future.”
 
MDCC President Dr. Steven Jones concluded, “To be acknowledged at this level is no small feat, especially for a small, rural college in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. This achievement speaks volumes about the quality of our programs, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the excellence we strive for each and every day.”
 
Jones continued, “Our CTE programs open doors for students—providing the skills, certifications, and confidence needed to enter today’s competitive workforce. This recognition confirms what we have long known: we can compete with the best, and we are making a difference.”
 
These accolades underscore MDCC’s continued commitment to excellence, affordability, access, and life-changing career preparation.