Score one for Mississippi! In a state accustomed to being at the top of the worst lists and at the bottom of the good lists, having a “happy” surprise is always welcome.

Leaders of Mississippi’s community colleges must be happy following a recently released study that shows the state’s community colleges rank fourth in the nation.

The study, titled “The States and Their Community Colleges,” was made by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government.

Researchers studied how community colleges in each state fit into the overall higher education needs of the state’s residents and the growth rate of community colleges, among other factors.

Of the five factors studied, Mississippi, New Mexico, Iowa and North Carolina exceeded the national rate on all five.

Results of the study prove what many Miss-Lou residents have known for years — community colleges offer great educational opportunity and an incredibly low price.

We’ve often said Copiah-Lincoln Community College is one of the best things going for the Miss-Lou. Community colleges by their nature are more nimble in how they roll out new curriculum and how they adapt to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

We’re lucky to have Co-Lin in our backyard and we’re thrilled that the Rockefeller Institute proved what we’ve known for years, Mississippi’s community colleges are No. 1.