Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025

Badge for BEST IN MISSISSIPPI LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • With smaller student populations, the best liberal arts colleges in Mississippi offer low student-to-faculty ratios, fostering close interactions with professors and tailored academic support.
  • The institutions in our ranking provide a broad spectrum of majors and interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to explore various fields and customize their educational paths.
  • Emphasizing civic responsibility, the best liberal arts colleges in Mississippi encourage students to participate in community service and local initiatives, enriching their educational experience and societal impact.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi

Sort by:
  1. Tougaloo College
  2. Alcorn State University
  3. Millsaps College
  4. Mississippi University for Women
  5. Delta State University
  6. Rust College
  7. Belhaven University
  8. Mississippi Valley State University
  9. Blue Mountain College
  1. Tougaloo College
  2. Alcorn State University
  3. Millsaps College
  4. Mississippi University for Women
  5. Delta State University
  6. Rust College
  7. Belhaven University
  8. Mississippi Valley State University
  9. Blue Mountain College
  1. Delta State University 99%
  2. Mississippi University for Women 99%
  3. Blue Mountain College 96%
  4. Rust College 79%
  5. Millsaps College 68%
  6. Mississippi Valley State University 65%
  7. Tougaloo College 49%
  8. Belhaven University 43%
  9. Alcorn State University 30%
  1. Alcorn State University 16 to 1
  2. Blue Mountain College 14 to 1
  3. Mississippi Valley State University 12 to 1
  4. Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
  5. Delta State University 10 to 1
  6. Millsaps College 9 to 1
  7. Tougaloo College 9 to 1
  8. Belhaven University 9 to 1
  9. Rust College 8 to 1
  1. Millsaps College $43,815
  2. Belhaven University $28,375
  3. Blue Mountain College $19,280
  4. Tougaloo College $10,861
  5. Rust College $9,900
  6. Delta State University $8,605
  7. Alcorn State University $8,549
  8. Mississippi University for Women $7,866
  9. Mississippi Valley State University $7,414
  1. Millsaps College $23,568
  2. Blue Mountain College $12,386
  3. Belhaven University $10,710
  4. Tougaloo College $10,134
  5. Delta State University $8,435
  6. Alcorn State University $8,174
  7. Mississippi Valley State University $8,046
  8. Mississippi University for Women $7,766
  1. Blue Mountain College
  2. Mississippi Valley State University
  3. Belhaven University
  4. Rust College
  5. Delta State University
  6. Mississippi University for Women
  7. Millsaps College
  8. Alcorn State University
  9. Tougaloo College
  1. Blue Mountain College
  2. Mississippi Valley State University
  3. Belhaven University
  4. Rust College
  5. Delta State University
  6. Mississippi University for Women
  7. Millsaps College
  8. Alcorn State University
  9. Tougaloo College
  1. Alcorn State University 30%
  2. Belhaven University 43%
  3. Tougaloo College 49%
  4. Mississippi Valley State University 65%
  5. Millsaps College 68%
  6. Rust College 79%
  7. Blue Mountain College 96%
  8. Mississippi University for Women 99%
  9. Delta State University 99%
  1. Rust College 8 to 1
  2. Millsaps College 9 to 1
  3. Tougaloo College 9 to 1
  4. Belhaven University 9 to 1
  5. Delta State University 10 to 1
  6. Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
  7. Mississippi Valley State University 12 to 1
  8. Blue Mountain College 14 to 1
  9. Alcorn State University 16 to 1
  1. Mississippi Valley State University $7,414
  2. Mississippi University for Women $7,866
  3. Alcorn State University $8,549
  4. Delta State University $8,605
  5. Rust College $9,900
  6. Tougaloo College $10,861
  7. Blue Mountain College $19,280
  8. Belhaven University $28,375
  9. Millsaps College $43,815
  1. Mississippi University for Women $7,766
  2. Mississippi Valley State University $8,046
  3. Alcorn State University $8,174
  4. Delta State University $8,435
  5. Tougaloo College $10,134
  6. Belhaven University $10,710
  7. Blue Mountain College $12,386
  8. Millsaps College $23,568

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges in Mississippi saw a fair amount of shuffling. Tougaloo College gained the top ranking position as the college has received a $20 million grant from the Gilead Foundation’s Creating Possible Fund to advance health equity through education, which will support new programs and resources in health-related fields.

Additionally, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) reports that Tougaloo contributes $50.5 million annually to Mississippi’s economy, highlighting its significant role in regional development and offering students opportunities for community engagement and professional growth. These developments underscore Tougaloo’s commitment to academic excellence and societal impact.

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 9 liberal arts colleges in Mississippi. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Mississippi, schools must fully accredited institutions.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi

  1. #1

    Tougaloo College

    Tougaloo , MS
    #9 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tougaloo College

    Cost of Degree: $10,735
    Expenses: $13,384
    Starting Salary: $32,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Tougaloo College known for?

    Tougaloo College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Alcorn State University

    Alcorn State , MS
    #7 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #13 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #21 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1009/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Alcorn State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,549
    Expenses: $15,195
    Starting Salary: $35,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Alcorn State University known for?

    Alcorn State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Alcorn State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 122-124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Child Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Millsaps College

    Jackson , MS
    #22 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #2 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1244/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Millsaps College

    Cost of Degree: $43,815
    Expenses: $16,652
    Starting Salary: $54,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Millsaps College known for?

    Millsaps College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Mississippi University for Women

    Columbus , MS
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi University for Women

    Cost of Degree: $8,092
    Expenses: $14,787
    Starting Salary: $38,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mississippi University for Women known for?

    Mississippi University for Women’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Mississippi University for Women’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Legal Administration
    • Management
    • Culinary Management
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Business Administration Management Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health Education
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Delta State University

    Cleveland , MS
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Delta State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,605
    Expenses: $13,927
    Starting Salary: $37,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Delta State University known for?

    Delta State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Rust College

    Holly Springs , MS
    #17 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #5 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    889/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Rust College

    Cost of Degree: $13,840
    Expenses: $9,480
    Starting Salary: $26,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rust College known for?

    Rust College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Belhaven University

    Jackson , MS
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #8 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Belhaven University

    Cost of Degree: $29,195
    Expenses: $11,050
    Starting Salary: $42,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Belhaven University known for?

    Belhaven University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Belhaven University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Hospitality Management
    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Services
    Degree Concentrations
    • Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Health Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Mississippi Valley State University

    Itta Bena , MS
    #24 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #9 HBCU MBA Programs Online

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi Valley State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,912
    Expenses: $13,242
    Starting Salary: $27,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mississippi Valley State University known for?

    Mississippi Valley State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Blue Mountain College

    Blue Mountain , MS
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #8 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Blue Mountain College

    Cost of Degree: $19,280
    Expenses: $13,978
    Starting Salary: $29,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Blue Mountain College known for?

    Blue Mountain College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Blue Mountain College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120-123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Mississippi’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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