Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2024

Badge for BEST IN MISSISSIPPI LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Mississippi offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi

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  1. Millsaps College
  2. Delta State University
  3. Mississippi University for Women
  4. Tougaloo College
  5. Alcorn State University
  6. Belhaven University
  7. Rust College
  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. Rust College
  4. Belhaven University
  5. Alcorn State University
  6. Tougaloo College
  7. Mississippi University for Women
  8. Delta State University
  9. Millsaps 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

Colleges and Universities in Mississippi

The majority of the learning institutes in Mississippi are public schools, with the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, being the largest. This university, located in Oxford, boasts alumni like William Faulkner, John Grisham, and James Meredith. Tuition at Ole Miss runs about $9,000, just below the national average. The eight private colleges, all of which have religious affiliations, range in tuition costs from $10,000 at Rust College to $40,000 at Millsaps College.

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Students who attend these schools have the option to pursue degrees in fields like nursing, business, dentistry, Christian ministry, education, and literature. Additionally, all of these private schools are considered small schools, serving under 5,000 students. Mississippi also offers up to $12,000 of undergraduate loan forgiveness, over the course of four years, for teachers who work in designated shortage areas or who teach in critical shortage subjects, like special education or mathematics.

From Mississippi mud pie to fried chicken, Mississippi brings a whole new meaning to the term comfort food. The Magnolia State is easy on the eyes too. With nearly endless forests spilling over with hickory, pine, and oak trees, the intricate river system, and the Gulf Island National Seashore, Mississippi is a true destination for lovers of outdoor adventure. And students who plan on earning their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Mississippi have 31 colleges and universities to choose from.

Explore some of the top schools and career paths Mississippi has to offer.


What are Mississippi’s Colleges & Universities?

Mississippi’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Mississippi's Best Liberal Arts Colleges Badge
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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.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2023

  3. #3

    Mississippi University for Women

    Columbus , MS
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi University for Women

    Cost of Degree: $7,866
    Expenses: $14,227
    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

    Alcorn State University

    Alcorn State , MS
    #5 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #10 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #21 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    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
  7. #6

    Belhaven University

    Jackson , MS
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $28,375
    Expenses: $10,750
    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
  8. #7

    Rust College

    Holly Springs , MS
    #5 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #6 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $9,900
    Expenses: $8,700
    Starting Salary: $26,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
  9. #8

    Mississippi Valley State University

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

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi Valley State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,414
    Expenses: $14,192
    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 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #8 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
    Other Rankings

    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: $12,877
    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

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Tougaloo College
  2. Millsaps College
  3. Belhaven University
  4. Delta State University
  5. Alcorn State University
  6. Mississippi University for Women
  7. Mississippi Valley State University
  8. Rust College
  9. Blue Mountain College

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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