Is a research university right for me?–

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students. Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines. Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel. Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well. Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Is an online college right for me?–

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available. Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online. Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college. Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands. Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain. Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving. If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc. The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors. Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions. If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2026

Q: Is a liberal arts college right for me?–

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put 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. Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students. Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom). Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers. Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Badge for BEST IN MISSISSIPPI LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley

Updated: May 13, 2026

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.

Table of Contents

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi in 2026

Tougaloo College
Alcorn State University
Millsaps College
Mississippi University for Women
Delta State University
Belhaven University
+1
Rust College
–1
Mississippi Valley State University
Blue Mountain College

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

Last Year’s Ranking:
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
Tougaloo , MS
#9 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #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:

Sociology
Political Science
Mathematics
History
Chemistry
Education
Literature
Economics
Physics
Social Work

Most Influential Alumni

Delores S. Williams
Anne Moody
Karen Weaver
Deborah Gray White
Aaron Shirley
Derrick Johnson
Joyce Ladner
Joan Trumpauer Mulholland
Bennie Thompson
Hakeem Oluseyi
Dorie Ladner
Aunjanue Ellis
Compare school
#2
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State , MS
#7 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2026 #13 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #21 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #3 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026
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:

Nursing
History
Medical
Education
Biology
Sociology
Mathematics
Political Science
Chemistry
Criminal Justice

Most Influential Alumni

Medgar Evers
Steve McNair
Alex Haley
Alexander O'Neal
Felecia M. Nave
Michael Clarke Duncan
Willie Norwood
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
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 2026
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:

Literature
History
Sociology
Economics
Chemistry
Religious Studies
Earth Sciences
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science

Most Influential Alumni

David Herbert Donald
Kiese Laymon
Ellen Gilchrist
Thomas Naylor
Robert C. Robbins
Alan Hunter
David Davis
Randall Pinkston
Paul Ramsey
Donald Triplett
James E. Graves Jr.
Cassandra Wilson
Compare school
#4
Mississippi University for Women
Columbus , MS
#5 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2026
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:

Nursing
Literature
Sociology
Education
Physics
History
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Communications

Most Influential Alumni

Eudora Welty
Blanche Colton Williams
Susan Golden
Valerie Jaudon
Elizabeth H. West
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
Delta State University
Cleveland , MS
#6 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2026 #6 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #7 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #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:

Nursing
History
Education
Chemistry
Medical
Mathematics
Biology
Social Work
Business
Literature

Most Influential Alumni

John Grisham
William David McCain
Wirt Williams
Oritse Femi
Sandra Rushing
Robert W. Hamblin
Compare school
#6
Belhaven University
Jackson , MS
#5 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #8 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2026 #8 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026
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:

Religious Studies
Literature
Nursing
Political Science
Criminal Justice
Business
Medical
Sociology
Computer Science
History

Most Influential Alumni

Elizabeth Spencer
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
#7
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 #9 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026
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:

Sociology
Mathematics
Chemistry
Business
Literature
Political Science
Biology
Education
Social Work
Criminal Justice

Most Influential Alumni

Ida B. Wells
Clinton LeSueur
Willie Mitchell
Anita Ward
Larry Anderson
Gwendolyn Wilson Fowler
Leslie B. McLemore
Dembo M. Badjie
F.C. Richardson
Jim Thomas
Compare school
#8
Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena , MS
#24 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #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:

History
Education
Mathematics
Computer Science
Chemistry
Sociology
Political Science
Communications
Law
Biology
Compare school
#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 2026 #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:

Literature
Religious Studies
Medical
Business
Communications
Psychology
Criminal Justice
Education
Biology
History

Most Influential Alumni

Anna Granville Hatcher
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

Build your own college rankings

Mississippi’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.

Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.

Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.

Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put 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.

Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students.

Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).

Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers.

Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available.

Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online.

Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.

Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands.

Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.

Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving.

If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.

The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors.

Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.

If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

Choosing among Mississippi’s liberal arts colleges means weighing small-college advantages—close faculty mentorship, seminar-driven curricula, and extracurricular leadership—against program fit, cost, and post-graduate pathways. This guide highlights the institutions most frequently recognized for strong undergraduate teaching, distinctive majors, and campus environments that foster close-knit intellectual communities, and it explains the key criteria to compare when deciding where to apply or enroll.

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

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2026

Key Takeaways

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi in 2026

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi

Last Year’s Ranking:

Career Outlook for degree at Tougaloo College

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for degree at Alcorn State University

Most Influential Alumni

Alcorn State University’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Millsaps College

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi University for Women

Most Influential Alumni

Mississippi University for Women’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Delta State University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for degree at Belhaven University

Most Influential Alumni

Belhaven University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Rust College

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi Valley State University

Career Outlook for degree at Blue Mountain College

Most Influential Alumni

Blue Mountain College’s Online Degrees

Mississippi’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest