Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024

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Small colleges in Mississippi are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

10 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024

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  1. Mississippi College
  2. Delta State University
  3. Millsaps College
  4. Mississippi University for Women
  5. Tougaloo College
  6. Alcorn State University
  7. William Carey University
  8. Belhaven University
  9. Rust College
  10. Mississippi Valley State University
  1. Tougaloo College
  2. Alcorn State University
  3. Mississippi College
  4. Millsaps College
  5. Mississippi University for Women
  6. Delta State University
  7. Rust College
  8. William Carey University
  9. Belhaven University
  10. Mississippi Valley State University
  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. William Carey University 54%
  8. Tougaloo College 49%
  9. Belhaven University 43%
  10. Mississippi College 40%
  1. Alcorn State University 16 to 1
  2. Blue Mountain College 14 to 1
  3. William Carey University 13 to 1
  4. Mississippi College 13 to 1
  5. Mississippi Valley State University 12 to 1
  6. Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
  7. Delta State University 10 to 1
  8. Millsaps College 9 to 1
  9. Tougaloo College 9 to 1
  10. Belhaven University 9 to 1
  1. Millsaps College $43,815
  2. Belhaven University $28,375
  3. Mississippi College $21,098
  4. Blue Mountain College $19,280
  5. William Carey University $14,685
  6. Tougaloo College $10,861
  7. Rust College $9,900
  8. Delta State University $8,605
  9. Alcorn State University $8,549
  10. Mississippi University for Women $7,866
  1. Millsaps College $23,568
  2. Mississippi College $12,510
  3. Blue Mountain College $12,386
  4. William Carey University $12,312
  5. Belhaven University $10,710
  6. Tougaloo College $10,134
  7. Delta State University $8,435
  8. Alcorn State University $8,174
  9. Mississippi Valley State University $8,046
  10. Mississippi University for Women $7,766
  1. Blue Mountain College
  2. Mississippi Valley State University
  3. Rust College
  4. Belhaven University
  5. William Carey University
  6. Alcorn State University
  7. Tougaloo College
  8. Mississippi University for Women
  9. Millsaps College
  10. Delta State University
  1. Blue Mountain College
  2. Mississippi Valley State University
  3. Belhaven University
  4. William Carey University
  5. Rust College
  6. Delta State University
  7. Mississippi University for Women
  8. Millsaps College
  9. Mississippi College
  10. Alcorn State University
  1. Alcorn State University 30%
  2. Mississippi College 40%
  3. Belhaven University 43%
  4. Tougaloo College 49%
  5. William Carey University 54%
  6. Mississippi Valley State University 65%
  7. Millsaps College 68%
  8. Rust College 79%
  9. Blue Mountain College 96%
  10. Mississippi University for Women 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. William Carey University 13 to 1
  9. Mississippi College 13 to 1
  10. Blue Mountain College 14 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. William Carey University $14,685
  8. Blue Mountain College $19,280
  9. Mississippi College $21,098
  10. Belhaven University $28,375
  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. William Carey University $12,312
  8. Blue Mountain College $12,386
  9. Mississippi College $12,510
  10. 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

Mississippi's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Mississippi is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 11 small colleges in Mississippi. The list below of the best small colleges in Mississippi. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

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Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2023

  1. #1

    Mississippi College

    Clinton , MS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi College

    Cost of Degree: $21,698
    Expenses: $19,667
    Starting Salary: $44,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Mississippi College’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Loss Prevention
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communication
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    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
  3. #6

    Alcorn State University

    Alcorn State , MS
    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
  4. #7

    William Carey University

    Hattiesburg , MS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/24

    Career Outlook for degree at William Carey University

    Cost of Degree: $14,685
    Expenses: $16,383
    Starting Salary: $40,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is William Carey University known for?

    William Carey University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    William Carey University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Physical Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health, Physical Education And Recreation
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #8

    Belhaven University

    Jackson , MS
    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: $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
  6. #9

    Rust College

    Holly Springs , MS
    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: $13,840
    Expenses: $9,480
    Starting Salary: $26,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi Valley State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,912
    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:

  8. #11

    Blue Mountain College

    Blue Mountain , MS
    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: $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
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Mississippi’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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. Mississippi University for Women
  4. Mississippi College
  5. William Carey University
  6. Blue Mountain College
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