Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025

Badge for BEST IN MISSISSIPPI SMALL COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Updated: Nov 25, 2024

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.

Key Takeaways

The best small colleges in Mississippi prioritize fostering strong relationships between students and faculty, offering personalized instruction and mentorship due to their low student-to-faculty ratios.
The institutions in our ranking often incorporate Mississippi’s rich cultural and historical legacy into their academic programs and campus events, providing students with a deeper connection to regional traditions.
Many of the best small colleges in Mississippi emphasize civic involvement, encouraging students to participate in local service projects and community development initiatives, enriching their educational experience with practical impact.

Table of Contents

10 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi in 2025

Tougaloo College
+4
Mississippi College
–1
Alcorn State University
+3
Millsaps College
–1
Mississippi University for Women
–1
Delta State University
–4
William Carey University
Rust College
+1
Belhaven University
–1
Mississippi Valley State University

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 small colleges in Mississippi saw a substantial amount of movement. Tougaloo College gained the most ranking positions as the college is making significant strides to enhance its campus and educational offerings. Guided by its strategic plan, “Preserving the Past, Advancing Tomorrow,” the college focuses on institutional growth and development with input from its community. Recent campus improvements include projects funded by The Home Depot’s “Retool Your School” grant, such as outdoor eco-classrooms, upgraded health facilities, and renovated residence halls. Leadership changes, including the appointment of interim president Dr. Donzell Lee, demonstrate a commitment to addressing internal challenges and fostering a strong vision for the future.

Additionally, active engagement from the Tougaloo College Alumni Coalition for Change highlights alumni dedication to preserving the institution’s legacy and addressing concerns around enrollment and campus morale. These efforts reflect Tougaloo’s dedication to providing a supportive, forward-thinking educational environment for its students.

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.