Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 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.
10 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- Mississippi College
- Delta State University
- Millsaps College
- Mississippi University for Women
- Tougaloo College
- Alcorn State University
- William Carey University
- Belhaven University
- Rust College
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Tougaloo College
- Alcorn State University
- Mississippi College
- Millsaps College
- Mississippi University for Women
- Delta State University
- Rust College
- William Carey University
- Belhaven University
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Delta State University 99%
- Mississippi University for Women 99%
- Blue Mountain College 96%
- Rust College 79%
- Millsaps College 68%
- Mississippi Valley State University 65%
- William Carey University 54%
- Tougaloo College 49%
- Belhaven University 43%
- Mississippi College 40%
- Alcorn State University 16 to 1
- Blue Mountain College 14 to 1
- William Carey University 13 to 1
- Mississippi College 13 to 1
- Mississippi Valley State University 12 to 1
- Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
- Delta State University 10 to 1
- Millsaps College 9 to 1
- Tougaloo College 9 to 1
- Belhaven University 9 to 1
- Millsaps College $43,815
- Belhaven University $28,375
- Mississippi College $21,098
- Blue Mountain College $19,280
- William Carey University $14,685
- Tougaloo College $10,861
- Rust College $9,900
- Delta State University $8,605
- Alcorn State University $8,549
- Mississippi University for Women $7,866
- Millsaps College $23,568
- Mississippi College $12,510
- Blue Mountain College $12,386
- William Carey University $12,312
- Belhaven University $10,710
- Tougaloo College $10,134
- Delta State University $8,435
- Alcorn State University $8,174
- Mississippi Valley State University $8,046
- Mississippi University for Women $7,766
- Blue Mountain College
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Rust College
- Belhaven University
- William Carey University
- Alcorn State University
- Tougaloo College
- Mississippi University for Women
- Millsaps College
- Delta State University
- Blue Mountain College
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Belhaven University
- William Carey University
- Rust College
- Delta State University
- Mississippi University for Women
- Millsaps College
- Mississippi College
- Alcorn State University
- Alcorn State University 30%
- Mississippi College 40%
- Belhaven University 43%
- Tougaloo College 49%
- William Carey University 54%
- Mississippi Valley State University 65%
- Millsaps College 68%
- Rust College 79%
- Blue Mountain College 96%
- Mississippi University for Women 99%
- Rust College 8 to 1
- Millsaps College 9 to 1
- Tougaloo College 9 to 1
- Belhaven University 9 to 1
- Delta State University 10 to 1
- Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
- Mississippi Valley State University 12 to 1
- William Carey University 13 to 1
- Mississippi College 13 to 1
- Blue Mountain College 14 to 1
- Mississippi Valley State University $7,414
- Mississippi University for Women $7,866
- Alcorn State University $8,549
- Delta State University $8,605
- Rust College $9,900
- Tougaloo College $10,861
- William Carey University $14,685
- Blue Mountain College $19,280
- Mississippi College $21,098
- Belhaven University $28,375
- Mississippi University for Women $7,766
- Mississippi Valley State University $8,046
- Alcorn State University $8,174
- Delta State University $8,435
- Tougaloo College $10,134
- Belhaven University $10,710
- William Carey University $12,312
- Blue Mountain College $12,386
- Mississippi College $12,510
- 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?
- 6 Research Universities
- 9 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 8 Graduate Schools
- 8 Public Colleges & Universities
- 7 Private Colleges & Universities
- 7 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 11 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 12 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 15 Community Colleges
- 8 Online Colleges
Mississippi’s Best Overall
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.
Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2023
- #12 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #16 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #5 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024
- #7 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #5 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Mississippi 2025
- #6 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
- #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
- #8 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #14 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
- #17 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #18 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #23 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #24 Best RN to BSN Online Programs
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
40%
Graduation
62%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi College
Cost of Degree: $21,698Expenses: $19,667Starting Salary: $44,900Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mississippi College known for?
Mississippi College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #5 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Mississippi 2025
- #16 Best Online Master's in English 2025
- #17 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #19 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $8,605Expenses: $13,927Starting Salary: $37,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Delta State University known for?
Delta State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #22 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #2 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025
Other Rankings
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: $43,815Expenses: $16,652Starting Salary: $54,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Mississippi
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Mississippi 2025
- #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
37%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi University for Women
Cost of Degree: $8,092Expenses: $14,787Starting Salary: $38,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #9 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Best Liberal Arts 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: $10,735Expenses: $13,384Starting Salary: $32,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tougaloo College known for?
Tougaloo College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #13 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #21 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025
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: $8,549Expenses: $15,195Starting Salary: $35,000Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024
Other Rankings
- #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Mississippi 2025
- #18 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #20 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $14,685Expenses: $16,383Starting Salary: $40,500Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is William Carey University known for?
William Carey University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Communications
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Education
- History
- Mathematics
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 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #8 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Mississippi 2025
- #4 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #7 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
- #7 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
- #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Mississippi 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
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: $29,195Expenses: $11,050Starting Salary: $42,900Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
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
- #17 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #5 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #6 Best Private 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: $13,840Expenses: $9,480Starting Salary: $26,600Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #24 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #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: $7,912Expenses: $13,242Starting Salary: $27,200Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mississippi Valley State University known for?
Mississippi Valley State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #8 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024
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: $19,280Expenses: $13,978Starting Salary: $29,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
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
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.