Best HBCUs In Mississippi
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Did you know that Mississippi’s best colleges include the state’s historically black colleges and universities? There are over 100 HBCUs in the United States — and six are in Mississippi.
The value of an HBCU education goes beyond a degree. At an HBCU in Mississippi, you can benefit from having a supportive environment and a strong sense of community. The best HBCUs offer support services to help you thrive on campus and launch your career after college.
Whether you’re interested in a small, rural college experience or you’re looking for a large, urban university, there’s an HBCU in Mississippi that fits your needs. Our ranking will help you find the best HBCU for your budget and educational goals.
6 Best HBCUs in Mississippi
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
Coahoma Community College
Clarksdale, MS- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$2,850
- Out-of-state$2,850
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,612
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Tougaloo College
- Tougaloo, MS
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$10,258
- Out-of-state$10,258
- In-State$10,134
- Out-of-state$10,134
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled775
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Rust College
- Holly Springs, MS
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$9,900
- Out-of-state$9,900
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance Rate29%
- Students Enrolled623
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Mississippi Valley State University
- Itta Bena, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,726
- Out-of-state$6,726
- In-State$7,344
- Out-of-state$7,344
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled2,032
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
Alcorn State University
- Alcorn State, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,044
- Out-of-state$6,044
- In-State$6,044
- Out-of-state$6,044
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate38%
- Students Enrolled3,230
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Jackson State University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,270
- Out-of-state$8,270
- In-State$8,270
- Out-of-state$8,270
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled6,921
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Frequently Asked Questions About HBCUs in Mississippi
How many HBCUs are in Mississippi?
There are six HBCUs in Mississippi:
- Alcorn State University
- Coahoma Community College
- Jackson State University
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Rust College
- Tougaloo College
These HBCUs range in size from around 600 students to 10,000 students. They’re located in both urban and rural parts of the state. And they offer degrees at all levels, from two-year associate degrees to doctoral programs.
What is the best HBCU in Mississippi?
There are many strong HBCUs in Mississippi, but based on our ranking methodology, which combines academics with affordability, Coahoma Community College ranks as the best HBCU in Mississippi. However, if you’re looking for a four-year college, Tougaloo is a great option. Alcorn State and Jackson State are both considered good choices, as well.
What is the largest HBCU in Mississippi?
Jackson State University is the largest HBCU in Mississippi. The public university enrolls 9,800 students. That also makes JSU the fourth-largest college in the state, behind Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi. The largest private HBCUs in Mississippi include Rust College and Tougaloo College, both of which enroll fewer than 1,000 students.
What is the cheapest HBCU in Mississippi?
The cheapest HBCU in Mississippi is Coahoma Community College. Typically, public community colleges offer the most affordable path to a college degree. Full-time students pay $3,200 per year in tuition. Earning a two-year degree costs a total of less than $6,500. Many other HBCUs in Mississippi also charge affordable tuition rates and offer financial aid.
Additional Resources for Mississippi HBCU Students
- Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid: Learn about state scholarships and grants. Then, apply through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid.
- College Guide for HBCU Students: Get insider tips on applying to an HBCU in Mississippi, along with resources on preparing for campus life.
- Resources for College, Careers and Employment: Offered by the Mississippi State Department of Health, this site includes information on preparing for college, scholarship opportunities, and college success.
- Scholarships for HBCU Students: Learn about scholarships and grants offered to students attending HBCUs, including resources on other forms of financial assistance.
- UNCF Scholarships: UNCF awards over $100 million in scholarships for college students, with a focus on HBCUs. Learn about their scholarships to cover the cost of attending an HBCU in Mississippi.
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