Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi

The Magnolia State, Mississippi, is home to several highly regarded liberal arts colleges. These institutions offer a broad-based education in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. This article examines the best liberal arts colleges in Mississippi, considering their programs, annual costs, enrollment, and SAT ranges.

Millsaps College

In Jackson, Millsaps College is a private institution known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.

Information About Liberal Arts Programs

Millsaps offers various liberal arts programs, including Biochemistry, Classical Studies, Environmental Studies, Music, and Theatre.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual cost of attending Millsaps is approximately $40,000. The college enrolls around 800 students, and the SAT score range for admitted students is typically between 1080 and 1290.

Mississippi University for Women

Mississippi University for Women, often called “The W,” is in Columbus. Although initially a women’s college, The W has been coeducational since 1982.

Information About Liberal Arts Programs

The W offers a variety of liberal arts programs, including English, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual cost at The W is around $8,500 for in-state students and $17,500 for out-of-state students. The university enrolls approximately 2,400 students; the SAT score range is between 950 and 1160.

Tougaloo College

Near Jackson, Tougaloo College is a private, historically black liberal arts institution.

Information About Liberal Arts Programs

Tougaloo offers various liberal arts programs, including Art, English, History, Political Science, and Sociology.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual cost to attend Tougaloo is approximately $10,600. The college enrolls about 900 students, with an SAT range of 830-1010.

Mississippi Valley State University

Situated in Itta Bena, Mississippi Valley State University is a public university offering a range of liberal arts and professional programs.

Information About Liberal Arts Programs

Mississippi Valley State offers various liberal arts programs, including Criminal Justice, English, Mass Communication, Social Work, and Visual Arts.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual cost at Mississippi Valley State is about $7,500 for in-state students and $7,600 for out-of-state students. The university enrolls around 2,500 students, and the SAT ranges between 860 and 1000.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Three Other States

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas

Beyond Mississippi, neighboring Arkansas also boasts some notable liberal arts colleges. Hendrix College, Lyon College, and Ouachita Baptist University are just a few examples of the top-notch liberal arts education available in Arkansas.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana

In Louisiana, consider exploring Centenary College of Louisiana, Louisiana State University – Alexandria, and Xavier University of Louisiana for their unique liberal arts programs.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama

Alabama also offers some outstanding liberal arts education options. Institutions like Birmingham-Southern College, Huntingdon College, and the University of Montevallo are recognized for their strong liberal arts focus.

How the SAT is Scored

Understanding how the SAT is scored can help students strategize their test preparation. The SAT score comprises two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, making the highest possible score 1600. There’s no penalty for wrong answers,  encouraging students to attempt every question. Subscores and cross-test scores provide further insights into a student’s strengths and weaknesses in more specific areas.

In conclusion, Mississippi has several outstanding liberal arts colleges that provide excellent education and a supportive community environment. The choice between them depends on the individual’s academic interests, financial considerations, and personal preferences. Regardless of the choice, a liberal arts education in Mississippi opens the door to many opportunities for growth and learning.