Best Private Colleges in Mississippi

The state of Mississippi, fondly known as the Magnolia State, is rich in cultural history and scenic beauty and houses some of the most reputable private educational institutions in the South. These institutions offer diverse programs and opportunities for students. Let’s explore the best private colleges Mississippi has to offer.

Mississippi College

Located in Clinton, it’s the state’s oldest institution of higher learning and has a Baptist heritage.

Information About Private Programs

Mississippi College provides a plethora of undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing fields like business, law, and health sciences.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition averages $19,000 per year. The college enrolls around 5,100 students, with an SAT range of 990-1230.

William Carey University

Situated in Hattiesburg, it’s rooted in Baptist traditions and is known for its healthcare and education programs.

Information About Private Programs

The university offers numerous undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, including nursing, education, and business.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition stands at about $13,500 annually. With an enrollment of 5,000 students, the SAT range typically falls between 1030-1230.

Belhaven University

Based in Jackson, Belhaven is a Christian institution known for its arts programs.

Information About Private Programs

Belhaven provides diverse undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing the arts, business, and health administration.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Annual tuition is around $26,400. The university enrolls nearly 4,300 students, with an SAT range of 920-1140.

Millsaps College

In Jackson, Millsaps College is a liberal arts institution with a Methodist affiliation.

Information About Private Programs

Millsaps offers a range of undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, business, and interdisciplinary fields.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition approximates $41,000 annually. The college boasts an enrollment of about 1,100 students, with an SAT range of 1150-1360.

Tougaloo College

Situated just north of Jackson, Tougaloo is a historically black liberal arts college focused on social justice.

Information About Private Programs

Tougaloo provides undergraduate programs emphasizing arts, sciences, and education. The college also offers select graduate programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual tuition is approximately $11,000. The college enrolls around 900 students, with an SAT range of 850-1010.

Blue Mountain Christian University

Located in Blue Mountain, this Christian institution offers a variety of undergraduate programs.

Information About Private Programs

The university emphasizes arts, sciences, education, and religious studies.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition is about $12,000 per year. The university has an enrollment of roughly 600 students, with an SAT range being 830-1040.

Rust College

Based in Holly Springs, Rust is a historically black liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

Information About Private Programs

Rust College offers diverse undergraduate programs focusing on arts, business, education, and social sciences.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual tuition stands at approximately $9,700. The college enrolls about 1,000 students, with an SAT range of 760-960.

Southeastern Baptist College

Located in Laurel, this institution emphasizes Christian teachings and leadership.

Information About Private Programs

The college provides undergraduate programs in business administration, church ministries, and general studies.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition approximates $8,000 annually. The college has an enrollment of around 150 students.

Strayer University – Mississippi

Though it’s part of a nationwide network, the Mississippi campus in Jackson offers flexible programs for working adults.

Information About Private Programs

Strayer offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, notably in business administration, accounting, and information technology.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual tuition varies based on programs but averages around $14,250. The Mississippi campus has a diverse enrollment, with SAT scores varying widely due to the non-traditional student body.

Best Private Colleges in Three Other States

Best Private Colleges in Arkansas

Hendrix College and Ouachita Baptist University stand out in Arkansas, merging academic rigor with a deep sense of community.

Best Private Colleges in Louisiana

Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans top the list in Louisiana, offering a blend of rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.

Best Private Colleges in Alabama

Samford University and Birmingham-Southern College lead in Alabama, emphasizing liberal arts education and community involvement.

How the SAT is Scored

The SAT consists of two main sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800, with the maximum score being 1600. The SAT also includes an optional essay, which is scored separately. Based on correct answers, raw scores are converted to scaled scores using a process called equating, ensuring fairness across different test editions.

In summary, Mississippi’s private colleges offer a rich tapestry of educational experiences, melding tradition, innovation, and community. A keen understanding of standardized testing, like the SAT, remains essential as students seek future academic endeavors.