Best HBCUs In Mississippi

Located next to a picturesque lake in Coahoma County, Coahoma Community College is one of the most affordable HBCUs in Mississippi. 

The two-year college offers 17 career and technical programs that encourage hands-on learning. You can also choose from 61 areas of study that prepare graduates to transfer into a four-year program. For example, you can study business, social science, education, or human services at Coahoma Community College.

Tuition will set you back just $1,600 per semester, which increases the return on investment for earning a degree. The public community college also offers support services, including a career center, mentoring opportunities, and counseling services.

From its historic 500-acre campus on the edge of Jackson, Tougaloo College enrolls around 630 students. The private HBCU dates back to 1869 when the American Missionary Association purchased former plantation land to create a college. Today, undergrads choose from around 30 bachelor's programs at the small college. 

Tougaloo College emphasizes leadership and service in its four colleges, which focus on humanities, natural science, social science, and education. Outside of the classroom, student clubs and organizations encourage leadership skills. As a Christian institution, the college also holds community worship services and hosts a religious emphasis week every spring. 

Interested in working in the media? Unlike most schools, Tougaloo College owns and operates its own broadcast television station. Tune in to WLOO-TV to learn more.

Founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1866, Rust College is the second-oldest private college in Mississippi. Located in Holly Springs, the HBCU offers 20 bachelor's programs and two associate programs, with majors like biology, computer science, social science, political science, and English. You can also take classes online from anywhere with an internet connection. 

Rust College is about more than classroom learning. The college's first-year experience includes advising and support services to help students transition into higher education. Religious life activities connect the community and help students explore moral values. 

While private colleges typically cost more than public colleges, Rust prioritizes affordability. The annual tuition rate is less than $10,000 per year, which is less than many public universities.

From the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Mississippi Valley State University prepares students for success. The public university, located in Leflore County, enrolls around 2,000 students in its academic programs. You can study criminal justice, engineering, education, social work, or business at MVSU.

Academic counselors help students identify their skills and plan their educational experiences. And outside of class, MVSU offers athletics programs, religious activities, and residential programs. Over 1,000 students live in the residence halls. 

MVSU charges a flat tuition rate for all students, regardless of residency status. That means a significant discount for out-of-state learners. You can expect to spend around $7,500 per year on tuition. Save money by applying for MVSU scholarships and grants with a single application.

The second-oldest public college in Mississippi, Alcorn State University is also the oldest public land-grant HBCU in the country. 

Located in Claiborne County, the HBCU boasts 1,700 acres of land and an enrollment of 3,000 students. In addition to the main campus, you can take nursing and business classes in Natchez or study at the Vicksburg campus. Alcorn also offers online programs.

Alcorn's student organizations and enriching activities strengthen your academic pursuits, build leadership skills, and encourage creativity. The active campus community gives students many ways to get involved. Work closely with faculty mentors while building skills to succeed after college.

You can earn everything from an associate degree to a doctorate at Alcorn. The campus welcomes students from 34 states and 23 countries. Expect to spend $3,645 in tuition per semester or $328 per credit for in-state and out-of-state tuition.

The largest HBCU in Mississippi, Jackson State University, enrolls around 10,000 students. Founded in 1877, the public university has a tree-lined campus in the heart of Jackson. 

JSU takes a student-centered approach. You can join clubs, participate in athletic events, or explore Jackson. The university encourages students to put their classroom learning into practice by serving the broader community. 

JSU has five colleges that cover business, health sciences, STEM, education, and the liberal arts. Or earn a degree through JSU Online. You can earn a degree in criminal justice, healthcare administration, or technology. You can also earn an MBA online at JSU. 

Mississippi students benefit from a significant tuition discount. In-state tuition is $345 per credit, while out-of-state tuition is $845 per credit.