Best HBCUs in Mississippi (2025)

If the idea of studying at a college or university that served African Americans during Mississippi's turbulent civil rights history appeals to you, then you might want to explore the Magnolia State's distinctive Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Established between the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and the 1964 Civil Rights Act to educate African American students who were not legally permitted to study in most colleges or universities, especially in Southern states, these schools today do not exclude students of any racial or ethnic origin.

In fact, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and white students constitute approximately 24% of the student bodies at HBCUs, so you would be welcome to apply regardless of your personal family heritage or racial identity.

A study from the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) on the positive economic impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S. reports that Mississippi's HBCUs serve to drive the state's economy, resulting in 'more jobs, stronger growth, and more vibrant communities.'

A steady production of well-educated HBCU graduates bolsters Mississippi's workforce, the UNCF reports, having a total economic impact of $774 million, filling 7,775 jobs for workers who collectively earn $8.3 billion in their lifetimes.

List of HBCUs in Mississippi

1. Alcorn State University

Founded in 1871 in Claiborne County, Alcorn State is the oldest public HBCU land-grant institution in the nation and the second-oldest public university in Mississippi.

In an interesting twist, in 1871, the state of Mississippi purchased an existing Presbyterian college for white male students, Oakland College (established in 1828), and transformed it into Alcorn University for freed male slaves.

A few years later, it became Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College and eventually Alcorn State University, one of the best HBCUs in Jackson, MS.

With a high (81%) first-year retention rate today, this HBCU appears to have a high student satisfaction level. The annual tuition rate is $8,549, and 100% of students receive an average of $10,386 in grant or scholarship aid.

With about 3,000 students (95% of whom are Black) and 45 major programs, Alcorn State grants all types of degrees from associate to professional doctorate degrees. Twelve percent of students are enrolled exclusively in online education.

Alcorn State includes programs that cover agriculture, applied sciences, the arts, business, education, psychology, sciences, and nursing. The field awarding the highest number of bachelor's degrees in 2022 was biology.

2. Coahoma Community College

On its 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Coahoma Community College is a public two-year college, founded as an historically Black college in 1949.

Founded in 1924 as Coahoma County Agricultural High School, it was the first agricultural high school in Mississippi for Black students. In 1949 it became Coahoma Junior College and Agricultural High School.

In 1950, Coahoma Junior College became the first public junior college for African American students in Mississippi's system, and after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it began to accept all students regardless of race or ethnicity.

In 1995, Coahoma Community College became the designated community college for Bolivar, Coahoma, Quitman, Tallahatchie, and Tunica counties.

This comprehensive institution, serving just under 2,000 students, acts as a catalyst for community and economic development in the Northwest Mississippi Delta region.

This affordable college charges just $3,350 per year in tuition, and 100% of its students receive substantial financial aid. Enrollment is 89% African American students.

The community college offers more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs preparing students either for college or university transfer or for entry into the skilled workforce through career and technical education programs.

3. Jackson State University

The public Jackson State University is Mississippi's fourth-largest college. JSU has achieved high national rankings for its academics � for example, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) ranks its STEM program as fifth in the nation.

Founded as the private Natchez Seminary by the American Baptist Home Mission Society in 1877 to educate freed slaves, it soon moved to Jackson. In 1934, it transitioned from a private; church-controlled college to the state's public system and became Jackson State College.

In 1974, it earned university status due to its broad academic offerings at both the bachelor's and graduate levels, and JSU proudly achieved its status as a Carnegie-classified doctoral research university in 2000.

Today, JSU is officially designated as the Urban University of the state of Mississippi. Tuition and fees for a year are $8,445 for in-state and $9,445 for nonresidents. A full 99% of students receive financial aid with an average award of $8,694 per year.

With about 100 degree programs, including 19 online degree programs serving around 7,000 students, Jackson State today is the fourth-largest HBCU in the United States.

The 245-acre main campus in the Jackson city center is the hub of a network that includes satellite campuses across Mississippi.

4. Mississippi Valley State University

Established in 1946 as Mississippi Vocational College, today's public Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) is a Carnegie-classified master's university offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

With a student population of just under 2,000, Mississippi Valley State University charges $7,414 in undergraduate tuition each year, which is offset by average financial aid awards of $9,961 to 94% of its undergraduate students.

Student demographics show an 83% African American or Black student body. The number of out-of-state students is high for a state university, almost equaling that of state residents. Two-thirds of students attend full time, and almost all in face-to-face classrooms.

While the first-year retention rate is an admirable 62%, the graduation rate of only 27% within six years may be a cause for concern.

MVSU is committed to creating a learner-centered and service-oriented environment. The field awarding the largest number of bachelor's degrees in 2022 was education.

5. Rust College

Rust College in Holly Springs is a private college affiliated with the United Methodist Church that is dedicated to serving students from diverse backgrounds. It was founded in 1866 by the Freedman's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Today, Rust has a liberal arts focus and a student enrollment of just under 800 students. It boasts small classes with an 8-to-1 student-faculty ratio.

Undergraduate tuition and fees are a relatively low $9,900 per year, and 98% of students receive financial aid averaging $8,549 in scholarships and grants. Enrollment is 95% African American, and 63% of Rust College's students come from out-of-state.

Rust College offers 20 undergraduate programs and two associate degree programs. The degree field awarding the highest number of degrees in 2022 was journalism (including broadcast journalism).

Throughout its history, Rust graduates have become teachers and administrators, college presidents, physicians, business and government leaders, lawyers, and religious leaders.

6. Tougaloo College

In Jackson, Tougaloo College is a private liberal arts HBCU affiliated with, but not controlled by, the United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ Church.

Tougaloo's 500-acre campus was established in 1871. Today, the school offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees to just under 700 students. Annual tuition is $10,861 for undergrads, and 90% of those students receive grant or scholarship aid averaging $9,387.

The 82% first-year retention rate seems to indicate a high degree of student satisfaction, although the graduation rate is a low 31%, with only a 20% transfer-out rate. This indicates some problems in the support system to get a student through to graduation.

With a student body that is 89% African American or Black, Tougaloo's faculty and staff are committed to preparing graduates to 'lead the change for a better world' through a diverse offering of undergraduate and graduate programs.

The highest number of graduates in 2022 declared majors in the natural, behavioral, and social sciences.

What's the Average Cost of an HBCU Degree Program in Mississippi?

While the least expensive option is the two-year associate program at Coahoma Community College, the four-year public HBCUs in Mississippi average about $8,000 per year, not taking into account the high level of student aid awards. The private HBCUs are a couple of thousand dollars more.

How To Choose the Right HBCU

The HBCUs in Mississippi vary in their sizes, the nature of their campuses, and their academic emphases and cultures. The best way to choose the right HBCU for you is to visit the campus, talk to students and faculty, and get a feel for the experience at each school.

Are There Online HBCUs?

Yes, HBCUs do offer online programs. Some of the larger Mississippi HBCUs offer online degree programs, including Alcorn State or Jackson State.

Find a Historically Black College or University Near You

If you want to immerse yourself in the unique campus culture of a historically Black college or university (HBCU) in Mississippi, you will generally find a welcoming and supportive environment and a place to nurture your leadership skills and other academic interests.