Tougaloo College: 49.3% Acceptance Rate

49.3%Acceptance

$11,398Tuition

681Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,724Earnings

#22 in MississippiPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindLiberal ArtsNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCUUnited Church of Christ

About Tougaloo College

Tougaloo College builds on a 154-year legacy as a beacon for academic excellence and social justice. This historically black liberal arts institution serves 681 students in Mississippi's capital region and maintains deep partnerships with top universities like Brown. The college has produced influential leaders including civil rights icon Myrlie Evers-Williams and U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson. Science and pre-medical programs anchor the academic reputation, preparing students for graduate study and professional careers.

Students face a net price of $15,663 after financial aid, with 62% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $34,724 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $30,046 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $319 represents a significant portion of early-career earnings. The 36% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle financially after leaving campus.

The student body is 90% Black with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. About 71% of freshmen return for sophomore year, though only 32% graduate within six years. The college offers eight varsity sports competing in NAIA with $419,000 in athletic scholarships available. Campus housing accommodates 670 students, creating a tight-knit residential community.

Academics & Faculty

Tougaloo College is a historically black liberal arts college known for producing scientists and doctors through its strong pre-med and science programs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know students personally. However, only 32% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the academic challenges many first-generation college students face. The college's partnership with Brown University gives students access to research opportunities at an Ivy League institution. Tougaloo has built a reputation for sending graduates to medical and graduate schools despite serving a student body where 62% receive Pell Grants. The liberal arts curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and social justice, preparing students for leadership roles.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 97.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 31.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.3%
Retention Rate: 71.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,724
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Sociology.	Bachelor	$22,485
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$18,771

View all 29 programs →

Campus Life

Tougaloo's 500-acre campus sits just seven miles north of Jackson, Mississippi's capital city. With housing capacity for 670 students and total enrollment of 681, nearly every student lives on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and the small size fosters close relationships across the student body.

Mississippi's subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, though light jackets come in handy during brief cold snaps. With 89.87% of students being Black and 76.60% from Mississippi, campus culture centers around HBCU traditions like homecoming celebrations and Greek life. The college's partnership with Brown University brings unique research opportunities that many students pursue on weekends alongside traditional campus activities. Students often head into Jackson for entertainment, shopping, or internships, taking advantage of the capital city's job market. The 71.09% retention rate reflects students who find their place in this historically significant institution where civil rights leaders like Myrlie Evers-Williams once walked the same paths.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 670 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1869

Campus Safety (2023)

10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Burglary	4	0	0
Dating Violence	1	1	1
Stalking	1	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 37°–57°F
July Avg: 73°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.3"
Annual Snowfall: 1.0"

Student Demographics

Tougaloo draws students primarily from Mississippi, with 77% coming from in-state. The college serves a predominantly Black student body at 90%, reflecting its mission as a historically black institution. Women outnumber men 59% to 41%, typical for liberal arts colleges. With 62% of students receiving Pell Grants, Tougaloo fulfills its commitment to making education accessible to first-generation and lower-income students. The strong local draw speaks to the college's deep Mississippi roots and reputation for preparing students for careers in science, education, and public service.

Men: 41.1%
Women: 58.9%
White: 0.4%
Black: 89.9%
Hispanic: 1.9%
Asian: 0.2%
In-State Students: 76.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 61.8%

Location

Tougaloo sits just north of Jackson, Mississippi's capital and largest city. The campus lies about 10 miles from downtown Jackson, giving students access to internships and cultural opportunities in a metro area of roughly 600,000 people. This historically black college occupies 500 acres in a small community that developed around the institution itself. The surrounding area reflects Mississippi's rural character, with rolling hills and pine forests typical of the state's central region. Students can reach Jackson's museums, restaurants, and government offices within a 20-minute drive. The college's proximity to the state capital provides networking opportunities while maintaining a quiet, focused campus environment. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare Tougaloo College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Tougaloo, Mississippi 39174

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,724
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,855
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 36.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $319/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $30,046

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Tougaloo College?

Tougaloo College accepts 49.31% of applicants, making it moderately selective. This historically black college maintains strong academic standards while remaining accessible to students seeking a quality liberal arts education.

How much does Tougaloo College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $15,663, with 61.80% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $14,824, making this private college surprisingly affordable for many families.

What academic programs is Tougaloo College known for?

Tougaloo excels in science and pre-med programs, maintaining a strong partnership with Brown University. The student-faculty ratio of 14:1 allows for personalized attention in rigorous academic programs that have produced notable scientists and medical professionals.

What are the graduation rates at Tougaloo College?

The 6-year graduation rate is 32.30%, with a 4-year rate of 31.57%. While these numbers reflect challenges common among HBCUs, graduates earn a median salary of $34,724 ten years after graduation with strong employment prospects.

Where is Tougaloo College located and what is campus life like?

The 681-student campus sits in Tougaloo, Mississippi, with housing capacity for 670 students creating a tight-knit residential community. Women make up 58.88% of the student body, and 89.87% of students are Black, reflecting the college's mission as an HBCU.

Does Tougaloo College have a strong civil rights history?

Founded in 1869 by the United Church of Christ, Tougaloo played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement. Notable alumni include civil rights activist Myrlie Evers-Williams and Congressman Bennie Thompson, continuing the college's legacy of producing influential leaders.