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Small Colleges in Mississippi

28 schools in Mississippi. See our methodology.

Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel achieves a perfect 100% graduation rate with just 65 students, making it the statistical outlier among Mississippi's 28 small colleges. This dramatic range from near-perfect completion to rates below 30% reveals how institutional size and mission shape student outcomes across the state. Community colleges dominate the affordable end, with Southwest Mississippi Community College charging just $3,057 annually, while private institutions like Mississippi College command $20,911 for their Clinton campus. The earnings potential varies significantly too, from $26,946 for Southeastern Baptist graduates to $47,485 for Mississippi College alumni. These schools serve a state with the nation's lowest cost of living, where major employers like the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Ingalls Shipbuilding create demand for trained workers. Mississippi's Eminent Scholars Grant program helps offset costs, particularly important given that 15 of the top schools enroll fewer than 5,000 students each. The state's ongoing teacher shortages also create opportunities for education majors at institutions like William Carey University and Belhaven University, both of which maintain strong liberal arts programs alongside professional tracks.
28
Schools
$11,056
Avg. Net Price
$36,041
Avg. Earnings
44.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Mississippi

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 65 $5,603 100.0%
2 2,423 $20,911 62.8% 40.0%
3 2,290 $14,040 46.2% 29.9%
4 1,948 $3,472 51.6%
5 3,847 $5,980 45.4%
6 4,018 $5,034 45.3%
7 2,914 $3,880 41.8%
8 2,025 $6,811 44.2%
9 1,370 $22,078 51.1% 42.6%
10 1,497 $3,057 40.2%
11 1,584 $5,770 39.3%
12 1,818 $17,052 40.8% 53.6%
13 3,248 $7,945 35.9%
14 4,725 $4,881 35.3%
15 2,640 $9,307 35.4%
16 1,314 $560 38.2%
17 681 $15,663 32.3% 49.3%
18 1,490 $2,276 29.9%
19 580 $25,291 55.5% 67.8%
20 1,613 $13,778 46.9% 98.6%
21 1,593 $13,198 37.8% 99.1%
22 536 $18,062 51.2% 95.7%
23 4,769 $20,191 32.2% 88.6%
24 1,326 $11,812 22.1% 64.8%
25 428 $8,751 27.0% 78.8%
26 400
27 114 $22,064 67.4% 99.5%
28 27 100.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southeastern Baptist College unique among Mississippi's small colleges?

Southeastern Baptist College maintains a 100% graduation rate with only 65 students, the highest completion rate among all 28 small colleges in the state. This tiny institution charges $5,603 net annually and produces graduates earning $26,946 on average, demonstrating how personalized attention can drive academic success.

How do community college costs compare to private institutions in Mississippi?

Community colleges average around $5,000 annually, with Southwest Mississippi Community College at just $3,057, while private schools like Mississippi College reach $20,911. This $17,000 gap reflects different missions, with community colleges serving 1,500-4,700 students compared to smaller private enrollments.

Is Mississippi College worth the higher tuition among small colleges?

Mississippi College graduates earn $47,485 annually, nearly $15,000 more than most community college alumni in the state. With 2,423 students and a 62.8% graduation rate, the Clinton-based institution accepts just 40% of applicants, maintaining selectivity that correlates with stronger post-graduation outcomes.

Where do most small college graduates find employment in Mississippi?

Major employers include the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Ingalls Shipbuilding, and regional healthcare systems. Mississippi's teacher shortage creates additional opportunities, particularly for education graduates from institutions like Belhaven University and William Carey University, which prepare students for K-12 careers.

Does financial aid significantly reduce costs at Mississippi's small colleges?

The state's Eminent Scholars Grant program helps qualified students, while the lowest cost of living nationally makes education more affordable. Net prices range from $3,057 at Southwest Mississippi Community College to $22,078 at Belhaven University, with most community colleges under $7,000.

How do graduation rates vary among different types of small colleges?

Rates span from 29.9% to 100%, with private colleges generally outperforming community colleges. Southeastern Baptist leads at 100%, Mississippi College achieves 62.8%, while most community colleges range from 35-50%. Smaller enrollments often correlate with higher completion rates across the state.

Related

Small Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Mississippi Cheapest Programs in Mississippi

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.