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Mississippi College

Clinton, MS

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

2,423
Total Students
$22K
Tuition (In-State)
$22K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
49%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
6-year
80%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Mississippi College

Pioneering coeducation in the U.S., Mississippi College offers a rich history and faith-based education.

Mississippi College stands as a vibrant institution with a groundbreaking legacy, famously becoming the first coeducational college in the United States to award degrees to women in 1831. With a deep affiliation to the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1850, the college offers a distinctive educational experience rooted in faith, while fostering a diverse and engaging campus community. Prospective students can anticipate an environment that blends rigorous academics with a commitment to values, preparing them for impactful careers and lives.

Throughout its extensive history, Mississippi College has demonstrated continuous growth and adaptation. From its humble beginnings as Hampstead Academy in 1826, it evolved into a comprehensive college offering degrees in arts, sciences, and languages. Its resilience was evident through wartime efforts, including participation in the V-12 Navy College Training Program during World War II, and significant post-war expansion. The college strategically integrated other institutions like Hillman College and Clarke College, expanding its academic footprint and establishing dedicated schools for Nursing, Business, Law, and Education, reflecting a broad commitment to professional development.

In the 21st century, Mississippi College has continued its trajectory of innovation and growth. Enrollment surged significantly between 2002 and 2015, welcoming a record number of freshmen and a remarkably diverse international student body. The institution has expanded its academic offerings, notably launching Mississippi's first Physician Assistant program in 2011 and introducing doctoral programs in educational leadership and professional counseling. Looking ahead, the college is set to embrace a new identity, transforming into Mississippi Christian University for its bicentennial in 2026, signaling its enduring commitment to Christian higher education.

Key Highlights

  • First coeducational college in the U.S. to award degrees to women in 1831.
  • Affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1850.
  • Enrollment grew from 3,227 to 5,152 students between 2002 and 2015.
  • Launched Mississippi's first Physician Assistant program in 2011.
  • Hosted 505 international students from over two dozen nations in Fall 2015.
  • Participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program during World War II.
  • Will be renamed Mississippi Christian University for its bicentennial in 2026.

Timeline

1826
Received its first charter, originally as Hampstead Academy.
1827
Name changed to Mississippi Academy.
1830
Name changed to Mississippi College, offering degrees in arts, sciences, and languages.
1831
Became the first coeducational college in the U.S. to award degrees to female students.
1850
Became affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention.
1942
Acquired Hillman College and participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program.
1969
The School of Nursing began.
1975
Purchased the Jackson School of Law, establishing the Mississippi College School of Law; Division of Business became the School of Business.
2011
Added Mississippi's first physician assistant program.
2026
Scheduled to change its name to Mississippi Christian University for its bicentennial.

Schools & Colleges

4 notable schools within Mississippi College

⚖️

Mississippi College School of Law

Established in 1975 after the college purchased the former Jackson School of Law.

💉

School of Nursing

Began operations in 1969.

💼

School of Business

Established in 1975 from the college's division of business.

📚

School of Education

Established in 1977 from the college's division of education.

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