Mississippi, often referred to as the Magnolia State, boasts a selection of colleges that offer students a faith-centered education across various fields of study. These esteemed institutions, situated in regions of the state, have affiliations with a range of denominations, such as Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian.
These Christian colleges in Mississippi are recognized for their commitment to integrating faith and learning, providing a holistic education experience that nurtures intellectual growth and spiritual and moral development[1]. Whatever your academic and spiritual goals are, you will find the ideal Christian college match on this list.
10 Best Christian Colleges In Mississippi
1. Mississippi College
Recognized for being the oldest college in the state, Mississippi College was established in 1826. It is well known for being the second-oldest college in the US with a Baptist affiliation. They offer over 80 undergraduate majors and have a diverse student population. They take pride in the way chapel services and Bible studies are incorporated into both the academic and daily lives of its students, both on and off campus.
2. Blue Mountain College
Blue Mountain College (BMC) is a privately funded college affiliated with the Baptist denomination situated in the town of Blue Mountain, Mississippi. It was established as a women’s college in 1873 and transitioned to a coeducational institution in the early 21st century.
The latest available data (Fall 2021) shows that the school has a total undergraduate enrollment of 961 students. BMC offers 27 bachelor’s degrees, and the admissions process is selective, with an acceptance rate of 99% of prospective college students. The campus is in a rural setting and provides various extracurricular activities through its official athletics program.
3. Belhaven University
Belhaven University, situated in the city of Jackson, Mississippi, is widely respected as a Christian institution that wholeheartedly embraces the values of higher education through a Christian lens. It was established in 1883 and is connected to the Presbyterian Church.
Historic buildings and delightful gardens characterize the charming setting of the well-known campus at Belhaven University. This beautiful setting creates an atmosphere for promoting volunteerism and spiritual development through a range of student organizations and activities. Their main focus is on providing an education that covers subjects fostering students’ ability to think critically, improving their communication skills, and honing their problem-solving capabilities.
Belhaven University’s commitment to the liberal arts has garnered it a prestigious reputation. It’s among the select 36 nationally accredited institutions that have demonstrated excellence in all major arts disciplines, encompassing dance, theater, music, and visual arts.
4. William Carey University
William Carey University, nestled in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a private Christian university with a rich history dating back to 1892. It’s closely affiliated with the Southern Baptist and Mississippi Baptist Conventions, reflecting its strong Christian heritage.
The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including arts and letters, business, education, nursing, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and religion. As of the 2022–2023 academic year, the university’s ranking in the National Universities category is #317, according to U.S. News & World Report.
5. Tougaloo College
Tougaloo College, located in Tougaloo, Mississippi, has a fascinating history. It maintains a distinct significance as a historically Black liberal arts institution and was established back in 1869 by the American Missionary Association. The college is closely linked with both the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, adding an impressive dimension to its religious affiliations.
At Tougaloo College, you have a choice of 29 distinct undergraduate majors, including those in the humanities, social sciences, education, and natural sciences. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and the Master of Science in Child Development are two highly regarded graduate programs that they also provide, allowing you to deepen your studies.
6. Millsaps College
More than 30 undergraduate majors and several graduate degrees in fields like business administration, accounting, and education are available at the private liberal arts college Millsaps College. The United Methodist Church is one with which they are associated.
They have their head campus in Jackson, Mississippi, and heavily emphasize academic study and spiritual growth, fostering an environment that encourages intellectual inquiry. The small size of the school and its 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio allow it to provide individualized attention.
7. Wesley Biblical Seminary
Wesley Biblical Seminary is a private seminary in the Methodist (Wesleyan-Arminian) tradition located in Ridgeland, Mississippi. The seminary was founded in 1974 and has been serving faithful churches by training trusted leaders.
Along with the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of Theological Studies, and Doctor of Ministry programs, the seminary also offers numerous other academic degrees. Students who pursue these educational paths will gain skills, resources, and information to be effective in their ministry work. Wesley Biblical Seminary embraces individuals from diverse Christian traditions, united by their shared passion for in-depth biblical theology, making it an inclusive institution.
8. Rust College
Rust College, situated in Holly Springs, Mississippi, is a historically Black college with strong church affiliations. It caters to students from various backgrounds and is recognized as a senior liberal arts institution. Established in 1866, it holds the distinction of being the second-oldest private college in the state. The college proudly maintains its affiliation with the United Methodist Church.
Rust College aims to provide a quality education in an environment that promotes intellectual and moral growth. The curriculum at Rust is designed to foster critical thinking, effective communication, appreciation of cultural diversity, and civic responsibility.
9. Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson)
Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) in Jackson, Mississippi, is a renowned institution offering rigorous degree programs for the mind, heart, and ministry. Known as the Belcher Campus, it provides a peaceful oasis of learning and devotion. RTS Jackson has been serving the Presbyterian Church since 1973 but also welcomes students from Particular Baptist and independent churches.
It offers a range of programs, including certificate programs and a Summer Institute for Biblical Languages. The seminary aims to provide a stellar education that challenges students intellectually while fostering spiritual growth, making it one of the best Christian colleges in Mississippi.
10. Southeastern Baptist College
Southeastern Baptist College is a private Baptist Bible college located in Laurel, Mississippi. The college was founded in 1948 by the Baptist Missionary Association (BMA) of Mississippi.
Through its membership in The Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), they have been recognized by the Department of Education as an approved school for higher learning since 1988. Offering both a thorough 4-year bachelor’s degree program and a streamlined 2-year associate’s degree program sets them apart from other Bible colleges in the US. This opens doors for students to follow their career aspirations within a well-established Christian educational setting.
Conclusion
Mississippi’s Christian colleges offer a wealth of opportunities for students seeking a faith-based education. These institutions, each possessing a mission and a range of academic programs, offer a setting where students can academically and spiritually advance.
They give students a solid platform on which to grow in their religion, perform meaningful acts of service, and get ready for their future careers. These ten Christian institutions in Mississippi offer the greatest faith-based higher education in the state, whether you’re seeking a small college experience or a larger university setting.