Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Mississippi have been influential in shaping the educational landscape of the state. These institutions provide access to higher education for African American students and have contributed to the social, economic, and cultural development of Mississippi.

Mississippi has a total of eight HBCUs, which include Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Hinds Community College, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College, Tougaloo College, and William Carey University.

Jackson State University is the largest HBCU in Mississippi, with over 7,000 students, and it offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in a variety of fields, including business, education, engineering, and health sciences. Mississippi Valley State University is another large HBCU in the state, offering undergraduate and advanced degrees in fields like social work, education, and business.

Many of these institutions have long and rich histories. For example, Alcorn State University, located in rural Lorman, was founded in 1871 as the first land-grant college in the country for African Americans. It has a rich legacy of producing successful graduates and has been instrumental in advancing the education of African Americans in Mississippi.

Tougaloo College, founded in 1869, has a strong commitment to social justice and has been an important center of activism for civil rights in Mississippi. The college played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, serving as a site for training young activists and hosting major civil rights figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Medgar Evers.

HBCUs in Mississippi have also been vital in supporting local economies. For example, Jackson State University is one of the top three employers in Hinds County, and Mississippi Valley State University contributes millions of dollars to the local economy annually. These institutions not only provide education but also generate employment and foster economic growth in the communities they serve.

Overall, HBCUs in Mississippi are critical institutions that help bridge the opportunity gap for African American students and provide access to higher education. They have a rich history of producing successful graduates and have served as important centers of activism and social justice. These institutions are essential components of Mississippi’s educational landscape and contribute to the state’s social, economic, and cultural development.