Last Updated: Saturday June 06, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Mississippi College (MC) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Clinton, Mississippi 48.9% Acceptance Rate

Mississippi College (MC) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Clinton, Mississippi 39058 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 www.mc.edu/

Mississippi College — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

48.9%Acceptance Rate
3.56Avg GPA
1120Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$39,167Annual Cost
$47,485Grad Salary
26.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
48.9%
Avg GPA
3.56
Avg SAT
1120
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1080–1150
ACT Middle 50%
19–26
Need-Based Aid
26.2% receive Pell

Mississippi College, founded in 1826 in Clinton, is the oldest institution of higher learning in Mississippi and a leading Christian university. The college's 320-acre campus features historic buildings like Provine Chapel alongside modern facilities such as the $12 million School of Nursing. Mississippi College offers 80+ undergraduate programs with strengths in law, business, and health sciences, all taught from a Christian worldview. The university's 13:1 student-faculty ratio supports personalized attention, while its location near Jackson provides internship opportunities. With a diverse student body including international students from 30+ countries, the college fosters global perspectives within its faith-based community. Recent initiatives include expansion of online programs and the $50 million 'Faith and Family' campaign, enhancing academic resources and scholarships while maintaining the institution's Baptist heritage.

Mississippi College Acceptance Rate

Mississippi College is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Mississippi College is 48.9%. This means that 49 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
  • Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.

Selectivity at a Glance

Selective
Mississippi College Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Selective — 48.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.11
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

MC GPA Requirement

The average GPA of the admitted students at MC is 3.56. MC is highly selective.

Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.76-3.96 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 3.26 and 3.56, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.

MC GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.

Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.

Admissions at MC utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.56, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.16 – 3.35
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.15
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • Faith is important factor
  • Leadership strengthens profile
  • Academic rigor matters
  • Service improves selection
  • The Rigor Metric: At MC, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
  • The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.

Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Check Your Admission Chances at MC

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Mississippi College's verified institutional data

--%
Calculating Profile...

Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.

Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00

✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

Mississippi College (MC) Test Requirements

In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.

Can I Get Into MC Without SAT or ACT?

Mississippi College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.

Mississippi College Average SAT Score: 1120

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Mississippi College is 1120 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Mississippi College SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1120 — Less Competitive

This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1120 on the SAT.

Composite
1120
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1150 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Mississippi College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1080, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at MC. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for Mississippi College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math---
SAT Reading---
SAT Composite112010801150

It means that if you have scored less than 1080 then you are below most of the admitted students at MC and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1150 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100

Can I get into Mississippi College (MC) with a 1150 SAT?

With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Mississippi College (MC) are good but the admission staff at MC tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

Mississippi College (MC) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at MC is 23.

ACT Competitiveness

Mississippi College ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive

This score makes Mississippi College slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 23 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Mississippi College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math211725
ACT English231927
ACT Composite231926

Can I get into Mississippi College with a 26 ACT?

A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Mississippi College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Mississippi College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Mississippi College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Mississippi College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 26 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 23

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for MC

Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning

At MC, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.

Christian Academic Strategy

Faith integration with academic excellence improves admission strength.

Leadership Strategy

School or church leadership improves holistic evaluation.

Academic Rigor Strategy

Strong GPA and coursework improve competitiveness.

Service Strategy

Community service strengthens profile significantly.

Expert Insight: Weak faith alignment and inconsistent academics reduce admission competitiveness.

MC Profile

Full Name
Mississippi College (MC)
City
Clinton
State
Mississippi
ZIP Code
39058
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Is a MC Degree Worth It?

Getting into MC can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. MC offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at MC is $52,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.89%.

How much does a degree from MC Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Mississippi College is $39,167. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Mississippi College is much less than this.

26.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 34.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to MC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Mississippi College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist MC as your choice in the form.

How much does a MC Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $47,485. An average MC graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.

$39,167Annual Cost
26.2%Pell Grant
34.8%Federal Loan
$47,485Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Mississippi College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, AL 1090 21
Spring Hill College Mobile, AL 1090 22
Troy University Troy, AL 1086 22
Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ 1095 22
University of the Ozarks Clarksville, AR 1088 21
Pacific Union College Angwin, CA 1093 22
Fort Lewis College Durango, CO 1084 20
Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO 1070 23
University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO 1077 22
Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CT 1091 24
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Mississippi College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of South Alabama Mobile, AL 1119 23
Tuskegee University Tuskegee, AL 1121 22
Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR 1119 22
University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR 1117 22
University of La Verne La Verne, CA 1116 22
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Mississippi College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Birmingham-Southern College Birmingham, AL 1197 24
University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 1174 25
Harding University Searcy, AR 1187 25
Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA 1155 22
Dominican University of California San Rafael, CA 1194 26

Degree Programs at MC

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Mississippi College →

Frequently Asked Questions About MC Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $47,485 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $39,167 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.

26.2% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.

The acceptance rate of Mississippi College is 48.9% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.56. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.

While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.26, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.26, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 3.16 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.

While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.56, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.

Admission to Mississippi College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1120 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1080–1150.

Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.

To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.

Last Updated: Saturday June 06, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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