Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Clinton, Mississippi
48.9% Acceptance Rate
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
At an acceptance rate of 48.9%, Mississippi College rewards applicants who show real academic growth rather than a flawless transcript.
What MC Admissions Looks For
- Solid, Not Perfect: A GPA trending upward matters more than one that's flat.
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 48.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
A GPA a bit under the average isn't disqualifying at this tier. A solid test score or clear leadership record can offset it.
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
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Mississippi College Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mississippi College follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
MC reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
MC GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at MC is 3.56. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.26 and 3.56? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.76–3.96.MC GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
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
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Renamed from Mississippi College to Mississippi Christian University on June 1, 2026 (bicentennial year).
- Acceptance rate roughly 40-49%; test-optional, essay recommended not required.
- Affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention; oldest institution of higher learning in Mississippi (founded 1826).
- MC School of Law also renamed, becoming Mississippi Christian University School of Law (still called "MC Law").
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at MC
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Mississippi College's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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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
Scores aren't just a formality at MC. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into MC Without SAT or ACT?
MC considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Mississippi College Average SAT Score: 1120
Admitted students at Mississippi College average a 1120 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1120 — Less Competitive
A 1120 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1150 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Mississippi College allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1080? A retake is worth it at MC. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1120 | 1080 | 1150 |
A score under 1080 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1150+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Mississippi College (MC) with a 1150 SAT?
At 1150, your SAT is squarely in MC's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Mississippi College (MC) ACT Requirements
MC's admitted students average an ACT of 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 23 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 23 | 19 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 19 | 26 |
Can I get into Mississippi College with a 26 ACT?
At 26, you're in the top quarter of MC's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, MC weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for MC
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
MC rewards consistency. Being a top-quartile applicant here doesn't just help admission odds. It's usually what unlocks the strongest scholarship offers too.
Use the new name everywhere except on old transcripts
MC officially became Mississippi Christian University on June 1, 2026, as part of its bicentennial. Reference the current name in essays and outreach; only diplomas/transcripts issued before summer 2026 still say "Mississippi College."
Speak to the Christian mission directly, not generically
The rebrand reflects a real institutional push toward Christian identity, including elevating the Department of Christian Studies to an interdisciplinary unit. If faith is part of your story, name it specifically; generic "values-based education" language undersells genuine fit here.
Submit an essay even though it's only "recommended"
MC/MCU recommends but doesn't strictly require an essay, and admission is moderately selective (around 40-49% depending on source). Submitting one gives the reviewer more to work with than test scores and GPA alone, especially if you're near the middle of the applicant pool.
Note the reorganized academic structure in your program research
The School of Christian Studies and the Arts was consolidated with Humanities and Social Sciences, and Education was renamed School of Education and Human Science. Check current department names before referencing specific programs in your application, since older program names may be outdated.
Expert Insight:
Applicants researching this school online will hit a mix of old "Mississippi College" and new "Mississippi Christian University" content, since the transition just happened in June 2026. Cross-check any admissions detail against the current mc.edu site rather than trusting older cached pages.
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?
At $39,167/year against a $47,485 median graduate salary, MC is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $52,800, and graduates see a 3.89% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from MC Cost?
Listed tuition runs $39,167/year at MC. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At MC, 26.2% receive a Pell Grant and 34.8% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming MC on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a MC Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, MC graduates report a median income of $47,485, about 17% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
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.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 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.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions About MC Admissions
Mississippi College graduates earn a lower median salary of $47,485/year, especially outside technical fields.
Tuition at Mississippi College is moderate, around $39,167/year; many students supplement with aid.
26.2% of Mississippi College students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Mississippi College's acceptance rate is 48.9%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Mississippi College students is 3.56, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.26 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Mississippi College. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.16 or below makes admission tougher at Mississippi College, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Mississippi College weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1120, and within the 1080–1150 range, keeps you competitive.
Mississippi College follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before February 1, 2026. That's Mississippi College's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
Explore Other Options
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