CLT Colleges in

Mississippi

Belhaven University, started as a women's college in 1894, has evolved into a coeducational institution dedicated to holistic education in a Christian setting. Despite a fire in 1927, the institution grew under consecutive presidents, eventually becoming self-sufficient in 1972. President Roger Parrott oversaw considerable growth, quadrupling enrollment and establishing new sites and academic programs. Because of the university's emphasis on the arts, it has received accreditation in music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Belhaven University, which is SACS-accredited, offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as athletic opportunities in 15 varsity sports as the Blazers, who compete mostly in NCAA Division III.

Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU), formerly Blue Mountain College, is a private Baptist institution in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, founded in 1873 as Blue Mountain Female Institute by Mark Perrin Lowrey. Originally a women’s college, it became coeducational in 2005 and was renamed BMCU in 2022. The university offers baccalaureate and graduate programs, blending Christian values with liberal arts and vocational studies. BMCU’s athletic teams, the Toppers, compete in 18 NAIA sports within the Southern States Athletic Conference. Known for its strong sense of community, BMCU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and leadership development in a faith-centered environment.

Mississippi College, now Mississippi Christian University, is a private Christian university affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. Founded in 1826, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in Mississippi and the first coeducational college in the U.S. to award a degree to a woman. The university has grown significantly, offering over 80 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs, including doctorates in law, education, and counseling. With an enrollment of 4,250 students, it continues to expand its academic offerings and global reach ahead of its 2026 bicentennial.

Southeastern Baptist College (SBC) is a private Baptist Bible college in Laurel, Mississippi, founded in 1948. It offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Church Ministries and Business, along with Associate of Arts degrees in Bible, Business, and General Education. Accredited by the Mississippi Commission on Accreditation and the Association for Biblical Higher Education, SBC provides a Christian worldview education. Affiliated with the Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi, SBC has trained pastors, business leaders, and missionaries for 75 years. Many graduates continue their studies at renowned seminaries. Committed to biblical education, SBC prepares students for lifelong faith-based service.

William Carey University (WCU) is a private Christian university in Mississippi, affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Founded in 1892, it has campuses in Hattiesburg and Biloxi. WCU offers bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees across various fields, including its College of Osteopathic Medicine, which opened in 2009. Accredited by SACSCOC, the university follows a trimester system. It has a strong music, theatre, and athletics program, competing in the NAIA’s SSAC as the Crusaders.