Tougaloo College

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Tougaloo College

  • Overview & Academics

    Tougaloo College is a historically black, private, liberal arts institution located in Tougaloo, Mississippi. Established in 1869, the college maintains a commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and leadership development. Tougaloo offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees across a range of disciplines that include the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, education, business, computer science, and health sciences.

  • Admissions

    Tougaloo College operates with a holistic admissions process, considering academic credentials alongside leadership experience, community involvement, and personal character. Required materials typically include an online application, official high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), recommendation letters, and a personal essay.

    • Average Acceptance Rate: Approximately 70-75%
    • Test-optional policy in place for certain applicants
    • Priority deadlines for freshman scholarships and financial aid consideration
  • Cost

    • Tuition (2023-2024): approximately $11,648 per year (undergraduate)
    • Room and Board: about $5,822 per year
    • Average cost after aid: depends on financial aid package—Tougaloo is known for strong institutional scholarship support
    • Additional fees: technology, activity, and lab fees may apply
  • Student Population

    Tougaloo College enrolls about 700-900 students, with a student-faculty ratio of roughly 13:1. The student body is predominantly African American, maintaining a strong sense of community and cultural pride.

  • Rankings & Distinctions

    • Consistently recognized among the nation’s top historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs)
    • Known as the “Cradle of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi”
    • Strong legacy in producing medical school and graduate school candidates, especially African American professionals
    • High success rate in law, medicine, education, and STEM graduate school placements
  • Campus & Culture

    Located on a historic 500-acre campus just north of Jackson, Mississippi, Tougaloo features classic architecture, heritage buildings, and modern facilities. The campus atmosphere is vibrant and inclusive, with a commitment to civic engagement, artistic expression, and social justice advocacy.

  • Athletics & Traditions

    • Member of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)
    • Sports: Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Track & Field, Volleyball, Cross Country, Baseball, and Softball
    • Team name: Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs
    • Annual Founder’s Day celebration, Miss and Mister Tougaloo pageant, homecoming week, and other traditional events
  • Mission

    Tougaloo College aims “to prepare its students to be lifelong learners who are committed to leadership and service in a global society.” The institution emphasizes academic excellence, social justice, and ethical leadership rooted in a liberal arts tradition.

  • Leadership & Current Developments

    • Current President: Dr. Carmen J. Walters (as of 2024)
    • Recent campus enhancements in STEM, health sciences, and student life facilities
    • Active partnerships with prestigious graduate and professional institutions, including Brown University (Tougaloo-Brown Partnership)
  • Programs

    • Undergraduate Majors: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, Education, History, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Business Administration, Mass Communication, Social Work, Visual Arts, Music, and more
    • Pre-professional Tracks: Pre-Medicine, Pre-Law, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Dentistry
    • Graduate Programs: Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, and others
    • Dual-degree and cooperative programs with other universities in engineering, law, and medicine
  • Campus Life

    Student life at Tougaloo is engaging and supportive, offering campus housing, dining, wellness programs, leadership seminars, and cultural events. The college fosters a close-knit residential environment where faculty and staff are deeply invested in students’ personal and academic growth.

  • Student Organizations

    • Over 40 active student-led clubs and organizations
    • Greek letter fraternities and sororities, honor societies, academic and professional clubs, performing arts groups, and service organizations
    • Prominent groups include the Student Government Association, Pre-Alumni Council, NAACP student chapter, and STEM clubs
  • Admission Stats

    • Acceptance Rate: Approximately 70-75%
    • Average SAT: 920-1100 (not required for all applicants)
    • Average ACT: 17-23 (not required for all applicants)
    • Average High School GPA: 2.5-3.5 (varies by program)
    • Selective merit scholarship programs for high-achieving students