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U.S. News & World Report Lauds Mississippi College


Mississippi College ranked 11th in "Best Value" among the South's regional universities by U.S. News & World Report

Sizing up academic quality and costs, Mississippi College receives high marks in the latest “U.S. News & World Report” guide.

MC ranks as the 11th “best value” among the South’s regional universities, the magazine announced Wednesday. That’s one notch better than #12 Loyola University of New Orleans and tops No. 15 Samford University of Birmingham, Alabama. Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee ranks 14th.

“U.S. News & World Report” puts the Baptist-affiliated university in Clinton in pretty good company.

The positive evaluation in a leading national publication isn’t surprising, MC leaders say.

“We have worked especially hard to provide a high quality education at the best price,” says Jim Turcotte, vice president for enrollment services and dean of students.

In its 2016 survey, the magazine lists Mississippi College’s average cost of attendance at $18,803 annually after students are awarded grants. A little more than 51 percent of the MC students receive need-based grants.

Other data shows the Baptist-affiliated university remains a solid choice for students who prefer a small-college environment. Nearly 56 percent of MC classes have fewer than 20 students, the magazine noted.

“U.S. News & World Report” has published college guides for 30 years. Students and parents often weigh the magazine’s findings before selecting colleges.

The magazine also lists MC in the 27th spot as a best college for veterans among the South’s regional institutions. MC is tied with Lynchburg College of Virginia and Western Carolina University.

“We have worked very hard for many years to ensure that veterans are honored and welcomed at our university,” Turcotte said. When an independent source like “U.S. News & World Report” takes notice, “it validates our work to help make higher education more affordable and comfortable for veterans,” he added.

The magazine spotlights schools offering benefits to veterans and active duty personnel through the G.I. Bill to make college prices more affordable. The institutions listed are part of the national Yellow Ribbon Program that showcases their support of former soldiers returning to campus.

As Mississippi College prepares to celebrate its 190th anniversary, enrollment rose to 5,152 students this fall. Records were set including MC’s largest ever freshman class (618 students).

MC offered a Christian environment and small classes appealing to Josh Clark, 18, a freshman from Keller, Texas. “MC is the perfect size for me, having come from a graduating class of 55” at a private Christian school near Dallas.

After just a few weeks, the sports media major is making new friends and enjoying his studies on the Clinton campus. “The classes are challenging.”