Historic Black Colleges in Mississippi

Two of Mississippi's largest black universities are located near Jackson.

Mississippi's three largest historically black colleges and universities are spread out around the state. Mississippi Valley State University is located in the northern half of the state about 100 miles north of Jackson, the state capital. Jackson State University is located in Jackson, while Alcorn State University is located about 60 miles southwest of Jackson near the Louisiana border.

Alcorn State University

Founded in 1871, Alcorn State University was the first African-American school in the country to receive state funds. Almost 3,300 students are enrolled at Alcorn State University as of 2010, and the institution offers degrees in seven different schools. Degrees can be obtained in business, robotic engineering, architecture, science and mathematics, education, nursing and information technology. Alcorn State University fields nine men's and women's teams in 11 different sports. The school competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Alcorn State University
1000 ASU Drive
Alcorn State, MS 39096-7500
601-877-6100
www.alcorn.edu

Jackson State University

Jackson State University, located in Jackson, was founded in 1877 and was known as the Natchez Seminary. The school has a student body of almost 9,000 as of 2010. Jackson State University offers 90 different undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in business, education, liberal arts, public service, science, engineering and technology. Jackson State University features 18 men's and women's athletic teams competing in 12 different sports in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Jackson State University
1400 Lynch St.
Jackson, MS 39217
800-848-6817
jsums.edu

Mississippi Valley State University

Mississippi Valley State University, located about 100 miles north of Jackson in Itta Bena, was founded in 1950. The school offers undergraduate degrees in 10 areas of study, including education, business, the arts, humanities, sciences and technology. Mississippi Valley State also offers graduate degrees in criminal justice, education, business, environmental health, the arts and rural public policy. The school features 16 men's and women's athletic teams that compete in 11 different sports in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Mississippi Valley State University
14000 Highway 82 West
Itta Bena, MS 38941
662-254-3347
mvsu.edu

References

• Alcorn State University
• Jackson State University
• Mississippi Valley State University