Explore HBCU – Tougaloo College

Staff Writer
June 9, 2022

Tougaloo College is a private, coeducational, historically black liberal arts college in Jackson, Mississippi. 

Background

In 1869, the American Missionary Association of New York purchased five hundred acres of land to establish a school for the training of young people “irrespective of religious tenets and conducted on the most liberal principles for the benefit of our citizens in general.”

The Mississippi State Legislature granted the institution a charter, and Tougaloo University was established in 1871. The institution functioned as a teacher training school until 1892, at which point the college no longer received financial support from the state. Courses for college credit began to be offered first in 1897, and by 1916 Tougaloo University’s name was changed to Tougaloo College. 

In 1954, Tougaloo College merged with Southern Christian Institute (SCI) in Edward, Mississippi—due to the determination that both schools shared similar missions and goals—to become a new institution named Tougaloo Southern Christian College. In 1962, the college’s Board of Trustees voted to revert the name to Tougaloo College. Tougaloo remained at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement in 1960s Mississippi, serving as a safe haven for those who fought for equality and justice. In addition to its strong commitment to social responsibility, Tougaloo College continues its mission to create an environment of academic excellence.

Today, Tougaloo College sits on the northern edge of Jackson, Mississippi, where the institution sits at the intersection of rich legacy and accessible undergraduate and graduate programming and opportunity. 

Programs & Opportunities

Tougaloo College offers 29 majors spanning the four academic schools of education, humanities, natural science, and social science, with six degree pathways that allow students to add or modify course emphases such as Accounting, Business Administration, Community Health, Computer Science, Health Education, Journalism, Recreation for Special Populations and Social Work. Within the School of Education, students can obtain associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees. 

At Tougaloo College, in order to aid in the advancement of a fully-rounded education, students are also encouraged to participate in student life activities that promote leadership development, political & social awareness, holistic health, inclusive empowerment, and spirit and flair.  

Learn more about Tougaloo College’s programming here.

Alumni Affairs

At Tougaloo College, faculty and administrators hope to challenge students to become leaders who will create change and be prepared to take advantage of opportunities available through the global economy.

Some notable alumni of Tougaloo College include, but are not limited to:

  • Joyce Ladner, PhD—sociologist, civil rights activist, author, former interim president of Howard University—earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Tougaloo College.
  • Dr. Hakeem M. Oluseyi, PhD—astrophysicist, author, educator, inventor—attended Tougaloo College where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics.
  • Aaron Shirley, MD—physician, founder of Jackson Medical Mall, and MacArthur award recipient—completed his undergraduate degree at Tougaloo College. 
  • Karen Williams Weaver, PhD—psychologist and politician who serves as mayor of Flint, Michigan—earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Tougaloo College.

Financial Information

At Tougaloo College, tuition rates are $455 per credit hour for undergraduate traditional students and $318 per credit hour for non-traditional students. For graduate students, tuition rates for per-hour credits are $591. Tougaloo College’s Office of Student Financial Aid is committed to assisting students and their families in obtaining financial support and resources to achieve educational goals.

Conclusion

Tougaloo College’s mission statement is steeped in being an institution that prepares its students to become lifelong learners who are committed to leadership and service through its diverse range of programs. 

Learn more about Tougaloo College here.

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