Wall Street Journal Rankings Salute Mississippi College

When “The Wall Street Journal” recently ranked America’s higher education institutions, Mississippi College fared quite well.

In fact, MC was rated the best private college in the Magnolia State. Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale and the University of Pennsylvania topped their USA list of more than 800 schools.

The “Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings” for 2020 examine 15 key indicators. Evaluators consider salaries that graduates earn, and the debt burden they take on.

In addition, measuring sticks include spending that schools invest in instruction and student services. A university community’s diversity is another major factor. Survey results looked at teaching interactions between faculty and students.

Interim Provost Debbie Norris and other MC leaders applaud the new “Wall Street Journal” college ratings published September 5.

“Mississippi College receives high rankings historically in many areas,” Norris said. “I am very proud to be a part of this institution as it continues to provide evidence of accomplishing its mission of academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ.”

Release of the report is well-timed as the Baptist-affiliated university hosts its Fall Preview Day on Saturday. There will be hundreds of prospective MC students and family members visiting the Clinton campus on September 14 to learn more about the 194-year-old institution.

Reached during lunch Friday in the cafeteria, MC students believe the “Wall Street Journal” assessment is correct. “We have really great academics,” says Hannah Bell, 20, a junior from Ocean Springs. Professors “really prepare you for professional or medical school,” says the pre-med/biology major.

At her table, the Ocean Spring High graduate’s view is shared by junior Lyndsey Huber, 20, of Memphis, Tennessee. “The faculty is really approachable and helpful,” says the biology/pre-dental major. “They help you out.”

Business Dean Marcelo Eduardo is pleased to see MC get the seal of approval from “The Wall Street Journal.”

Said Eduardo: “This is continuous validation by the marketplace of the quality and breadth of our programs. It is one more reason why we are the premier private university in Mississippi.”

It’s one of many times Mississippi College received solid rankings in national higher education publications. MC typically gets high marks in “U.S. News & World Report” rankings. And MC’s on-line programs were rated No. 1 in the USA by the website onlinechristiancolleges.com this summer.

MC accounting professor Billy Morehead says faculty members working in tandem with students help drive up national rankings.

“Our faculty work diligently to be at the forefront in our disciplines and we are passionate about our students,” Morehead said. “We are continuously involving the employers who hire our students to make sure our course content stays relevant with the profession.”

Freshman Luke Horst, 19, of Birmingham, Alabama is happy after his first couple of weeks of classes on the Clinton campus. “I like all of my professors,” says the business administration major before devouring a slice of pizza in the school cafeteria. “So far they are doing a great job of teaching.”

After transferring from Hinds Community College in Raymond, junior Brady Roberts, 20, of Brandon says his nursing curriculum is rigorous. But he’s pleased with the quality of instruction and the welcoming atmosphere at Mississippi College.

“The Wall Street Journal” ranking confirms what many MC supporters are saying. Said Communication Department Chair Cliff Fortenberry: “We all know that MC is the #1 private university in Mississippi, so it is very appropriate to be named to this honor.”