Tougaloo College
Tougaloo College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Tougaloo College at a Glance
Tougaloo College is a private historically black college in the Tougaloo area of Jackson, Mississippi, United States. It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and Christian Church. It was established in 1869 by New York–based Christian missionaries for the education of freed slaves and their descendants. From 1871 until 1892, the college served as a teachers' training school funded by the state of Mississippi. In 1998, the buildings of the old campus were added to the National Register …
Is Tougaloo College Worth It?
At a value score of 17/100, Tougaloo College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $34,724 — 35% below average — while paying $17,043/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 33% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $30,046 representing 87% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Tougaloo College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Tougaloo College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #26 of 45 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #4 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #5 | Boricua College | 43 | $15,245 | $35,348 |
| #6 | Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary | 40 | $16,282 | $40,650 |
| #26 | Tougaloo College | 17 | $17,043 | $34,724 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Tougaloo College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Tougaloo College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Tougaloo College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,043/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in MS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Tougaloo, MS
- Student Body
- 639 students
- Admission Rate
- 60%
- Graduation Rate
- 33%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,043
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $34,724
- Median Student Debt
- $30,046