Mississippi College announced on April 9 that its School of Education and Human Sciences and School of Law have been included in the “2026 Best Graduate Schools” rankings by U.S. News and World Report. The listings were released on April 7, highlighting MC as the top private university in Mississippi for education.
The rankings are based on performance across several indicators, including expert opinions on program excellence and statistical data measuring academic productivity and postgraduate outcomes. Data was collected from surveys of more than 2,000 programs as well as reputation surveys sent to over 20,000 academics and professionals.
Rachel Peeples, interim chair and professor in the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership at MC, said the recognition is significant for the school. “The rankings are one of the most widely recognized benchmarks in higher education,” Peeples said. “Being listed sets MC apart in a competitive higher education landscape and reinforces the School of Education and Human Sciences as a trusted contributor to the educational pipeline, both statewide and nationally.
“It shows prospective students that we are a high-quality, mission-driven alternative for their graduate degree programs.”
Peeples also noted that this acknowledgment comes during a period of program redesign, curriculum alignment, and calls for increased rigor within graduate programs. “Current students can be proud of their degrees and what they have gained by being a part of the MC family, and prospective students can see that MC is a trusted leader in educator preparation and a university that can help them grow as teachers and leaders,” she said.
The Master of Education Program at Mississippi College offers various tracks including traditional classroom settings as well as online options. The department holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) with master’s- and doctoral-level offerings aimed at refining skills for professional effectiveness.
Located in downtown Jackson, the MC School of Law provides Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees along with LL.M. options designed for those holding international or prior law credentials. Students gain practical experience working alongside clients, attorneys, judges, or other legal professionals during their studies.
U.S. News reports its annual rankings provide current figures regarding enrollment numbers, job placement rates, faculty qualifications—and other key quality indicators—to help prospective students make informed decisions about graduate education.