Founded in 1869 by the American Missionary Association, Tougaloo College was chartered on the principle that it "be accessible to all irrespective of their religious tenets, and conducted on the most liberal principles for the benefit of our citizens in general." Six years after Tougaloo's founding, the Home Missionary Society of the Disciples of Christ obtained a charter from the Mississippi State Legislature to establish a school in Edwards, Mississippi, to be known as Southern Christian Institute. As the two schools had similar ideals and objectives, the supporting denominations completed the merger of the institutions in 1954.

As a small, historically-black, private, coeducational institution, Tougaloo has won national respect for its high academic standards and level of social commitment. The college reached its ultimate in social commitment during the turbulent years of the 1960s. "Tougaloo has a proud reputation for civil rights leadership and academic excellence..." - Congressman Bennie Thompson - class of 1968.

Tougaloo offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities including men's and women's basketball; fraternities and sororities; choir, theater and a host of social clubs. The College provides an undergraduate curriculum designed to encourage students to apply critical thought to all areas of life; to acquire a basic knowledge of the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences; to develop skills required in selected professions; and to provide leadership in a democratic society and in a changing world. The campus is located on West County Line Road on the northern edge of the city of Jackson, Mississippi.

Admission application requirements include an official transcript, 2.0 grade point average, SAT or ACT (no minimum score) and $5.00 application fee.

Tougaloo College is historically related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)