Mississippi Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Mississippi Scholarships & Grants

Mississippi offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Mississippi more affordable.

HELP, MTAG, and MESG are the primary state scholarship programs.

How to Get a Grant for College in Mississippi?

To secure a grant for college in Mississippi, follow these steps:

• Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required for most federal and state grants. Submit it early to maximize your eligibility.
• Apply for State-Specific Grants: Mississippi offers programs like the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) and the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG).
• Contact Your Institution: Many colleges and universities in Mississippi provide institutional grants and scholarships.

For more information, visit the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid website.

What Is the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)?

The Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) provides financial aid to Mississippi residents who demonstrate moderate financial need. Key eligibility requirements include:

• Being a Mississippi resident for at least one year prior to application.
• Enrolling full-time at an eligible institution in Mississippi.
• Maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5 and scoring at least 15 on the ACT.

The award provides $500 per year for freshmen and sophomores and $1,000 per year for juniors and seniors.

What Is the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)?

The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG) is a merit-based award for high-achieving students. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a Mississippi resident.
• Score at least 29 on the ACT (or equivalent SAT score).
• Have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Enroll full-time at an eligible institution in Mississippi.

The grant provides up to $2,500 per academic year.

Does Mississippi Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Yes, Mississippi offers several full-ride scholarships. Examples include:

• Luckyday Scholars Program: Available at the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Mississippi, this scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other costs.
• Ole Miss Chancellor’s Scholars: A prestigious merit-based full-ride award for incoming freshmen at the University of Mississippi.

Full-ride scholarships are competitive and typically require outstanding academic performance, leadership, and community involvement.

Scholarships in Mississippi for High School Seniors

High school seniors in Mississippi can apply for scholarships such as:

• Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students (HELP): A need-based full-tuition scholarship for Mississippi residents.
• Create Foundation Scholarships: Awards for students in Northeast Mississippi.
• Local Community Scholarships: Many local organizations and foundations offer scholarships for graduating seniors in Mississippi.

Check with your high school counselor for additional opportunities.

Scholarships in Mississippi for Adults

Adults returning to college in Mississippi can explore programs like:

• Complete 2 Compete (C2C) Grant: Provides financial support to adults returning to college to complete their degrees.
• Workforce Training Grants: Funding for career and technical education programs in high-demand fields.

These programs aim to help non-traditional students achieve their educational and career goals.

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Scholarships

The University of Mississippi offers several scholarships for incoming and current students, including:

• Chancellor’s Leadership Class Scholarship: Provides funding for students with strong leadership qualities.
• Luckyday Scholarship: Covers tuition and other costs for Mississippi residents with financial need and leadership potential.
• Academic Excellence Scholarships: Merit-based awards for high-achieving students.

Visit the Ole Miss scholarship portal for details on deadlines and eligibility.

Mississippi State University (MSU) Scholarships

Mississippi State University offers scholarships such as:

• Presidential Scholars Program: A highly competitive full-ride scholarship for top-performing students.
• Access Scholarship: Provides funding for students with financial need.
• Academic Recognition Scholarships: Merit-based awards for incoming freshmen based on GPA and test scores.

Explore MSU’s financial aid website for more information on these opportunities.

Grants for College in Mississippi

Mississippi provides several grants to support college students, including:

• Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG): Offers financial aid to students with moderate financial need.
• Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG): A merit-based grant for high-achieving students.
• Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP): A full-tuition scholarship for students demonstrating financial need and meeting specific academic requirements.

These grants help ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from accessing higher education in Mississippi.

How to Apply for Mississippi Scholarships and Grants

To apply for scholarships and grants in Mississippi:

• Complete the FAFSA: This is required for most federal and state aid programs.
• Explore State Programs: Research options like MTAG, MESG, and HELP through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid.
• Contact Your College: Reach out to your institution’s financial aid office for additional institutional scholarships and grants.