Mississippi scholarships can make college affordable for thousands of students across the Magnolia State. The state offers a strong lineup of merit-based and need-based financial aid programs. These range from modest tuition grants to full-ride awards covering tuition, fees, and books. In 2025-2026, Mississippi distributes roughly $40 million in state financial aid each year.
However, many students miss out simply because they never apply. This guide breaks down every major mississippi scholarships program available right now. You will find specific dollar amounts, GPA requirements, ACT score thresholds, and deadlines. Whether you attend a community college or a four-year university, there is likely money waiting for you.
Mississippi State-Funded Scholarships and Grants
The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid (MOSFA) administers all state-funded aid programs. Students must complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov first. Then they submit the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) through the MOSFA website. These two steps unlock access to every state grant and scholarship listed below.
The Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) is the most widely used program. It awards up to $500 per year for freshmen and sophomores. Juniors and seniors receive up to $1,000 per year. You need a 2.5 high school GPA and a minimum ACT score of 15. For example, a student attending the University of Southern Mississippi could receive MTAG for all four years. The application deadline is September 15 each year.
The Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP) is Mississippi’s most generous need-based award. It covers full tuition and required fees at any public institution. You need a 2.5 GPA, a 20 ACT, and a family income averaging $42,500 or less. However, you must also complete the HELP Core Curriculum of 18 high school units. The deadline is March 31, which is much earlier than other mississippi scholarships programs. As a result, students should apply as soon as the MAAPP opens on October 1.
Top Mississippi Scholarships Programs
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Deadline | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| HELP Grant | Full tuition and fees | March 31 | 2.5 GPA, 20 ACT, family income ≤$42,500 |
| Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG) | Up to $2,500/year | September 15 | 3.5 GPA, 29 ACT or National Merit Semifinalist |
| Nissan Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, and books | March 1 | 2.5 GPA, 20 ACT, graduating MS senior |
| MTAG | $500–$1,000/year | September 15 | 2.5 GPA, 15 ACT, MS resident |
| FAITH Scholarship (foster youth) | Full cost of attendance | September 15 | Former foster youth under age 25 |
| William Winter Teacher Scholar Loan | Up to $4,000/year | March 31 | Junior/senior education major, 3.0 GPA |
| LAW Scholarship | Full tuition and room | Varies | Dependents of fallen/disabled MS officers or firefighters |
| MS Association of Supervisors Scholarship | $500 | February 1 | County employee or dependent, attending MS public institution |
The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant targets top academic performers. It awards up to $2,500 per year for up to eight semesters. You need a 3.5 GPA and a 29 ACT composite or 1350 SAT. National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists also qualify. In most cases, this award stacks with other mississippi scholarships and federal aid. Renewal requires maintaining a 3.5 college GPA.
The Nissan Scholarship is one of the best-kept secrets among mississippi scholarships. It covers full tuition, required fees, and a book allowance for up to four years. Typically, recipients start at a community college for two years, then transfer to a university. Only graduating Mississippi high school seniors may apply. The March 1 deadline comes early, so plan ahead.
Cost of College in Mississippi
Mississippi offers some of the most affordable college tuition in the nation. The national average for in-state tuition at public four-year universities is approximately $11,950 per year. In Mississippi, the average falls well below that mark. The University of Southern Mississippi charges roughly $6,500 in tuition and fees. Mississippi State University comes in around $8,210. Even the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), the state’s most expensive public university, costs about $10,146.
Community colleges are even more affordable. Tuition typically ranges from $2,400 to $4,100 per year at most campuses. Northwest Mississippi Community College charges around $3,600 annually. As a result, students who start at a two-year school and then transfer can save thousands. When you combine low tuition with mississippi scholarships like HELP or MTAG, the out-of-pocket cost can drop to nearly zero.
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Mississippi FAFSA Tips and State Deadlines
Every mississippi scholarships program requires a completed FAFSA. The federal deadline runs through June 30 of the academic year. However, Mississippi state deadlines are much earlier. The HELP Grant closes March 31. The Nissan Scholarship closes March 1. MTAG and MESG have a September 15 deadline, but you should file early for priority consideration.
After completing the FAFSA, you must also submit the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) at msfinancialaid.org. The MAAPP opens October 1 each year. Supporting documents are typically due by October 15 or April 30, depending on the program. Missing these document deadlines disqualifies your application, even if you filed on time.
Here is a key tip for maximizing mississippi scholarships. File your FAFSA on the first day it opens. Then complete the MAAPP immediately. Early filers get priority for limited-fund programs. In most cases, students who wait until spring miss out on the HELP Grant entirely because funds run dry before late applications are processed.
Best Mississippi Universities for Financial Aid
Several Mississippi universities stand out for generous financial aid packages. Alcorn State University charges about $8,105 in tuition and fees. It serves a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients and stacks institutional aid with state programs. Jackson State University offers competitive merit scholarships on top of mississippi scholarships from the state. Its total cost of about $9,138 is often offset significantly by aid.
Delta State University in Cleveland is another strong choice. With tuition around $8,435, it offers targeted scholarships for education, nursing, and business majors. The University of Southern Mississippi provides one of the best values in the state at roughly $6,500 in tuition. USM also awards institutional merit scholarships starting at a 22 ACT.
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How to Maximize Mississippi Scholarships
Start early. The biggest mistake Mississippi students make is missing deadlines. Mark October 1 on your calendar for the MAAPP opening. Mark March 1 for the Nissan Scholarship and March 31 for HELP. These mississippi scholarships have firm deadlines with no exceptions. Set reminders months in advance.
Stack your awards strategically. Most state programs allow you to combine multiple mississippi scholarships. For example, a student with a 3.5 GPA and 29 ACT could receive both MESG ($2,500) and MTAG ($500-$1,000) in the same year. Add federal Pell Grant funding, and tuition could be fully covered at many public universities. However, each program has its own renewal requirements, so maintain your GPA carefully.
Do not overlook lesser-known programs. The FAITH Scholarship covers full cost of attendance for former foster youth under age 25. The William Winter Teacher Scholar Loan offers $4,000 per year with full forgiveness after teaching in Mississippi. The LAW Scholarship provides tuition and room for dependents of fallen first responders. Typically, these programs have fewer applicants and higher award rates than the headline mississippi scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA do I need for mississippi scholarships?
Most state programs require a minimum 2.5 high school GPA. However, the Eminent Scholars Grant requires a 3.5 GPA. In most cases, you also need to maintain that GPA in college to renew your award each year.
Can I combine multiple mississippi scholarships at the same time?
Yes, in most cases you can stack state awards with federal aid. For example, a student might receive MTAG, a Pell Grant, and an institutional scholarship simultaneously. However, total aid typically cannot exceed your cost of attendance.
What is the income limit for the HELP Grant in Mississippi?
The HELP Grant requires an average family adjusted gross income of $42,500 or less. Typically, this limit increases by $5,000 for each additional child under 21. As a result, larger families may qualify even with higher incomes.
Explore More Scholarship Resources
Looking for more scholarships, financial aid guides, and strategies to pay for college? Browse our complete library of scholarship resources.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on scholarships, financial aid, and federal student programs:
- Federal Student Aid: studentaid.gov
- U.S. Department of Education: ed.gov
- College Board: collegeboard.org
- NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators): nasfaa.org
- NCES (National Center for Education Statistics): nces.ed.gov
- IRS Education Credits: irs.gov
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.