Navigating Scholarships and Grants at Mississippi State University

For students aspiring to pursue higher education, financial aid plays a crucial role in making their academic dreams a reality. Mississippi State University (MSU) offers a comprehensive range of scholarships and grants designed to support students from diverse backgrounds and academic interests. This article provides an overview of the various financial aid opportunities available at MSU, encompassing university-wide scholarships, college-specific awards, and external funding programs.

Understanding Student Financial Aid at MSU

Student financial aid encompasses various forms of economic assistance aimed at helping students finance their college education. MSU recognizes the importance of making education accessible and affordable, and thus provides a multitude of financial aid options.

General Scholarship Application (GSA)

The gateway to many MSU scholarships is the General Scholarship Application (GSA), which opens annually on October 2nd. Entering freshmen are encouraged to submit the GSA by the priority date of December 1st. It's crucial to remember to click the "Save" button while completing the application to ensure your information is recorded.

After submitting the GSA, students may receive recommendations for additional scholarship opportunities based on their test scores, GPA, leadership experience, service involvement, and overall applicant record. MSU's Online Scholarship System allows students to browse a comprehensive list of available scholarships. Automatch scholarships do not require an additional application, while others have specific deadlines for completion.

The scholarship application window is open October 1 - March 1, although individual scholarships may have their own deadlines within this window.

University-Wide Scholarship Opportunities

MSU awards a variety of automatic scholarships based on academic criteria. The university also oversees nearly 2,000 privately-funded scholarships housed in various academic colleges and departments through the Mississippi State University Foundation.

Academic Scholarships for Freshmen

MSU offers several academic scholarships to incoming freshmen based on their high school GPA and standardized test scores (ACT/SAT). These scholarships are automatically awarded upon admission to MSU. The award amount is based on 9th - 11th grade high school GPA and test scores. MSU accepts SAT/ACT scores through the February test date of a student's senior year of high school.

Freshman Mississippi Resident Academic Scholarship Package: Automatically awarded to Mississippi residents upon admission.
Freshman Non-Resident Academic Scholarship Package: Automatically awarded to non-resident students upon admission. Non-resident students must be assessed non-resident tuition to receive this scholarship.
Alumni Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship for Freshmen: Awarded to non-resident students who are children of MSU alumni. This scholarship can be combined with the Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship. The minimum qualification for alumni status is 48 semester hours of work completed at MSU. Student must have a minimum 3.0 scholarship GPA (9-11 grade).

Students applying as test optional must have a minimum 3.30 scholarship GPA.

Transfer Student Scholarships

Transfer students also have access to several scholarship opportunities:

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: Awarded to entering transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa. The scholarship is awarded for up to 5 semesters at $1,000 per semester, for a maximum of $5,000.
Transfer Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship: Awarded to entering transfer students who are assessed non-resident tuition. The scholarship is awarded for up to 5 semesters at $6,000 per semester (maximum $30,000) or $7,000 per semester (maximum $35,000).
Alumni Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship for Transfers: Awarded to non-resident transfer students whose parents are MSU alumni. This scholarship can be combined with the Transfer Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship.

Leadership and Service Scholarships

MSU recognizes students who have demonstrated leadership and service through various extracurricular activities. Leadership and Service Scholarships are also available to students who have excellent leadership and service activities. Verification letters or other supporting documentation are required. Some examples include:

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Anchor Club Scholarship: Awarded to entering freshmen who have participated in Anchor Club. Students may receive $250 per year of active service, up to a maximum of $1,000.
Key Club Scholarship: Awarded to entering freshmen who have participated in Key Club. Students may receive $250 per year of active service, up to a maximum of $1,000.
Mississippi Boys State/Girls State Scholarship: Awarded to entering freshmen who have participated in Mississippi Boys State or Mississippi Girls State.
Valedictorian Scholarship: Awarded to entering freshmen who are named Valedictorian by their high school.
Salutatorian Scholarship: Awarded to entering freshmen who are named Salutatorian by their high school.

ROTC Scholarships

Army/Air Force ROTC Four-Year Scholarships: Available to students interested in commissions as officers in either the Army or the Air Force. Scholarships are based on ACT scores and high school grades, not financial need. Awarded by the MSU Army ROTC Department and MSU Air Force ROTC Department.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

AICE Cambridge Diploma Scholarship: Awarded to entering freshmen who have received an AICE Cambridge Diploma from Cambridge International Education.
Congressional Medal Recipients Scholarship: Awarded to entering freshmen who are Congressional Medal recipients.
Dave C. Swalm Scholarship: Awarded to 20 entering freshmen who are graduates of Brookhaven High School and 5 entering freshmen who are graduates of Brookhaven Academy.
Distinguished Young Women Scholarship: Awarded to the local and state winners of the Mississippi Distinguished Young Women Program. The local winners receive a $1,000 one-year award, while the overall state winner receives an award that covers the cost of tuition for the regular 12-16 hour tuition rate. Awarded only to the local winners and the state winner.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Scholarship: Awarded to entering freshmen who have received an International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Miss Mississippi Scholarship: Awarded to the winners and alternates of the Miss Mississippi Program. The first through fourth alternates receive a $1,000 one-year award, while the overall state winner receives an award that covers the cost of tuition for the regular 12-16 hour tuition rate.
Mississippi Miss Hospitality Scholarship: Awarded to the winners and alternates of the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Program. The first through fourth alternates receive a $1,000 one-year award, while the overall state winner receives an award that covers the cost of tuition for the regular 12-16 hour tuition rate.

Scholarships Based on Residency

Non-Resident Fee Waiver for West Alabama Counties: Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus received approval in 2013 from the Institutions of Higher Learning to waive nonresident charges for Alabama residents in six Alabama counties; Sumter, Greene, Choctaw, Hale, Marengo, and Clarke.

Prestigious Scholarship Programs

Luckyday Scholars Program: Awarded to a select number of students who will participate in the immersive Luckyday Scholars Program.
Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program: A prestigious undergraduate scholarship program that boasts some of the best and brightest students entering the teaching profession.
National Merit Finalist Scholarship Package: Awarded to entering freshmen who have been named a National Merit Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. May be awarded for up to four years (eight semesters), as long as the student maintains continuous residency in on-campus housing.
National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholarship Package: Awarded to entering freshmen who have been named a National Merit Semi-Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Presidential Partnership Scholarship: This is a competitive scholarship award for for entering transfer students. To be reviewed for this scholarship, the student must be nominated by their Mississippi community/junior college president. The amount of this award will be capped at the regular 12-16 hour tuition rate.
Presidential Scholarships: The most prestigious scholarships awarded at MSU, given to a select number of outstanding entering freshmen on a competitive basis.

Additional Opportunities for Honors College Members

National Merit Finalists and Semi-Finalists who are members of the Shackouls Honors College may be eligible for a $2,000 Stewart Bridgforth Honors Scholarship, which can be used for study abroad, internships, or faculty-sponsored undergraduate research support after successful completion of the student's first year at MSU.

Performance and Service Scholarships

Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC, Department of Art, Department of Music, Choral Activities, Famous Maroon Band, and Spirit Squads may offer scholarships to MSU students. The amounts of these awards vary and are determined by the awarding department. An audition or portfolio showing may be required to be considered for these awards.

E.H. Sumners Foundation Scholarship

Awarded to residents of Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Montgomery, or Webster counties in Mississippi who have submitted the E.H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Application and whose residency has been verified by the E.H. Sumners Foundation. E.H. Awarded on a yearly basis. Must submit the E.H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Application by the specified deadline and be approved by the E.H. Must submit the E.H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Application by the specified deadline and be approved by the E.H. Must submit the E.H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Application by the specified deadline and be approved by the E.H. Undergraduate students may receive this award for a maximum of 8 undergraduate semesters. Graduate students may receive this award for a maximum of 4 graduate semestersOnly awarded during a fall or spring semester.

College of Education Scholarships

In addition to university scholarships, the College of Education offers a large number of scholarships to its students.

Department of Political Science and Public Administration Scholarships

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration has several scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students majoring in political science. Political science undergraduates are also encouraged to apply for university and/or College of Arts and Sciences scholarships for which they meet the qualifications.

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The John C. Stennis Scholarship: A four-year scholarship awarded annually to one or two graduating Mississippi high school students who are Mississippi residents, and who are majoring in political science at MSU. The Stennis Scholarships are awarded to academically outstanding students who demonstrate the desire and potential to become actively involved as leaders in the political and governmental affairs of the community, state, or nation.
The Tip Allen Scholarship: Awarded to a political science undergraduate major who fully expects to participate in a public service internship during the summer months, who has earned 12 credits in Political Science at MSU, and who demonstrates potential for making contributions in some area of public service.
The Haley Barbour Scholarship: A two-year scholarship awarded to a rising junior who will hold the scholarship for four semesters (if they continue to meet the scholarship requirements). The candidate should be a full-time undergraduate at MSU actively pursuing a major in political science. The student should have a record of academic achievement with at least a 3.0 GPA at MSU and in political science courses, intend to be involved in the civic and political life of the community and nation which is confirmed by a record of involvement as a student, and be of good character and demonstrated leadership ability.
Candidate must be a full-time student pursuing a degree in political science and must be at least a rising junior. The student must have demonstrated academic achievement by having at least a 3.0 GPA in the political science courses. The student must also have the demonstrated desire to work in the civic or political life of the community and must be of good character.
Candidate must be a full-time student pursuing a degree in political science and must be at least a junior according to hours. The student must have a demonstrated interest in international relations, and show academic achievement by having at least a 3.0 GPA in political science courses. Preference is given to funding projects with an international-related focus, such as study abroad or an internship abroad.

Department of Political Science and Public Administration Graduate Assistantships

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers teaching, research, and service graduate assistantships. The assistantship stipend amounts range from $9,250 to $16,000. Graduate assistantship positions cover most university fees and all out of state fees. Students must be enrolled full-time in a PSPA masterâs or Ph.D. Students interested in PSPA graduate assistantships can apply online. The Department of Political Science and Public Administration has a limited number of graduate assistantships.

The Garner Memorial Endowment Fund

The Garner Memorial Endowment Fund was setup by Mrs. James W. Garner of Claremont, Calif., and it is used to supplement Ph.D. graduate assistants in the amount of $4,000 per academic year. Only Ph.D. students are eligible for the Garner Fund. One of the graduate fellowships is in memorial to the late James W. Garner, a distinguished political scientist and an alumnus of Mississippi State University. The other fellowship is the Theresa Garner Fellowship in honor of the donor. To apply for the Garner Fund please submit an application using Mississippi State Universityâs Online Scholarship System.

External Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to MSU-specific scholarships, students can explore external funding opportunities from various organizations:

Alabama Feed & Grain Association Scholarships: Each year, the Alabama Feed & Grain Association awards scholarships to deserving students majoring in the Agricultural field. Students submit their scholarship applications and the Scholarship Committee makes their decisions.
Alpha Gamma Rho Scholarship: Alpha Gamma Rho is an agricultural-based fraternity. It is the only social and professional fraternity on campus at Mississippi State University. Every year the fraternity offers a $1000 scholarship to an individual attending MSU the following fall.
Farmers Business Network (FBN) Scholarship: is an agriculture technology company that helps level the playing field for farmers while using unbiased data and information and profit-enhancing innovation tools and creating network buying power with the FBN network. Since its founding, FBN has proudly partnered with land grant universities to sponsor college students during their higher education journey in agriculture.
The Garden Club of America Scholarships: Since 1928 when the Rome Prize Fellowship in Landscape Architecture was established, The Garden Club of America has funded more than 1,400 recipients. The GCA offers 29 merit-based scholarships in 12 areas. based institution.
NAICC's Foundation for Environmental Agriculture Education (FEAE) Scholarships: NAICC's Foundation for Environmental Agriculture Education (FEAE) will provide three Undergraduate Scholarships to be awarded to deserving Undergraduate students in agriculture. Two Graduate Scholarships will be awarded to Graduate students in agriculture.
Premier Select Sires Scholarship Program: Premier Select Sires will award up to $20,000 to students within the Premier territory through the Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship Program. Two exemplary students will receive $2,500 scholarships through either the Johnny Daniel Memorial Scholarship or the Wayne Dudley Scholarship. Several other students will receive scholarships of $750-$1,000 in value. High school seniors through college seniors presently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate agriculture-related major may apply.

Grants and Other Aid Programs

Besides scholarships, MSU students can benefit from grant programs and other forms of financial assistance:

Federal Aid Programs

Pell Grants: A federal student aid program designed to provide a foundation of gift aid to students who demonstrate financial need. All undergraduate students enrolled for their first undergraduate degree are eligible to apply for Pell Grants. Pell Grants awards for the 2025-2026 year ranged from $740 to a maximum of $7,395.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants: A federally sponsored program to provide gift aid for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Funds are limited.
Federal Work-Study: A program of part-time employment for students who demonstrate financial need. Department of Education for students who need assistance in meeting educational expenses.
Subsidized Loans: Based upon financial need.
Federal Direct Plus Loans: Plus Loans are credit loans for parents of dependent students and for graduate/professional students. Eligible parents may borrow on behalf of their eligible dependent student and eligible graduate/professional students may borrow for themselves.

State Aid Programs

The state of Mississippi provides several student aid programs for students who are residents of the state of Mississippi. Information about these and other aid programs is available from the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211.

MSU Specific Programs

Mississippi State Promise: Mississippi State University offers the Mississippi State Promise program that provides institutional financial assistance for entering freshmen and community college transfer students from Mississippi who are from families that are Pell Grant eligible. Awarded by the MSU Promise Student Support Program to a select number of students.
Undergraduate Tuition Remission Policy for Children of Faculty and Staff: The partial tuition remission policy applies to all single dependent children of full time faculty and staff.
Emergency Short-Term Loans: The University has available for students a means of borrowing small sums of money to meet emergency expenses during the academic year. Such loans are repayable during the same semester in which the loan is made.

Educational Enrichment Scholarship

Educational Enrichment Scholarship - $12,000 to be used for study abroad, internships, or other qualified educational pursuits.

Applying for Financial Aid

To maximize their chances of receiving financial aid, students should follow these steps:

Complete the General Scholarship Application (GSA): Submit the GSA through MSU's Online Scholarship System by the priority deadline of December 1st for entering freshmen. The scholarship applications for the 2026-27 academic year open on October 1, 2025.
Explore Additional Opportunities: After submitting the GSA, check for recommended scholarship opportunities based on your profile.
Complete the FAFSA: Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, available October 1, online at fafsa.ed.gov.
Contact Departments: Students who have a chosen major are encouraged to contact the department in their major areas of study regarding scholarship opportunities.
Read Scholarship Details: Read the details for each scholarship below, or contact your admissions counselor.

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