Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Ole Miss Scholarships

The University of Mississippi is dedicated to making quality education accessible. Thanks to the generous support of alumni and friends, Ole Miss offers a diverse array of scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen, transfer students, and continuing students alike.

Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen

General Freshman Scholarships

The University of Mississippi offers numerous scholarships to new students through the generous donations of alumni and friends. These are available for incoming freshmen and community college transfer students. Incoming freshmen who wish to be considered for scholarships must file a University of Mississippi Admission Application and submit an online Freshman Scholarships Application. The University awards numerous scholarships (one-year or renewable) based on academic achievements, special talents and/or accomplishments. Students who complete this application will be considered for all general endowed scholarships (for all majors) as well as scholarships awarded by:

School of Accountancy
School of Business
School of Engineering
School of Journalism and New Media
College of Liberal Arts

Eligibility requires applicants to be Incoming Freshmen who are enrolling in the Fall semester. Applicants can apply in the UM Application Portal upon admission and the deadline to apply is January 10.

Competitive Scholarships

For freshmen entering in the fall semester, the highest scholarship available covers the full cost of attendance and includes a $12,000 enrichment fund for internships, study abroad, etc. This scholarship is highly competitive.

International Academic Excellence Scholarships

International academic excellence scholarships are exclusively for incoming freshman undergraduate international students. These scholarships are automatic, meaning applicants do not need to submit any supplemental materials or start a separate application. If you are eligible for one of our scholarships, once you have been accepted for admission to the University of Mississippi, you will receive an award letter based on your GPA. Applicants must meet the minimum English proficiency requirements to qualify. Admitted international undergraduate students are automatically considered for International Academic Excellence and SAT/ACT scholarships!

GPA is the sum of all course grades divided by the total number of credits. Most high schools report grades on a 4.0 scale. The top grade A equals 4.0.

The awards are structured as follows:

Mississippi Premier Scholarship: \$27,660 per year for 4 years (93% of tuition per year). Qualification: 3.9 - 4.0 GPA on US Scale
Mississippi Champion Scholarship: \$12,000 per year for 4 years (40% of tuition per year). Qualification: 3.75 - 3.89 GPA on US Scale
Mississippi Magnolia Scholarship: \$9,500 per year for 4 years (32% of tuition per year). Qualification: 3.5 - 3.74 GPA on US Scale
Mississippi Legacy Scholarship: \$5,000 per year for 4 years (17% of tuition per year). Qualification: 3.25 - 3.49 GPA on US Scale

SAT/ACT Scholarships for International Students

International students with strong performance on the SAT/ACT can receive scholarship funds. Students with very high scores may be eligible for additional scholarship funds, and strong performance on the SAT/ACT can waive some math pre-requisites. UM's school code is 1840.

The award values for the 2026-2027 academic year are structured as follows:

High School GPA	No Test Score Provided	1160 - 1220 SAT / 24-25 ACT	1230 - 1290 SAT / 26-27 ACT	1300 - 1350 SAT / 28-29 ACT	1360 - 1410 SAT / 30-31 ACT	1420+ SAT / 32+ ACT
3.0 - 3.49	\$3,000	\$4,000	\$5,000	\$8,000	\$10,000	\$15,000
3.5 - 3.74	\$5,000	\$7,000	\$8,000	\$10,000	\$15,000	\$20,160
3.75 - 4.0	\$8,000	\$9,000	\$10,000	\$12,000	\$18,000	\$20,160

These awards are fixed amounts that are renewable for up to four years as long as all terms and conditions are met. Qualifying tests must be taken prior to enrollment as a new freshman at The University of Mississippi. International students test scores will be evaluated by International Enrollment Management and sent to the Financial Aid office for approval.

Read also: Campus Life at Ole Miss

Entering Freshmen must have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA on the US scale and at least a 24 ACT score or the 1160 SAT/SAT-R. The university will accept super scores (highest subject tests from ACT/SAT when scores from multiple test dates are submitted for admission). Subject test scores must be from the same exam type (ACT or SAT) to create a super score. SAT/ACT Scholarships cannot be stacked on top of International Academic Excellence Scholarships. Whichever scholarship award holds the highest value will be activated for the student’s financial aid.

Scholarships for Transfer Students

General Transfer Scholarships

The University of Mississippi offers scholarships for community college transfer students. To be considered for Transfer Scholarships, students must typically transfer with at least 30 transferable credit hours, unless otherwise indicated, as determined by the Office of Admissions.

International Undergraduate Student Scholarships (IUSS)

International students who transfer from Universities within or outside of the USA may qualify for International Undergraduate Student Scholarships (IUSS) which can cover up to 100% of non-resident tuition fees. Scholarships are based on available funding, earned university/college grades and evidence of English proficiency. Scholarships are credited towards non-resident fees and may be combined with other scholarships, but will only be applied to the non-resident portion of tuition. Scholarships are non-deferrable and non-transferable, though are renewable, provided academic progression and grade requirements are met, and valid legal status is maintained. Students may be awarded the scholarship for a total of 4 academic years towards a first bachelor’s degree only. International students who are externally funded (e.g. by their government) may not qualify for these scholarships.

To be considered for Transfer Scholarships, students must typically transfer with at least 30 transferable credit hours, unless otherwise indicated, as determined by the Office of Admissions. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and must be transferring directly from a community college. The calculation of the transfer GPA will include the grades from all prior colleges attended. You must be enrolled full-time to receive these awards. The total scholarship award is not to exceed the cost of attendance. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for all forms of financial aid for which you might apply.

Scholarships for Continuing Students

Scholarships Specific to Business Majors

Ole Miss offers a variety of scholarships for business students, making it easier to pursue your goals-whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, real estate, general business or any of the other majors we offer. Over 50 scholarships are specific to business majors. Applications open annually on December 1st for the following year and close at 5:00 pm on February 15th. Dozens of scholarships are offered to continuing students, which yield upwards of $250,000 in aid annually.

Internship Support Fund

The Internship Support Fund offsets airfare, ground transportation, lodging, or other internship-related expenses for those interning away from Oxford or their hometown. The funding amount will depend on the level of financial need and the location of your travel. The amount of funds available each year will vary depending on funding availability. If you are a finalist for the funds, you will be selected to interview with the Career Services Team.

Seibels Scholars Program

Recipients will be currently enrolled in the Entrepreneurship (ENT) major or minor with a 3.0 grade point average who contribute to the diversity of the student population at the University of Mississippi. Recipients are required to participate in the Mid-South Business Model Competition in the fall and the Gillespie Business Plan Competition in the spring. There will be four awards in the amount of $5,000 per award for a total of $20,000 per academic year.

Robert Julian Allen III Endowment

Recipients will be rising juniors and seniors in the School of Business Administration who have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and exemplify excellence in entrepreneurial spirit and abilities. The purpose of this endowment is to honor in perpetuity Robert Julian Allen III, and to provide deserving men and women in the School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi.

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Scholarships

Recipients will be currently enrolled undergraduates involved in the University of Mississippi Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship programs with a 3.0 grade point average who contribute to the diversity of the School of Business student population. Recipients will exemplify excellence in entrepreneurial spirit and abilities. A panel of faculty and staff from the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will determine the winner each year.

Ole Miss Opportunity Program

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing access to quality education for students from all backgrounds. Through our Ole Miss Opportunity program, the University guarantees that eligible Mississippi resident students will receive financial aid support to cover the average cost of tuition, residence hall housing, and an allowance for meals. For 2025-2026, an additional $500 will be awarded for books.

To qualify, students must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, an entering freshman at the start of the Fall semester in which you first enroll, seeking a degree, and enrolled full-time at Ole Miss. In addition, you must meet the following criteria:

The family income listed on your FAFSA (from the federal tax return) must be at or below $40,000.
Qualification for a Federal Pell Grant, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Student Aid Index (SAI) no higher than 6,655.
3.0 high-school GPA by the time of awarding.

The two applications listed below are required every year. Submit a FAFSA by March 1 prior to the fall semester for automatic consideration. Submit the State of Mississippi Financial Aid Application for the MS HELP, MTAG, and MESG grants. (Priority may be given to those who file it by March 31).

After Ole Miss Opportunity has considered all federal, state, institutional, and private scholarships and grants awarded to you, it will fill the gap in funding and cover:

Fall and spring semester base tuition rates for a full-time Mississippi resident student (up to 19 hours each term). The additional tuition charge for pharmacy majors is not included
Fall/Spring housing is paid by OMO for any housing option contracted through the University.
Meals through the University, equivalent to the cost of the “Rebel All Access Plus 1” meal plan for fall and spring, plus $250 flex (food) funds each semester.
OMO students will be provided an additional $250 scholarship each semester to help towards the cost of books.

Ole Miss Opportunity Scholars who are interested in pursuing degrees in either Accountancy, Science, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics, or Health Professions are encouraged to apply to the Grove Scholars program. Grove Scholars is a 4-year program that provides additional scholarship funds to OMO students and blends academic excellence with career exploration, research experience, and the promotion of personal growth and comradery among our Mississippi-resident students. There also may be charges for special fees (i.e., study abroad or extra course fees), summer classes or intersession terms. Because Ole Miss Opportunity does not provide funding for these remaining costs, students can meet them through savings, other family resources, a Federal Work-Study job, or loans. The Office of Financial Aid will be happy to assist students with identifying additional funding sources for these expenses.

The amount of the Ole Miss Opportunity award may be reduced if the student’s financial need changes and/or if the student receives subsequent, additional gift aid (scholarships and/or grants).

Renewal Requirements for Ole Miss Opportunity

Ole Miss Opportunity funding will be provided for eight regular semesters of attendance at The University of Mississippi (or until completion of the first baccalaureate degree, whichever comes first) as long as these eligibility requirements continue to be met:

Annual submission of the State of Mississippi Financial Aid Application.
Annual renewal of the FAFSA by August 1 is required for automatic consideration.
Students must continue to qualify for a Federal Pell Grant every year.
Students must maintain a 2.0 resident GPA.
Students must remain full time and continuously enrolled.
The level of funding is contingent upon the student living on campus.
Students must live in University-owned housing for their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years in order to get the full OMO benefits. If students elect to move off-campus, the total amount of grants and scholarships they can receive from ALL sources will be capped at the amount of base tuition. If students elect to live in University housing, they may receive the maximum grant/scholarship package. This number is updated annually for base tuition, housing, and meals. Since the housing rate in a traditional residence hall is accommodated in the OMO calculation, it will be the most affordable option.

Additional Information

Cost of Attendance

International students are charged the Out-of-State tuition rate and are also charged an International Student Fee of $100 per semester. You must be admitted to the University to be considered for the scholarships listed.

Private Scholarships

Private scholarships are awards provided by organizations outside of the University, such as Elks, Rotary, your local high school, national organizations, churches etc. You apply directly to the organization sponsoring the scholarship. The organization then selects the recipient(s) and sends the funds to the University which are then applied to your Bursar’s account. If you receive a private scholarship award, this may impact your financial aid award since the combination of all financial aid and scholarships cannot exceed your cost of attendance. If needed, the loans that are offered to you will be reduced first, then other aid. If you know that you will be receiving a private scholarship, please contact our office as soon as possible to prevent receiving an overaward and possible repayment of aid you have already received. Scholarship awards based on merit only are generally renewable for subsequent undergraduate years, provided the recipient maintains the required grade point average. Please review the terms and conditions of your scholarship.

Scholarship Renewal

Scholarship awards based on merit only are generally renewable for subsequent undergraduate years, provided the recipient maintains the required grade point average. Please review the terms and conditions of your scholarship.

tags: #ole #miss #scholarship #opportunities