Unlocking Opportunities: Out-of-State Scholarships at the University of Mississippi

For non-resident students aspiring to attend the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), the cost of tuition can be a significant barrier. However, Ole Miss offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to alleviate the financial burden for out-of-state students. These scholarships, which recognize academic achievements, family connections, and specific program enrollments, can significantly reduce the overall cost of education. The Office of Financial Aid is committed to assisting students in navigating the financial aid landscape and providing guidance on scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to make higher education accessible and affordable.

Non-Resident Fee-Specific Scholarships

These scholarships are exclusively applied to the non-resident fee, offering a direct reduction in tuition expenses. Importantly, multiple fee-specific scholarships can be combined, but the total amount cannot exceed the total non-resident fee.

Non-Resident Alumni Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes the legacy of Ole Miss alumni. Non-resident students whose parents (up to two) have graduated from the University are eligible. Starting Fall 2026, students with a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher can receive $32,000, distributed as $8,000 per year towards the non-resident fee. For the 2025-26 aid year, prospective students can download and complete the application form and return it to the Office of Financial Aid. It is important to note that Scholarships 1 & 2 cannot be stacked together.

Means Non-Resident Scholarship

This scholarship targets students residing in specific Tennessee counties. Incoming, first-year, full-time students who are residents of Shelby, Tipton, and Fayette Counties in Tennessee can qualify. Eligibility criteria include a minimum high school GPA of 3.75 and either no test score or an ACT equivalent of 23 and below. Students with an ACT score of at least 24 and a high school GPA of at least 3.0 are also eligible. To apply, students must first gain admission to the University of Mississippi. The award amount ranges from $5,000 to $8,000.

Academic Common Market

The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a regional tuition-savings program for students in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states. It is a cooperative agreement among 16 states that allows students to pursue degree programs not offered in their home state at the in-state tuition rate. The 16 participating states include Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. At Ole Miss, qualified students participating in ACM receive a scholarship that fully covers the non-resident fee, effectively paying only the in-state tuition rate. It is important to note that this award cannot be combined with any other award that specifically pays for the non-resident fee.

Read also: Guide to Ole Miss Scholarships

Non-Resident Freshman Merit and Achievement-Based Scholarships

Ole Miss recognizes the hard work and dedication of incoming non-resident students through merit- and achievement-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on high school GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and extracurricular activities.

Academic Merit Scholarships

These awards are fixed amounts that are renewable for up to four years, contingent upon meeting specific terms and conditions. The scholarship is fee-specific, directly reducing the non-resident fee and does not stack with Academic Success NR. Entering freshmen with a minimum 3.0 high school GPA are eligible.

National Merit Scholarships

These scholarships are designed for entering freshmen with National Merit Semifinalist/Finalist status and a 3.0 or higher GPA. It also covers the full non-resident fee, if applicable. These awards are renewable for up to four years as long as all terms and conditions are met. These cannot be stacked with the Academic Merit awards. To apply, students must gain admission to the University of Mississippi.

High School Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes top academic performers from high schools. Entering freshmen who are named Valedictorian or Salutatorian of their high school are eligible for an $8,000 scholarship, distributed as $2,000 per year. This award is intended for two incoming freshmen from each school, emphasizing the importance of class rankings. To apply, students must notify the Office of Financial Aid, providing a letter from a high school official confirming the class ranking and the student's position as #1 or #2.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Beyond the specific non-resident scholarships, Ole Miss offers a range of other scholarships that out-of-state students may be eligible for.

University Foundation Scholarships

These scholarships consider academic and leadership records, and some may be need-based, requiring the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Patterson School of Accountancy Scholarships

These scholarships are specifically for students pursuing degrees in accountancy. The deadline to apply is January 10. For more information, contact the School of Accountancy at 662-915-7468. Examples include:

Roger and Susie Friou Scholarship: Awarding $12,000 ($3,000 per year) to entering freshmen and transfer students.
McCarty Family Scholarship: Awarding $12,000 ($3,000 per year) to entering freshmen.
James W. Davis Scholarship: Awarding $12,000 ($3,000 per year) to entering freshmen.
Gene Peery Scholarship: Awarding $12,000 ($3,000 per year) to entering freshmen and transfer students.

A strong academic and leadership record is considered for all these scholarships.

Honors College Scholarships

The deadline to apply for these scholarships is January 10.

Department of Modern Languages Scholarships

The deadline to apply is January 10. Contact the departments listed for more information.

Read also: UW-Madison Tuition Requirements

Chinese Language Flagship Scholarships: Awarding $32,000 ($8,000 per year). There are also Army & AFROTC options.
Arabic Language Flagship Scholarships: Awarding $32,000 ($8,000 per year). There are also Army & AFROTC options.
Scholarships are available for students who intend to minor or major in German, Japanese, or Russian. Most students will begin with summer intensive language study prior to freshman year and will study abroad. Applications will be considered until April 21st.

Engineering Scholarships

Brevard, Jr., Engineering Scholarship: Awarding $8,000-$24,000 ($2,000-$6,000 per year) to entering freshmen and transfer students.
John G. Adler Engineering Scholarship: Awarding $8,000-$24,000 ($2,000-$6,000 per year) to entering freshmen and transfer students.
Additional Engineering Scholarship Opportunities: Engineering Dean’s Award for Excellence, Elsie & Harper Johnson, Jeff Frederking, George C. Walker, R. Baxter Wilson, Clarence M. & Kathryne W. Conway, John & Lillie Mae Walker, Arnold W. Carothers, and many others. Award Amount: $8,000-$24,000 ($2,000-$6,000 per year).

All engineering scholarships are for students who are actively pursuing degrees in engineering, including computer science.

Military Science Scholarship

The deadline to apply varies by scholarship. The student must have a strong academic background and demonstrate a commitment to leadership and achieving excellence.

Freedom Studies Scholarship

Award Amount: $2,500 per semester. The Declaration of Independence Center is building a community of students with the character, passion, and talent to make a difference in the name of American Freedom. For additional information, please visit the Freedom Studies Scholars page. Deadline: August 1.

Navigating the Financial Aid Process

The Office of Financial Aid at Ole Miss is dedicated to helping students navigate the complexities of financial aid. They provide guidance on various options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. The school's FAFSA code is 002440. The 2026-2027 FAFSA is now open.

Types of Aid

Ole Miss offers a variety of aid options for all types of students.

How to Apply for Aid

The Office of Financial Aid provides resources to help students with the aid application process.

Check Your Financial Aid Status

Students can check their financial aid status online.

External Scholarships

In addition to the scholarships offered directly by the University of Mississippi, students should explore private scholarships offered by external organizations. These awards are provided by organizations outside of the University, such as Elks, Rotary, your local high school, national organizations, churches etc. Students 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 the student's Bursar’s account.

Important Considerations

Scholarship Renewal: Scholarship awards based on merit only are generally renewable for subsequent undergraduate years, provided the recipient maintains the required grade point average.
Impact of Private Scholarships: If a student receives a private scholarship award, this may impact their financial aid award since the combination of all financial aid and scholarships cannot exceed their cost of attendance.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid: It is essential to contact the Office of Financial Aid as soon as possible if you know that you will be receiving a private scholarship to prevent receiving an overaward and possible repayment of aid you have already received.

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