Several student financial aid programs are offered by the state of Mississippi through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid. Two of the larger programs offered are the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) and the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG). These two programs do not require a specific academic major and are available to all Mississippi residents who apply and meet the eligibility requirements. The deadline to apply for both programs is September 15 of each year.
MTAG awards are given up to $500 annually for freshmen and sophomores. In general, students must have a minimum ACT score of 15 and a minimum high school GPA of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale. Students must enroll full-time and complete at least 15 credit hours each fall and spring semester and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
MESG awards are $2,500 annually for up to 2 years (4 semesters). In general, students must have a minimum ACT score of 29 or be a National Merit/Achievement Semi-Finalist and have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students must enroll full-time and complete at least 15 credit hours each fall and spring semester and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA.
The HELP grant awards cover tuition and required fees at a public institution. Student must complete a specific high school curriculum (see website for additional details), graduate high school with a minimum 2.5 GPA, have a minimum ACT score of 20, and meet income limitations. A completed FAFSA application is required. Students must enroll full-time and complete at least 15 credit hours each fall and spring semester and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
New Summer 2022 Grant Oppurtunity
This one-time grant award seeks to assist continuing college students during Summer 2022. Funding is offered as assistance to students affected by the pandemic to stay on track for graduation or help students catch up if they have fallen behind. The award will be $500 at a community college and $1,000 at a four-year institution (publics and privates).
The general requirements for students are as follows:
1. Complete the GEER application, which will be made available on the GEER webpage. The application will open February 1, 2022 and close April 30, 2022.
2. Complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA and have an EFC below 15,000.
3. Be a MS resident.
4. Be a true continuing college student with at least 12 hours completed as of Fall 2021 that do NOT include high school/dual enrollment/AP credits.
5. Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative college GPA.
6. Enroll in at least 3 hours in a first certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree program.
Additional information and the application can be accessed at www.msfinancialaid.org/geer.
