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.
Created by the Mississippi Legislature in 2022, the FAITH scholarship (sponsored by Representative Bill Kinkade) awards scholarships up to the full cost of attendance for current for former foster youth to attend college in Mississippi.
Students must be younger than age 25 by October 1 for the year they are applying and must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Have been in legal custody of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (CPS) at any time since age 13.
- Have lived in a qualified residential childcare agency at any time since age 13.
- Have been adopted from the legal custody of CPS or a qualified residential childcare agency at any time since age 13.
Students must enroll at least part-time (minimum 6 credit hours).
