Mississippi ranks #41 in Education overall according to the U.S. News, however, in higher education specifically it comes at 34th number among all states. The University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University are two of the best institutions the state offers.

Studying in Mississippi is also more affordable than in some other states due to a lower-than-average cost of living. The overall cost of living is 14% lower than the national average; whereas, housing and utilities are 30% and 12% lower than the national average respectively.

Even with a low cost of living, the cost of education is still unaffordable for many students which is why they end up taking loans. The cost of education increases further for those students who are from out of state, studying at private colleges, or living on campus. Mississippi students owe $16.2 billion in total in student debt out of the around $1.7 trillion U.S. federal student debt.

Scholarships can help avoid the need to take loans. They are a much better option too comparatively as scholarships do not require any form of repayment. They are like a gift and some scholarships in Mississippi are even full-ride that can help cover the full cost of tuition and other college-related expenses. We have listed almost 40 Mississippi scholarships available to students. There are options available for students from all backgrounds and who are undertaking different higher education programs. There is also information on how to apply for scholarships in Mississippi and some tips to score one successfully.

Mississippi has approximately 53 active colleges and universities with almost half being public institutions and half private. The best colleges in the state include the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Mississippi State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

The University of Mississippi, more commonly known as the Ole Miss, is the top institution in the state providing high-quality education. It is a public university with a rural setting and is located in Oxford. The cost of tuition and fees here totals up to $9,412 for in-state students; however, out-of-state tuition rises to around $26,980. It has more than 17,000 undergraduate enrolments and a high acceptance rate of 97%.

The Mississippi State University is also a public university that is located in the city of Starkville. It charges $9,815 for tuition and fees from in-state students but out-of-state students pay about $26,580. Its acceptance rate is slightly lower being 70% and it has around 18,000 undergraduate enrolments. Some of the more popular majors here include Business Administration and Management, General, Exercise Science and Kinesiology, and Psychology. There is on-campus housing available costing around $12,000.

The University of Southern Mississippi is situated in Hattiesburg and has an undergraduate enrollment of 10,258 students and a high acceptance rate of 99%. It has much more affordable tuition and fees for out-of-state students compared to the other two options which equals around $11,618. In-state students pay around $9,618 at this university. It has campus housing available too which costs around $11,180.

A 3.0 GPA is an average level of GPA which equates to around grade B. There are various good options for Mississippi colleges accepting students with such average results. Mississippi Valley State University, Jackson State University, and Alcorn State University are three public 4-year universities that accept students with a GPA that is around 3.0.

Mississippi Valley State University is located in Itta Bena and has an admission rate of around 64.8%. The average GPA of accepted students here is around 2.9 above and SATs/ACTs are not compulsory to submit for admission. However, if submitted, SAT/ACT scores are considered and can help in securing a place at the university. There is also no application fee charged here.

Another university that accepts students with around 3.1 GPA on average is Jackson State University. This university is ranked #26 on the list of best Historically Black Colleges and Universities in America by the U.S. News and has a 94% Black student majority. The admission rate here is around 88.6% and SATs/ACTs are not a compulsory requirement. Those students who do submit test scores majorly submit ACT scores and the average scores of students fall between 16 to 21. However, the Jackson State University charges $25 as an application fee.

Alcorn State University’s average accepted GPA is around 3.2 and it ranks #52 on the list of Regional Universities South, #29 on the list of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and #22 among Top Public Schools ranked by the U.S. News. Submission of ACTs or SAT scores is compulsory at this university and students with an SAT score of 1010 at least or a score of 19 on ACT have a higher chance of receiving an offer. Prospective students are also required to submit an application fee of $30.

The average cost of tuition in Mississippi is around $8,642 which is lower than the national average of $9,349 for in-state students at public universities. Out-of-state students pay around $20,160 on average for tuition and fees and the room and board costs around $9,041.

Some of the more expensive colleges in Mississippi include Belhaven University, Mississippi College, and William Carey University. These are expensive as they are all private institutions and their tuition and fees range between $14,685 and $29,195 with Belhaven being the most expensive and Willian Carey being the least. The room and board costs are highest at Mississippi College and are around $12,230 (2023-2024). William Carey University charges $7,463 and Belhaven charges around $9,400 for room and board.

There are also more affordable public options like Jackson State University which charges $8,445 from in-state students for tuition and fees, the University of Southern Mississippi charging $9,618, and the University of Mississippi which takes around $9,412 for tuition and fees from in-state students. Jackson State University is an affordable option for out-of-state students too as it charges only around $9,445; however, the latter two charge more than $25,000.
However, these are not the only expenses that are associated with a college education. The added expenses of books and supplies, rent, transportation, necessary groceries, and other necessities increase the total cost of attendance which becomes harder to afford. Students can get help from some of the Mississippi scholarships like the AL/MS Section AWWA Scholarship, National Rice Month Scholarship Contest, and Doris Burkhalter Memorial Scholarship to pay for college and related expenses in Mississippi.

Mississippi has close to 160,000 students enrolled in the state’s universities and colleges and almost 86% of them are undergraduates and more than 61% are females.

White students make up the biggest proportion of the total student population as they make up around 535 of the total student enrollment. The next highest student population is Black students who are around 54,822 in number and increasing. Together these two ethnicities make up around 88% of the total. Hispanics follow next but they make up only 3% of the total student enrollment in the state. Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders make up the smallest part of the student population in Mississippi.

The total student debt in Mississippi is $16.2 billion spread over more than 430,000 borrowers and on average a student owes about $36,902 in student loans. The per-student average debt in the state is higher than the national average of $28,950. Close to 50% of these borrowers are under the age of 35. This debt creates a long-term financial burden from such a young age and limits people from spending on other things in the future due to the responsibility of making monthly loan repayments.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to following when applying for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility:

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements:

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many Mississippi scholarships, whether merit-based or need-based, usually require school transcripts that show an individual’s academic performance. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to ensure you take advantage of every opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or family member to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.
Submit your application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and keep in mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for scholarships in Mississippi. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Mississippi offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the amount of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

High school seniors have a plethora of scholarships to choose from in Mississippi that can help them collect enough money to pay for college independently. The more Mississippi scholarships high school students apply to the better. A few of the best options are provided below.

1. Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships
2. Curwen-Guidry Scholarship Fund
3. Ashton Washington Women of Color Annual Scholarship
4. Dederick Daugherty Community Service Scholarship
5. Jake & Lillie B. Ayers Memorial Scholarship
6. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – High School Seniors
7. Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship
8. Bird Dog Foundation College Scholarship Essay Contest

Generally, an undergraduate degree consists of 4 years of education including freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior year. The following scholarships are available to students across all four years in the course of their degree.

1. Kristal Mead Hillie Nursing Education Scholarship
2. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – College Students
3. Mary Jo Liljedahl Memorial Scholarship
4. MGMA Southern Section Scholarship
5. AL/MS Section AWWA Scholarship

There are more than 20,000 graduate students enrolled in colleges and universities in Mississippi. Many of them are pursuing their degrees with the help of loans. Graduate students can take help from these scholarships instead as, unlike loans, they do not require repayments and do not create a financial burden on students in any form in the short or long term.

1. Leighton M. Ballew Directing Award
2. Denise Halbach Performance Scholarship Award
3. Marian A. Smith Costume Scholarship Award
4. Robert Porterfield Scholarship Award
5. William E. Wilson Scholarship Award
6. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program

Students studying to become teachers can apply for all scholarships that are not major-specific. The following are three options to consider:

1. National Rice Month Scholarship Contest
2. Study.com November Scholarships
3. Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships

Following are some nursing scholarships available exclusively to those aspiring to become nurse practitioners. Nursing students can also apply for all other scholarships that are not limited by a specific major.

1. Kristal Mead Hillie Nursing Education Scholarship
2. Sandra Cooper Nursing Scholarship

Women make up around 61% of the total student population in Mississippi and they are a greater in proportion across almost every level of tertiary education. Many of these women have a hard time affording college due to other financial responsibilities which is why many are unable to graduate successfully. The following scholarships can help these women pay for college and graduate successfully.

1. Ashton Washington Women of Color Annual Scholarship
2. SAWF Scholarship Program

Most universities and colleges offer in-house scholarships to their students and many of these scholarships are merit-based.

The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) also offers scholarships based on academic excellence to state residents, non-residents, and also to international students. For freshmen who are residents of Mississippi, some scholarships do not require any separate application and students are considered automatically upon admission. Their academic merit scholarships are one such example that requires at least a high school GPA of 3.0, and a 23 ACT score or SAT equivalent. The awards for this scholarship are renewable for up to 4 years and range from $1,000 to $13,252 depending on the GPA and test scores.

Ole Miss also has competitive scholarships like the Stamps Scholarship, W.R. Newman Scholarship, and Robert M. Carrier Scholarship. These range from $10,000 per year to the full cost of attendance and are based on state residency and exceptional academic and leadership records.

Students applying to Mississippi State University with a sound academic record can also benefit from merit-based scholarships. Those with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and ACT of 20 or SAT of 1030 at minimum are automatically considered for the Freshman Mississippi Resident Academic Scholarship, which awards amounts between $1,500 to $10,000 per year depending on the GPA and test scores of the student. There are also Freshman Non-Resident Academic Scholarships that vary between $17,000 to $25,000 per year depending on high school grades and ACT/SAT scores.

Another example of a University offering such scholarships is the University of Southern Mississippi. Students with at least a 3.0 GPA and an ACT score of 21 or SAT of 1060 are automatically considered for the Academic Excellence Scholarships upon admission which awards between $12,000 to the total amount of tuition based on test scores and GP – the better the scores, the higher the award. Students can also apply separately for other merit-based scholarships at the university if they have exceptional academic high school results. A few examples include the Oseola McCarty Scholars Program and the Joe Paul Leadership Scholars Program.

Students can find scholarships on websites, like Scholaroo, that list a plethora of scholarships for students. The filters provided on these websites can be used to narrow down the search to relevant scholarships. Students can also look for scholarships that various state-based and not-for-profit organizations offer through their websites. They can also contact local churches and small organizations within their community for assistance.

Project Impact Mississippi is a nonprofit organization that aims to minimize education inequity in Mississippi. It helps make Higher education accessible to all students within the state. One of the main ways they do this is by providing various scholarships to students pursuing higher education. Some of their scholarships include the Ashton Washington Women of Color Scholarship, Doris Burkhalter Memorial Scholarship, Joseph Demond Webster Memorial Scholarship, and Sandra Cooper Nursing Scholarship. They provide mostly $1,000 scholarship awards to selected students.

For state-based financial aid, including scholarships, students who are Mississippi residents can refer to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid website. Their main scholarships include Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship, FAITH Scholarship, LAW – Law Enforcement Officers & Firefighters Scholarship, and NISS – Nissan Scholarship. Depending on the scholarship program, students can receive up to the full certified cost of attendance at their college minus any other aid already received.

Many universities also offer in-house scholarships for their students and students can contact their school’s financial aid office to inquire about such opportunities.

The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid is responsible for distributing state-based grants to students who are Michigan residents. These grants are usually need-based and financial need must be demonstrated through FAFSA.

Their HELP – Higher Education Legislative Plan is a program for needy students with a minimum of 2.5 GPA and an ACT score of 20 at the minimum. Students must also meet the income requirements, demonstrate financial need through FAFSA, and Enroll full-time at an approved postsecondary institution in Mississippi to be eligible for this grant program. students may receive an amount up to full tuition and required fees at a public institution through this program.

MTAG – Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant is another grant the Office of Student Aid offers which awards a maximum of $500 per academic year for freshmen and sophomore years and $1,000 per academic year for junior and senior years. It requires the student to have at least a 2.5 cumulative college GPA on at least 12 completed hours. The MESG – Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant requires a higher GPA for eligibility which must be at least 3.5 or above. This grant awards up to up to $2,500 per academic year but it may be less depending on how much the tuition is.