Many students dream of pursuing a higher education but somehow, due to financial reasons, they are not able to turn their dreams into reality. So if you are a student willing to attend a university in the state of Mississippi and you are seeking a scholarship, this article will be your absolute guide.
Mississippi is a state in the USA with bustling urban centers, well-known for its magnolias and southern hospitality.
In the academic realm, Mississippi stands as a testament to opening the doors of opportunities for students to further their education by offering a load of scholarship programs. This way, students can be empowered to start on their path to success.
There are several universities in Mississippi to choose from and most of these universities offer financial aid to students. This article aims to provide timely information to students and educators about the available scholarships in the state of Mississippi.
Different Types of Scholarships in the State of Mississippi
In Mississippi, there is a wide range of scholarships for students that cater to their different academic needs. There are scholarships based on merit, need, specialty, sports, academics, etc. All these are put in place to ensure that students’ dreams of a higher education are not left as dreams but become reality.
Here’s an explanation of each type of scholarship available:
1. Merit-based scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students by recognizing those who excelled in a field. Students who have high grades or excel in any extracurricular activities are considered. It simply means the student merits the award.
2. Need-based Scholarship
Some students are not financially buoyant; this is why need-based scholarship is a category on its own. These students may not be high grade scorers but they are in need of an education, which their income cannot cover due to numerous reasons on their end. Need-based scholarship owners cover the cost of fees, tuition, books, stationeries and other relevant expenses.
3. Academic scholarships
This category is slightly different from merit-based scholarships, as merit-based scholarships may involve excelling in extracurricular activities, while academic scholarships are purely based on excellence in school work. Students who excel in their tests and course work are eligible for it. It can be awarded by an individual, a private institution, a nongovernmental organization, or universities and colleges in a bid to recruit high standard students.
3. Career-specific Scholarship
A particular field of study or organization of professionals (like engineering, medicine, health, agriculture, etc.) may come up to sponsor and fund a certain number of people who are less privileged and want to study the course.
4. Speciality scholarship
Students can stand out for a particular reason. It can be their interests, talent, culture, ethnicity or even military service
For instance, a company located in a particular geographical area decides to award scholarships to 100 students living in that area, or a cancer awareness agency awards scholarships to cancer survivors who want to continue, or a police officer is awarded a scholarship by the government for his services to the country.
These scholarships support students just to promote inclusivity in all fields.
5. Community service scholarships
Students who are active participants and volunteers for a cause are awarded scholarships for their dedication and contribution to society.
6. Athletic scholarships
This scholarship is awarded to students who are into different kinds of sports to further their education as well.
Athletic scholarship caters for students in sports like football, basketball, baseball, track and field, etc. these students participate in sports programs in exchange for financial assistance.
Scholarships in the State of Mississippi
The State of Mississippi provides financial assistance based on needs, merit, specialty, community service or athletic ability to Mississippi residents attending eligible public community or junior colleges in the state. Students vying for state-funded scholarships are usually required to complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible.
Grants and Scholarships in the State of Mississippi include
1. Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students (HELP)
HELP is a financial aid program sponsored by the state of Mississippi. HELP is structured to provide tuition assistance to qualified students based on financial need.
Application dates run from October 1 to March 31 and the program provides full tuition to qualified students for up to four years. Check out other requirements for help on their website.
2. Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)
MESG is a state-funded scholarship program for Mississippi residents created by the Mississippi Legislature, and structured to provide financial assistance to Mississippi residents who are National Merit Finalists or National Achievement Scholars attending state-approved public and private colleges and universities. Application dates run from October 1 to September 15 of the next year.
Selected applicants are awarded up to $2,500 per academic year. Prospective applicants should visit the website for more information on eligibility requirements.
3. Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)
MTAG provides financial assistance to Mississippi residents attending eligible colleges and universities in the state, including public and private colleges and universities.
The grant amount of $500 per year is available for freshmen and sophomores and $1,000 per year for juniors and seniors who are Mississippi residents. Visit their website for more information.
4. The Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Scholarship Program (LAW)
LAW is a financial aid program available to Mississippi students who are planning to enroll full-time at a state-supported college or university whose parent, spouse, or relative was a Mississippi law enforcement officer, full-time firefighter or volunteer firefighter and were displaced or totally disabled due to fatal injuries or wounds that occurred in the performance of the official duties of their office.
This financial assistance is offered as an eight-semester tuition and room scholarship at any state-supported college or university in Mississippi. Visit the organization’s website for more information.
University Scholarships in the State of Mississippi
Most universities in Mississippi offer scholarships to their students. Each university may have specific eligibility criteria, application requirements and deadlines for their scholarship programs. These scholarships may be funded by private individuals, business ventures, alumni associations, the university or a departmental body.
Students should research the scholarship opportunities available at their chosen universities and apply for scholarships that align with their academic achievements, leadership experiences and financial needs.
1. Jackson State University Scholarships
JSU offers a range of scholarships to freshmen and current students, including academic, leadership, and talent-based scholarships. Some open scholarship programs at Jackson State University include JSU Academic Scholarships, JSU Foundation Scholarships, JSU Talent Scholarships, JSU Leadership Scholarships, and JSU Honors College Scholarships.
Visit the school’s website for more information on eligibility requirements.
2. University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
The University of Mississippi has several scholarships awarded by the university, department and alumni association. They include the alumni association endowed scholarship, which was established in 1988 by the University of Mississippi Alumni Association; the Charlotte Ole Miss Opportunity Scholarship; the Freshman Diversity Scholarship; the Chancellor’s Leadership Class Scholarship; and the Lott Leadership Institute Scholarship.
3. University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss):
Southern Miss offers various scholarships to students attending the University of Southern Mississippi, including academic, merit-based, and need-based awards like the Golden Opportunity Scholarship, Academic Excellence Scholarships, Freshman Scholarships, Honors College Scholarships, etc.
Prospective applicants should visit the school’s website for more updates.
4. Mississippi College Scholarships
MC offers scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students based on academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Including MC Academic Scholarships, MC Honors College Scholarships, MC Leadership Scholarships, MC Departmental Scholarships, and MC Service Scholarships. For more information about MC scholarships, visit the school’s website for eligibility requirements.
5. Alcorn State University Scholarships:
ASU offers scholarships to incoming freshmen and current students based on academic merit, leadership, and other criteria. ASU Academic Scholarships, Beatrice J. and Sidney S. Boose Endowed Scholarship, Nichols-Vaughn Scholarship, the Dr. Jesse J. Lucas Scholarship Fund, John I. and Epsy Y. Hendricks Teacher Education Scholarship, ASU Honors College Scholarships and ASU Athletic Scholarships amongst others.
6. Delta State University scholarships
DSU offers scholarships to incoming freshmen and current students based on academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Scholarships available for DSU students include:
Emerald Freshman Scholarship, Delta State Impact Scholarship, Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni Scholarship, Magnolia Freshman Scholarship and DSU Honors College Scholarships.
7. Mississippi University for Women Scholarships
MUW offers scholarships to incoming and current students based on academic merit, leadership, talent, and other criteria. Scholarships available are MUW transfer scholarships, MUW departmental scholarships, and MUW freshmen scholarships.
8. Mississippi Valley State University Scholarships:
MVSU offers scholarships to incoming freshmen and current students based on academic achievement, leadership, and other criteria
MVSU Transfer Scholarship, MVSU Vice President’s Scholarship, MVSU Valedictorian/Salutatorian Academic Scholarship, MVSU Presidential Academic Scholarship, MVSU Athletic Scholarships.
Prospective applicants should visit the school’s website for more information on eligibility requirements.
9. University of Mississippi Medical Center Scholarships:
UMMC offers scholarships to medical and health professions students based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria. Scholarships available include; Celia Robson Physical Therapy Award, the School of Nursing Scholarship Fund, Federal Third-Party Awards and Scholarships, the John Houston Ware Scholarship Fund, the Dental School Scholarship Fund and more. Visit the school’s website for more information
10. William Carey University Scholarships:
WCU has a wide range of scholarship opportunities available for incoming freshmen and current students based on academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Scholarships available at WCU include Alumni Dependent Scholarships, Opportunity Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa Distinction Award, Athletic Scholarships amongst many others.
Prospective applicants should visit the school’s website for more information.
Conclusion
The state and citizens of Mississippi are very committed to the education of their residents, hence the provision of state grants, private scholarships and university scholarships so that students might enjoy a free learning experience without the hassle of financial struggle.
