Mississippi Financial Aid: State Grants, Scholarships and Free College Programs

Apply once, through the Mississippi Aid Application

The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid (MOSFA) runs every state grant and scholarship through one online system, the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) . The application window for most programs runs October 1 through September 15, with supporting documents due by mid October. Need-based programs also require the FAFSA, so file that first and list your Mississippi college choices on it.

MTAG: Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant

MTAG rewards students who don't max out the federal Pell Grant. To qualify as an entering freshman you need Mississippi residency for one year, a 2.5 high school GPA, and an ACT composite of 15 or higher. Currently enrolled students need a 2.5 college GPA on at least 12 completed hours. The award pays up to $500 a year for freshmen and sophomores and up to $1,000 a year for juniors and seniors, for up to 8 semesters, according to MOSFA's MTAG program page .

MESG: Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant

MESG targets top academic performers. Entering freshmen need a 3.5 GPA and an ACT composite of 29 or higher, or 1350 SAT, or National Merit Finalist or Semifinalist status. The grant pays up to $2,500 a year, capped at your actual tuition and fees, for up to 8 semesters, per MOSFA's MESG page . It does not pay out during summer terms, and you stay enrolled full-time every fall and spring to keep it.

HELP: Higher Education Legislative Plan

HELP is Mississippi's closest program to free tuition. Eligible entering freshmen need Mississippi residency for one year, a 2.5 high school GPA, an ACT composite of 20 or higher, and income within MOSFA's published limits, plus Pell Grant eligibility shown on the FAFSA. The award covers full tuition and required fees at a public Mississippi university or community college, or the equivalent average public tuition amount at a private school, according to MOSFA's HELP page . It runs for up to 8 semesters and renews as long as you keep the GPA and stay full-time.

FAITH Scholarship for foster youth

FAITH serves students who spent time in Mississippi's foster care system. You qualify if you were in the legal custody of the Department of Child Protection Services at any point since age 13, lived in a qualified residential facility since age 13, or were adopted out of state custody since age 13. You must be under 25, a Mississippi resident for one year, and enrolled at least part time (6 credit hours). The award covers your full cost of attendance minus other grant aid, for up to 5 years and 144 credit hours at a four-year school, per MOSFA's FAITH page .

Smaller targeted scholarships

Two more state programs cover narrower groups. The LAW scholarship pays tuition, fees and average campus housing costs for the children and spouses of Mississippi law enforcement officers and firefighters killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The Nissan Scholarship (NISS) pays full tuition, fees and a book allowance to one or two graduating Mississippi seniors a year who show financial need, a 2.5 GPA, an ACT of 20 or higher, and an essay on Mississippi's automotive industry.

Stacking state aid with federal aid

State grants apply after your federal Pell Grant and the need calculated by the FAFSA, not instead of it. MTAG, MESG and HELP awards, combined with your other aid, cannot exceed your actual cost of attendance, so a school reduces your state grant if your combined aid runs over what you're billed. File the FAFSA every year even if you doubt you'll qualify for federal aid, since MOSFA uses the same form to check your Pell eligibility for MTAG and HELP.

Mississippi does not run a separate free community college program

Unlike states with a dedicated last-dollar Promise program, Mississippi funds low-income students through HELP rather than a separate free-community-college initiative. If you plan to start at one of the state's 15 community colleges, apply for HELP, MTAG and the FAFSA the same way a university-bound student would. The award follows you if you transfer to a public university later, as long as you keep meeting the renewal requirements.

Deadlines to track