Did you know the state of Mississippi has several grants available to its students who wish to go to college? We cover just a few of these below, plus give you additional resources so you can learn more about going to and affording college in Mississippi!
Mississippi State Grants
Wikipedia Commons user Robby Followell
1. Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP) for Needy Students
HELP is a partnership with Get2College and helps cover the cost of tuition for qualified students who demonstrate financial need. Students attending a public school within the state can receive the full cost of tuition and fees, while those attending a private institution will receive a grant of equal value to the attendance at a public school. Eligibility can last up to 8 semesters or the completion of the bachelor’s degree.
In order to apply, students must
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Be a resident of the state for at least one year prior to applying
- Earn at least a 20 on the ACT
- Have a high school GPA of at least 2.5
- Have demonstrated financial need
- Be attending college full time
- Be attending college or earning a certificate for the first time
Both high school seniors and those who have graduated college within the last year are welcome to apply.
2. Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant
Another grant available to students within Mississippi is the Tuition Assistance Grant. Designed for students who do not currently qualify for federal need-based aid, this grant awards up to $500 for the first two years of college and $1,000 for the last two years per year. It can be renewed for up to 8 semesters.
Students interested in applying must meet certain requirements including:
- Be a resident of the state for at least one year prior to applying
- Have at least a 2.5 GPA in high school
- Score at least a 15 on the ACT
- Be attending an eligible school in Mississippi
- Be attending college full time
3. Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)
The MESG is largely merit-based and awards up to $2,5000 per year for up to 8 semesters. Students must apply within 3 years of graduating high school and meet other eligibility requirements:
- Be a resident of the state for at least one year prior to applying
- Have at least a 3.5 GPA
- Earn a 29 or higher on the ACT, a 1350 on the SAT or be named a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist
- Be attending college full time
4. And More
Other awards for students in the state of Mississippi include
- FAITH Scholarship
- Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers and Firemen Scholarship (LAW)
- Nissan Scholarship
- And others
Where Can You Find More Information on Mississippi State Grants?
Students interested in learning more about the financial aid programs, scholarships, and grants available to them in Mississippi should head over to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid website. There students and counselors can find further information about the grants above, forgivable loans, applications, repayment options, and more.
Student loans can help fill the financial gap between grants and the cost of tuition, but finding ones that fit your needs can feel like an uphill battle! College Raptor has resources to help you identify the best student loans out there for you. Click here to get started!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
|
|
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
