Mississippi Financial Aid
State grants, eligibility, deadlines, and strategies for Mississippi students
Mississippi offers the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) and the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG) as its primary state aid programs. MTAG provides need-based aid while MESG rewards academic achievement. Both are available to students attending Mississippi institutions.
Mississippi grant programs
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)
Need-basedUp to $500/year at public institutions; up to $1,000/year at private institutions
Eligibility
- Mississippi resident for at least two years
- Enrolled full-time at an eligible Mississippi institution
- Minimum 2.5 high school GPA and 15 ACT (or equivalent)
- File the FAFSA
- Family adjusted gross income at or below a set threshold
Deadline: September 15 (FAFSA filing deadline for state aid)
Official info →Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)
Merit-basedUp to $2,500/year
Eligibility
- Mississippi resident
- Minimum 3.5 high school GPA on the college prep curriculum
- Minimum 29 ACT composite (or equivalent SAT)
- Enrolled full-time at an eligible Mississippi institution
Deadline: September 15
Official info →Tips for maximising Mississippi aid
Mississippi's state grant amounts are modest — prioritize applying for institutional scholarships at Mississippi's public universities, which often offer more substantial merit aid.
MTAG and MESG require specific ACT score minimums — consider retaking the ACT if you're close to qualifying.
Mississippi has a relatively late September 15 state aid deadline, but file the FAFSA early to maximize federal aid and institutional awards.
Educational guide only. State aid programs, amounts, and deadlines change annually. Always verify current information directly with Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and your college's financial aid office before making decisions.
Put this into action
Find colleges in Mississippi that fit your budget, or learn more about the FAFSA process.