Grants
Grants are funds provided for your education by the state or federal government. Unlike a loan, grants do not have to be repaid.
Federal Grants
All federal grants require that you complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
The U.S. Department of Education offers a variety of federal grants to students attending four-year universities, like The W.
Federal Pell Grant
Available to undergraduates who meet financial requirements. The maximum amount is awarded to full time students and will prorate based on enrollment hours.
Lifetime Limit: Recent changes in the law affect Federal Pell Grant awards for the 2012-2013 school year and beyond. This change limits the total number of years a student may receive a Pell Grant to the equivalent of six years (12 semesters).
Annual Amount: The amounts can change yearly. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2023-2024 award year.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
For undergraduates with exceptional financial need; Federal Pell Grant recipients take priority; funds depend on availability at school.
Annual Amount: $100–$4,000
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
For undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students who are or will be taking course work necessary to become elementary or secondary teacher; recipient must sign Agreement to Serve saying he or she will teach full-time in designated teacher shortage area for four complete years (within eight years of completing academic program) at elementary or secondary school serving children from low-income families. Does not have to be repaid unless student fails to carry out service obligation, in which case student must repay TEACH Grant as Direct Unsubsidized Loan with interest accrued (accumulated) from date grant was disbursed (paid out to student).
Annual Amount: Up to $4,000 a year; total amount may not exceed $16,000; Graduate student: Total amount may not exceed $8,000
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
For students who are not Pell-eligible due only to having less financial need than is required to receive Pell funds; whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11; and who, at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death, were less than 24 years old or were enrolled at least part-time at an institution of higher education.
Annual Amount: Maximum is same as Pell maximum; payment adjusted for less-than-full-time study.
State Grants
Each year, the State Legislature sets aside about $30 million that Mississippi students can use to go to college.
Find out more about state funds and how to apply, visit: https://www.msfinancialaid.org/
Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP)
Created by the Mississippi Legislature, this program is designed to provide tuition assistance to qualified students whose financial need, as demonstrated by federal student aid eligibility, will not be met with gift aid from other sources.
Application Dates: January 1 to March 31
Award Amount: Tuition and required fees at a public institution
Eligibility Requirements: Minimum of a 20 on the National ACT and high school cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.
Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)
Created by the Mississippi Legislature, MESG is designed to provide financial aid assistance to Mississippi residents attending state approved public and nonprofit two-year and four-year eligible colleges and universities.
Application Dates: January 1 to September 15
Award Amount: Up to $2,500 per academic year, but may not exceed tuition and required fees. May receive grant up to 8 semesters or degree completion whichever comes first.
Eligibility Requirements: Minimum 29 on the National ACT and have a high school cumulative grade point average of 3.50 on a 4.0 scale.
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)
Created by the Mississippi Legislature, MTAG is designed to provide financial aid assistance to Mississippi residents attending state approved public and nonprofit two-year and four-year eligible colleges and universities.
Application Dates: January 1 to September 15
Award Amount: Up to $500 per academic year for freshmen and sophomores and $1,000 per academic year for juniors and seniors.
Eligibility Requirements: Minimum 15 on the National ACT and a high school cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.