Mississippi may not be the first U.S. state that comes to mind when students think about higher education. Yet in recent years, the state has earned recognition for its educational improvements—often called the “Mississippi Miracle.” Alongside these reforms, universities and government agencies are investing more in scholarships that reduce or even cover the full cost of study.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top fully funded scholarships in Mississippi for 2025, explain what they offer, and show you how to apply—whether you’re a local resident or an international student.
Why Study in Mississippi?
Mississippi is emerging as an attractive destination for students because of:
- Affordable cost of living compared to other U.S. states.
- Improved educational performance, especially in reading and STEM fields.
- Universities with growing global recognition, including Ole Miss, MSU, and JSU.
- Supportive state and private foundations that actively fund higher education.
Related reading: University of Florida Scholarships 2025
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Scholarships 2025
Ole Miss is one of the leading institutions in the South, and it offers strong financial aid programs.
Academic Excellence Scholarships
Merit-based awards covering full tuition for high-achieving students with excellent GPA and test scores.
International Student Scholarships
Designed to attract global talent, these scholarships help international students reduce or eliminate tuition costs.
Official Ole Miss Scholarships Page
Mississippi State University (MSU) Scholarships 2025
MSU is known for research, engineering, and agriculture programs. It provides generous packages for both U.S. and international students.
Freshman Merit Scholarships
Automatic consideration for incoming freshmen with strong academic records. Top awards cover tuition, housing, and books.
International Education Scholarships
Open to international applicants, offering partial to fully funded tuition support.
Mississippi State University Scholarships
Jackson State University (JSU) Scholarships 2025
JSU is a prominent historically Black university (HBCU) in Mississippi with a tradition of academic excellence.
Presidential Scholarships
Highly competitive awards that can cover tuition, fees, and accommodation.
International Student Support
Scholarships available for international students with outstanding academic achievements.
Jackson State University Scholarships
State-Funded Scholarships in Mississippi
The Mississippi state government runs several programs to ensure residents can pursue higher education affordably.
- Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG): Up to $2,500 per year for academically talented students.
- Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG): Aimed at middle-income families to reduce tuition expenses.
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid
Private & Foundation Scholarships
Several private organizations are committed to making education accessible:
- Woodward Hines Education Foundation – Offers financial support and mentorship for Mississippi students.
- Community Foundation for Mississippi – Provides regional scholarships funded by donors.
Woodward Hines Foundation Scholarships
How to Apply for Scholarships in Mississippi
- Start early – Deadlines often fall between December and March.
- Review eligibility – Each scholarship has GPA, test score, or residency requirements.
- Prepare documents – Transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays are essential.
- Complete FAFSA – Both U.S. and international students can explore aid via Federal Student Aid.
- Apply directly through universities – Most scholarships require online applications on university portals.
Related: Google Scholarship 2025
Conclusion
Mississippi is proving that quality education doesn’t have to come with an overwhelming financial burden. In 2025, students can take advantage of fully funded scholarships at Ole Miss, MSU, JSU, as well as government grants and private foundations.
Whether you’re a Mississippi resident or an international student, this is the year to explore your options and secure funding.
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