Navigating the MSU General Scholarship Application: A Comprehensive Guide
Applying for scholarships is a crucial step in financing higher education. Mississippi State University (MSU) offers a variety of scholarships to students, and the General Scholarship Application (GSA) serves as a gateway to many of these opportunities. This article provides a detailed overview of the MSU General Scholarship Application requirements, deadlines, and related information to help students maximize their chances of receiving financial aid.
Understanding the General Scholarship Application (GSA)
The General Scholarship Application (GSA) is Mississippi State University’s central application for various scholarships. Submission of the General Scholarship Application is required for competitive scholarships, including private, departmental, and leadership and service scholarships. By completing this application, students can be considered for a wide range of awards based on their academic achievements, leadership skills, service involvement, and other criteria.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Application Opens: The General Scholarship Application (GSA) opens on October 1 each year for the following academic year. For example, the scholarship applications for the 2026-27 academic year open on October 1, 2025.
- Priority Date for Entering Freshmen: The priority date for entering freshmen to submit the GSA is December 1. For these scholarships that require a minimum ACT/SAT score, eligibility will be based on ACT/SAT scores on file as of December 1.
- MSU Denver Priority Deadline: The priority deadline to complete the general scholarship application process is March 1. Scholarship applications received on or before March 1 are given priority consideration in the awarding process. Scholarship applications received after this date may still be considered.
Accessing and Completing the GSA
To access the General Scholarship Application, students must visit Mississippi State University’s Online Scholarship System.
- Sign In: Use your NetID and NetPassword to log in by clicking the “Sign In” button in the top right corner of the page.
- Complete the Application: Fill out all required fields in the application.
- Save Your Progress: Don’t forget to click the ‘Save’ button!
- Submit: Once you have completed the application, submit it before the priority deadline.
Eligibility Criteria and Evaluation
The General Scholarship Application considers various factors to determine scholarship eligibility.
*Test scores are based on the student's ACT/SAT superscore. The last test date used for academic scholarship purposes is the February test date of a student's senior year. *9th-11th grade GPA will include the GPA as listed on the official 6-semester high school transcript or the core GPA as calculated by the MSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The higher of the two will be used for scholarship purposes.
Read also: Comprehensive Scholarship Guide
- Test Scores: ACT/SAT scores are considered, with the last test date used for academic scholarship purposes being the February test date of a student's senior year.
- GPA: 9th-11th grade GPA will include the GPA as listed on the official 6-semester high school transcript or the core GPA as calculated by the MSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The higher of the two will be used for scholarship purposes.
- Leadership and Service: Involvement in leadership roles and service activities is also evaluated.
- Applicant Record: The overall applicant record is taken into consideration.
Types of Scholarships Available
MSU offers a diverse range of scholarships, including:
- Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, typically considering GPA and test scores.
- Competitive Scholarships: These scholarships require the submission of the General Scholarship Application and may have additional requirements.
- Private Scholarships: These are funded by private donors and may have specific criteria. The MSU Denver Foundation offers hundreds of privately funded scholarships to students every year, based on academics, achievement and financial need. The only way to apply for this is through our online application system.
- Departmental Scholarships: These are offered by specific academic departments within the university.
- Leadership and Service Scholarships: These recognize students who have demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to service.
- Institutional Scholarships: MSU Denver offers a variety of Institutional Scholarships. Please remember these awards are offered on a first-come, first served basis and are subject to funding availability.
- Automatic Scholarships: Did you know that when you apply to MSU Texas, you are automatically considered for scholarships? Our general merit scholarships can help reduce your overall costs.
- Alumni Scholarships: Awarded to non-resident students whose status as the child of an MSU alumni has been verified. You must be assessed non-resident tuition in order to receive the Alumni Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship. The Alumni Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship may be combined with the Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship.
Specific Scholarship Examples
Freshman Mississippi Resident Academic Scholarship Package: Automatically awarded upon admission to MSU. Award amount is based on 9th -11th grade high school GPA and test scores. MSU accepts SAT/ACT scores through the February test date of a student's senior year of high school.
Freshman Non-Resident Academic Scholarship Package: Automatically awarded upon admission to MSU. Award amount is based on 9th -11th grade high school GPA and test scores. MSU accepts SAT/ACT scores through the February test date of a student's senior year of high school. You must be assessed non-resident tuition in order to receive the Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is awarded to entering transfer students. Awarded for up to 5 semesters at $1,000 per semester for a maximum amount of $5,000.
Transfer Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship: The Transfer Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship is awarded to entering transfer students. You must be assessed non-resident tuition in order to receive the Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship. Awarded for up to 5 semesters at $6,000 per semester for a maximum amount of $30,000. Awarded for up to 5 semesters at $7,000 per semester for a maximum amount of $35,000.
Read also: Scholarship Application Tips and Tricks
National Merit Finalist Scholarship Package: Awarded to entering freshmen who have been named a National Merit Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. **Amount subject to change based on the double-occupancy rate of the student's on campus housing assignment. May be awarded for up to four years (eight semesters), as long as the student maintains continuous residency in on-campus housing. National Merit Finalists who are members of the Shackouls Honors College may be eligible for a $2,000 Stewart Bridgforth Honors Scholarship, which may be used for study abroad, internships, or faculty-sponsored undergraduate research support after successful completion of the student's first year at MSU.
National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholarship Package: Awarded to entering freshmen who have been named a National Merit Semi-Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. National Merit Semi-Finalists who are members of the Shackouls Honors College may be eligible for a $2,000 Stewart Bridgforth Honors Scholarship, which may be used for study abroad, internships, or faculty-sponsored undergraduate research support after successful completion of the student's first year at MSU.
Presidential Scholarships: Presidential Scholarships are the most prestigious scholarships awarded at MSU. These are awarded to a select number of the most outstanding entering freshmen on a competitive basis. Educational Enrichment Scholarship - $12,000 to be used for study abroad, internships, or other qualified educational pursuits. **Amount varies based on the double-occupancy rate of the student's on campus housing assignment.
Presidential Partnership Scholarship: This is a competitive scholarship award for for entering transfer students. To be reviewed for this scholarship, the student must be nominated by their Mississippi community/junior college president. The amount of this award will be capped at the regular 12-16 hour tuition rate.
Performance and Service Scholarships: Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC, Department of Art, Department of Music, Choral Activities, Famous Maroon Band, and Spirit Squads may offer scholarships to MSU students. The amounts of these awards vary and are determined by the awarding department. An audition or portfolio showing may be required to be considered for these awards.
Read also: General Scholarship Application Tips
E.H. Sumners Foundation Scholarship: Awarded to residents of Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Montgomery, or Webster counties in Mississippi who have submitted the E.H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Application and whose residency has been verified by the E.H. Sumners Foundation. E.H. Awarded on a yearly basis. Must submit the E.H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Application by the specified deadline and be approved by the E.H. Must submit the E.H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Application by the specified deadline and be approved by the E.H. Must submit the E.H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Application by the specified deadline and be approved by the E.H. Undergraduate students may receive this award for a maximum of 8 undergraduate semesters. Graduate students may receive this award for a maximum of 4 graduate semestersOnly awarded during a fall or spring semester.
Reisher Scholars Program: Full time student, continuing students with sophomore standing, or new transfer students with junior standing.
TheDream.US: TheDream.US is the nation’s largest college access and success program for DREAMers (with or without DACA or TPS). TheDream.US scholarship will cover your tuition and fees up to $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree at MSU Denver. You should submit your scholarship application by February 28, 2023, 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time.
The Displaced Aurarian (DAAPP) Scholarship program: The Displaced Aurarian (DAAPP) Scholarship program is designed to provide funds for tuition and fees for students who were residents of the Auraria neighborhood at the time the campus was first built, between 1955 and 1973. The program also extends to all direct descendants of these residents. The Displaced Aurarian Scholarship will cover the student’s share of in-state tuition and fees for regular classes up to 18 credit hours taught at the downtown Auraria Campus only. The Displaced Aurarian Scholarship will be awarded after Census Date (approximately 3 weeks after classes begin) every Fall and Spring semester. Submission of the DAAPP application in no way guarantees a Displaced Aurarian Award at MSU Denver at any point.
Non-Resident Fee Waiver for West Alabama Counties: Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus received approval in 2013 from the Institutions of Higher Learning to waive nonresident charges for Alabama residents in six Alabama counties; Sumter, Greene, Choctaw, Hale, Marengo, and Clarke.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
After completing the General Scholarship Application, additional scholarship opportunities may be recommended based on your qualifications. Students are encouraged to browse “ALL” Scholarships by clicking on the “All” menu under “Opportunities” in the menu above and browse additional opportunities. Automatch scholarships will appear with “None” listed under the “Action” column - this means an additional application is not required for consideration. The “Deadline” column indicates the deadline to complete the application to receive consideration.
Scholarship Renewal and Maintaining Eligibility
Scholarships are not automatically renewed each year. Students must meet certain requirements to maintain their scholarship eligibility. Scholarship renewal is based on maintaining continuous full-time enrollment and maintaining the required overall college GPA as listed in the student's official scholarship offer letter. Enrollment and overall college GPA are checked at the end of each spring semester to determine scholarship renewal eligibility for the next academic year. Students must enroll full-time (12 credit hours each semester at MSU) to receive their scholarship(s).
Overawards and Financial Aid Adjustments
Federal financial aid, state financial aid, and/or scholarship recipients may not receive funds in excess of cost of attendance. This may occur when students receive funds from other sources or agencies. When an over-award occurs, an adjustment to the student's financial aid and/or scholarships is required. A student may be required to repay funds due to the loss of eligibility. To prevent an over-award, notify the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships of any assistance you receive that is not listed on your award letter.
Contact Information
For any questions or concerns regarding the General Scholarship Application or other financial aid matters, students can contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Meet the Deadlines: Submit the General Scholarship Application by the priority date to ensure full consideration.
- Provide Accurate Information: Ensure all information provided in the application is accurate and up-to-date.
- Highlight Achievements: Showcase your academic achievements, leadership skills, and service involvement.
- Review and Proofread: Carefully review and proofread the application before submitting it.
Understanding Scholarship Disbursement and Policies
Receiving Scholarship Funds
- Offer Letter: Once admitted to MSU Texas, you will receive an offer letter with additional details regarding your scholarships.
- Scholarship Checks: I received a scholarship check. Please include the student's name and student identification number with the check.
- Notification: Normally, you will be notified by the organization if you are selected to receive their scholarship.
- Residential County Requirements: The scholarship application states that I must be a resident of a particular county. Residential county requirements refer to your county of permanent residence.
Scholarship Limitations
- Cost of Attendance: No. You may not receive more scholarship money from MSU Texas than your cost of attendance.
- Stacking Scholarships: In most cases, yes. Yes. However, this depends on the scholarship. It depends on your scholarship.
- Subject to Change: Please note that our scholarship program is reviewed each year and is subject to change.
Privately Funded Awards
The Mississippi State University Foundation oversees nearly 2,000 privately-funded scholarships housed in our various academic colleges and departments. Many of our Alumni Association's local chapters provide scholarships to students from their local communities. These chapter scholarships are awarded to select students to receive one-year awards based on outstanding leadership and academic records.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
- MSU Army ROTC Department: Awarded by the MSU Army ROTC Department.
- MSU Air Force ROTC Department: Awarded by the MSU Air Force ROTC Department.
- Key Club: Awarded to entering freshmen who have participated in Key Club. Students may receive $250 per year of active service, up to a maximum of $1,000.
- Miss Teen USA or America programs: This award amount covers the cost of tuition for the winners of the Miss Teen USA or America programs. The amount of this award will be capped at the regular 12-16 hour tuition rate. Awarded only to the state winners.
- Mississippi Boys State or Mississippi Girls State: Awarded to entering freshmen who have participated in Mississippi Boys State or Mississippi Girls State.
- AICE Cambridge Diploma: Awarded to entering freshmen who have received an AICE Cambridge Diploma from Cambridge International Education.
- Anchor Club: Awarded to entering freshmen who have participated in Anchor Club. Students may receive $250 per year of active service, up to a maximum of $1,000.
- Dave C. Brookhaven High School and Brookhaven Academy Scholarship: Awarded to 20 entering freshmen who are graduates of Brookhaven High School and 5 entering freshmen who are graduates of Brookhaven Academy.
- Distinguished Young Women program: The local winners of the Distinguished Young Women program will receive a $1,000 one-year award. Awarded only to the local winners. This award amount covers the cost of tuition for the overall state winner of the Mississippi Distinguished Young Women Program. The amount of this award will be capped at the regular 12-16 hour tuition rate. Awarded only to the state winner.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma: Awarded to entering freshmen who have received an International Baccalaureate Diploma.
- Luckday Scholars Program: Awarded by the Luckday Scholars Program to a select number of students. Recipients of this award will participate in the immersive Luckyday Scholars Program.
- Miss Mississippi Scholarship: Awarded to the winners and first through fourth alternates of the Miss Mississippi Program. The first through fourth alternates of the Miss Mississippi program will receive a $1,000 one-year award. This award amount covers the cost of tuition for the overall state winner of the Miss Mississippi Program. The amount of this award will be capped at the regular 12-16 hour tuition rate.
- Mississippi Miss Hospitality Scholarship: Awarded to the winners and first through fourth alternates of the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Program. The first through fourth alternates of the Miss Mississippi program will receive a $1,000 one-year award. This award amount covers the cost of tuition for the overall state winner of the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Program. The amount of this award will be capped at the regular 12-16 hour tuition rate.
- Armed Forces: Veteran must have a "Honorable Discharge".
- Salutatorian Scholarship: Awarded to entering freshmen who are named Salutatorian by their high school.
- Valedictorian Scholarship: Awarded to entering freshmen who are named Valedictorian by their high school.
- Congressional Medal recipients: Awarded to entering freshmen who are Congressional Medal recipients.
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