7 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Mississippi

There's no question that higher education can be expensive, even for online programs. Whether you're attending a community college or a four-year college, whether you're studying on campus or online, federal financial aid can help reduce your tuition costs.

To receive financial aid, you'll need to fill out the FAFSA. Many online colleges accept FAFSA throughout the U.S., including several in Mississippi.

7 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Mississippi

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a student aid application from the U.S. Department of Education. Students who fill out the FAFSA may qualify for aid that allows them to find affordable online colleges in Mississippi.

Keep reading to discover the best online colleges that accept FAFSA in Mississippi. Note that all schools listed hold regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

1. Belhaven University

Belhaven University is a private, nonprofit Christian school in Jackson, MS. It offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in areas of study like:

• business administration
• biblical studies
• healthcare and nursing
• human services

The university accepts financial aid through FAFSA but also offers scholarships, some specifically for online students. To qualify for financial aid, you'll need to fill out the FAFSA form and use the school's code, 002397, in your application.

2. Jackson State University

At Jackson State University, students can earn online undergraduate and graduate degrees. JSU is a public, historically Black research university in Jackson, MS.

Online degree programs at JSU are in fields such as business administration, criminal justice, healthcare administration, and technology. Like with most other public schools, the in-state tuition rate is lower than the out-of-state rate. The school's FAFSA code is 002410.

3. Mississippi College

Online programs at Mississippi College are available as bachelor's and master's degrees as well as certificate programs. Areas of study include communication, homeland security, loss prevention, and nursing.

Mississippi College is a private, nonprofit Christian school in Clinton, MS. College students can access financial aid for their coursework with the FAFSA code 002415.

4. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University is a public research institution in Starkville, MS. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate online education programs in fields such as:

• business administration
• education
• geosciences
• healthcare administration

Mississippi State offers in-state tuition rates for all online students, regardless of state of residency. It also offers numerous scholarships that students can use to increase program affordability, in addition to federal aid. The university's FAFSA code is 002423.

5. Mississippi University for Women

Students at the Mississippi University for Women can earn online bachelor's degrees and graduate programs. The W is a public university in Columbus, MS, that, despite its name, is co-ed.

Online learners can find programs in areas of study like business administration, education, healthcare, and nursing. All online students pay the tuition rate for Mississippi residents, even if they don't live in the state. Students should use the FAFSA code 002422.

6. University of Southern Mississippi

Online college degrees at the University of Southern Mississippi are primarily bachelor's and master's programs, with a few doctoral degrees available as well. USM offers these programs in fields such as computer science, engineering, nursing, and sociology.

The University of Southern Mississippi is a public research institution based in Hattiesburg, MS. It offers multiple scholarships to help students pay for their online courses, and its FAFSA code is 002441.

7. William Carey University

William Carey University is a private, nonprofit Christian school in Hattiesburg, MS. It offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas of study like:

• criminal justice
• education
• English
• healthcare administration

The university accepts federal financial aid so that students can receive assistance in paying their tuition costs. Those wanting to use financial aid at WCU should use the code 002447.

Other Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in the U.S.

Mississippi residents studying online aren't limited to online programs at Mississippi institutions. They can study at schools all over the country, and many of these schools offer online programs and accept FAFSA. We've highlighted a few additional online schools below.

1. Herzing University

At Herzing University, online students can earn associate through doctoral degrees. Herzing University is a private, nonprofit institution based in Milwaukee, WI, but with several campuses throughout the U.S.

Herzing offers online degrees in fields such as business, criminal justice, healthcare, and information technology. It accepts federal aid and offers some of its own with the FAFSA code 009621.

2. National University

Online programs at National University include undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificate programs. These are in areas of study like business administration, education, social sciences, and technology.

National University is a private, nonprofit institution based in San Diego. Students can use the FAFSA code 011460 to use federal aid or apply for institutional scholarships.

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution in Manchester, NH. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields such as:

• business administration
• computer science
• criminal justice
• healthcare administration

Students at SNHU can bring in up to 90 transfer credits and use financial aid to reduce their overall costs. The university's FAFSA code is 002580.

Applying for FAFSA in Mississippi

Filling out the FAFSA is the only way that students can receive federal aid, like the Pell Grant. It's also a requirement for many other financial aid programs. We've outlined what you need to know about applying for FAFSA below.

Eligibility

FAFSA assesses your eligibility for federal financial aid programs based on your financial need. There are very few requirements to apply, but to start, you must be a U.S. citizen or be classified as an eligible non-citizen.

You also must have or be in the process of earning your high school diploma or an equivalent, like a GED. Additionally, you should be planning to use your tuition assistance at an accredited postsecondary institution for the upcoming academic year.

Steps To Apply

Filling out the FAFSA takes just a few straightforward steps and helps determine your eligibility for financial aid. These steps include:

• Create an account on StudentAid.gov.
• Gather your family's financial information, such as tax returns and bank statements, as well as the school codes for all schools you're applying to, even if you haven't been accepted or started the enrollment process yet
• If you're a dependent, you'll need to get information, such as social security numbers, from your parents. If you're married, you'll need this from your spouse.
• Fill out the FAFSA, then sign and submit your form. This process takes about an hour.

Once you've submitted your FAFSA, you can track your application status through your student account. Your results will be sent to all the schools you listed in your application.

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in Mississippi

Mississippi residents can access several state-based financial aid programs that complement FAFSA and make earning an online degree more affordable. These programs help students cover tuition and related educational costs at both public and private institutions.

Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant

The Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) provides need-based aid to eligible residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree. To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, and meet specific enrollment requirements.

Online students attending participating Mississippi institutions can use MTAG funds toward tuition and mandatory fees. This grant helps bridge the financial gap for students who don’t fully qualify for federal need-based aid.

Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant

The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG) rewards high-achieving students who graduate from a Mississippi high school with strong academic records. Applicants must complete the FAFSA and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA and 29 ACT score.

Online learners attending approved in-state colleges can apply MESG funds toward tuition and fees. The program encourages talented students to continue their education in Mississippi while reducing financial barriers.

Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students (HELP) Grant

The HELP Grant provides full tuition funding for Mississippi residents with significant financial need who attend eligible in-state colleges. Completing the FAFSA and meeting specific high school curriculum and GPA standards are required.

Funds can be applied to both on-campus and online programs. This grant is particularly valuable for students who need substantial aid to pursue their degree.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Mississippi

FAFSA helps Mississippi students unlock a range of financial aid opportunities for online and on-campus programs. Below are answers to common questions about eligibility and additional aid options.

Can I Use FAFSA for Online College?

Yes, FAFSA can be used for accredited online colleges in Mississippi. Most regionally accredited schools participate in federal student aid programs, making it simple to apply your aid toward online degrees.

If your college is nationally accredited, confirm with the financial aid office to ensure they accept FAFSA funds. Doing this early helps you plan your tuition payments and avoid delays in processing.

How Can I Tell If an Online College Accepts FAFSA?

You can verify a college’s FAFSA eligibility by visiting its website or contacting the financial aid office directly. Another easy method is checking the Federal School Code List on the Department of Education’s website.

If the school appears on that list, it participates in federal student aid programs. Confirming this before applying ensures your FAFSA funds can be used for your program.

What Other Financial Aid Options Are There for Online Degrees in Mississippi?

In addition to FAFSA, Mississippi students can apply for state-based grants such as MTAG, MESG, and the HELP Grant. These programs help reduce tuition costs for residents attending eligible institutions.

You can also explore private scholarships and student loan programs to supplement your aid package. Combining multiple funding sources is the best way to make your online degree more affordable.

Find an Affordable Online College in Mississippi

Mississippi offers several financial aid programs that make pursuing an online degree more accessible. Explore accredited online colleges on Learn.org to compare programs, discover scholarships, and find the best fit for your goals and budget.