How To Get Free College in Mississippi

Financial aid programs have become an essential part of applying to post-secondary education opportunities due to continually rising college tuition costs. Students can qualify for multiple programs offered nationally, such as the federal Pell Grant Program; however, state governments, like the Mississippi legislature, have started their own programs to make college more affordable.

Eligible students can receive grants that will help cover large portions or even all of their tuition expenses at universities and community colleges throughout the state of Mississippi. Eligibility for these financial aid options is determined based on several common factors like residency and family income, but individual requirements vary for different grant programs.

Keep reading to learn about these programs, student eligibility, and tuition-free colleges in Mississippi.

Is Community College Free in Mississippi?

Mississippi doesn't have a state program that covers full tuition for community college students; still, enrollment in one of the state's community colleges can be free or paid for separately.

The state offers the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition program (MPACT), which allows parents to enroll their children in a community college as a child and begin prepaying the tuition at the current rate. Families won't incur rate increases and can have tuition paid off before their child ever attends college.

Learn more: How To Get Free Community College

Who Qualifies for Free College in Mississippi?

Mississippi students with demonstrated financial need, who aren't eligible for federal aid or need additional assistance, can qualify for these programs. Residency is a main requirement for the various state programs. Students must be residents of Mississippi for one full year before applying for any aid program.

Award amounts vary based on financial need. Students should fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine federal aid eligibility and demonstrate factors like their family's income level and expected contributions.

What Is the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant?

The Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) helps Mississippi students with financial needs so they can attend not-for-profit community colleges and universities in the state. The program offers a maximum of $500 for freshmen and sophomores and $1,000 to juniors and seniors per academic year.

The award amounts can be received for eight semesters (four years) or until the student's degree program is completed, whichever comes first. Most students can use this program for their entire associate or bachelor's degree program.

Who Is Eligible?

Students who complete their FAFSA form and demonstrate financial need can apply for this program. There are differing requirements for high school seniors applying for the grant as incoming college freshmen and students attending a higher education institution.

Incoming freshmen must:

• be residents of Mississippi for one year before application, dependent students must also have resident parents
• graduate high school with a GPA of 2.5 or higher (students can also complete a GED or homeschool program)
• score at least a 15 on the ACT
• enroll full-time at an approved higher education institute to earn a first-time degree or certificate program
• be eligible for the full amount of the federal Pell Grant (based on your most recent FAFSA form)

College students looking to maintain eligibility must meet several requirements, including:

• one year of Mississippi residency
• minimum college GPA of 2.5 (with a minimum of 12 course hours per semester)
• maintaining a full-time course load of 12 hours per semester or nine hours per trimester (depending on which system your school uses)
• filing your FAFSA forms yearly (the most recent FAFSA is used to calculate awards)

Eligible Institutions

The MTAG can be used at multiple institutions, including public and private universities and community colleges. Students can use the grant for two-year and four-year degree programs at not-for-profit schools.

Some of the schools students can enroll at using MTAG include:

• Mississippi State University
• Mississippi University for Women
• Blue Mountain College
• East Mississippi Community College

How To Apply for the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant

Students must complete the MTAG online application yearly to maintain eligibility. They must also complete the FAFSA form, which is available online. Applicants will need to submit documents like their state-issued ID or driver's license, in addition to filling out the application.

Tips for Making College Affordable

Mississippi students can take multiple steps beyond filing their FAFSA and state aid applications to make college more affordable.

Some ways students can make it more affordable include:

• looking into other grants and full tuition scholarships, like the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant and the Leland Speed Scholarship
• starting at a community college and transferring credits
• testing out of classes with CLEP examinations or AP credits
• withdrawing funds from a savings plan, like a 529
• enrolling in a prepayment plan, like the MPACT program
• finding tuition-free colleges

Tuition-Free Colleges in Mississippi

Some schools in Mississippi offer free tuition programs or reduced rates for qualifying students through individual programs. Even if you don't qualify for federal or state aid, you might qualify for an individual school program, like the Leland Speed Scholarship at Mississippi College.

Some other schools with free or low tuition initiatives include:

• Delta State University
• Jackson State University
• William Carey University
• Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Pearl River Community College

FAQs About Free College in Mississippi

Free college programs can make a difference for many students. However, many have questions about how these programs work and how they can qualify. Below are some answers to common questions.

Does Mississippi Offer Free College?

Mississippi doesn't have a universal program offering free college, but state and institution-provided last-dollar scholarships and grants allow students to attend school with limited or no tuition payments. Programs like the Mississippi Tuition Assistance and the Eminent Scholar Grants provide additional funding beyond any federal funds they receive.

Is Tuition Free at Mississippi College?

Tuition is free for qualifying students at Mississippi College. The school offers the Leland Speed Scholarship to eligible students. This program covers any gap in scholarships and grants earned from other sources. There are still tuition costs if you don't qualify or apply for this scholarship.

Is the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant Available for Summer School?

The Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant program covers students' education for eight semesters or 12 trimesters. A student can apply these funds to summer courses, especially if when using summer courses to speed up the completion of a degree program.