Alcorn State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Mississippi aid & Grants
Last Updated on May 26, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~25%
- Middle 50% ACT: 17
- Middle 50% SAT: 920
- Average GPA: 3.0
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: This becomes a reach. Focus on getting test scores up (even a few points matters here), and make sure GPA is solid. Consider applying early and pairing this with safer in-state options.
- In the typical ranges: This is a realistic target school. The goal shifts from just getting in to qualifying for merit—so test scores become very important, not optional.
- Well above the ranges: This is where Alcorn can get interesting financially. Strong ACT/SAT scores (especially 24–28+) unlock meaningful automatic merit, so this becomes a potential value play if you execute correctly.
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📌 Alcorn State University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (President's Excellence)
Average Net Price
$13,155/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$5,000–$15,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
11 opportunities
3 automatic · 8 hidden gem
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 22+ / SAT 1100+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-required
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: TBD • FAFSA: TBD
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
President's Excellence
Honors College
Honors Program Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Alcorn State University (Read This First)
- Test scores are required for scholarships: Even if admission feels flexible, you must submit ACT/SAT scores to qualify for automatic merit—this is not truly test-optional if you care about cost.
- Priority deadline matters more than families think: Scholarship priority is March 1, and earlier is better. Waiting too long can limit what’s available, even for qualified students.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — Alcorn State University is test-required.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 17; SAT: 920.
Average net price? About $13,155/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Alcorn State University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$7,869 |
$7,869 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$10,255 |
$10,255 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$18,124 |
$18,124 |
Average Federal Net Price: $13,155 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Flat Tuition, No Out-of-State Premium: Alcorn State charges the same tuition for Mississippi and non-Mississippi undergraduates, so all students pay the same rate.
Students from
Academic Common Market (ACM) states may also qualify for in-state rates if their chosen major isn’t offered at home, making certain specialized programs even more affordable.
Cost of Attendance FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state rates?
Everyone — Alcorn doesn’t charge extra tuition for out-of-state students.
How much can families really save?
Compared to a typical public university that charges $10,000+ extra for non-residents, the savings here can exceed $40,000 across four years.
Do I need to apply for the waiver?
No waiver is needed for Alcorn’s flat tuition. If applying for ACM, you must complete the process through your home state’s higher education office.
Sources:
Tuition & Fees – https://www.alcorn.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/
Housing & Meal Plans – https://www.alcorn.edu/life-at-alcorn/housing/
Financial Aid Office – https://www.alcorn.edu/admissions/financial-aid/
College Scorecard (Net Price) – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?175342-Alcorn-State-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Full RideAutomatic
President's Excellence
📅 Deadline: April 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
Full academic scholarship covering tuition, room and board, a book allowance, and a stipend
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1310 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Only one automatic academic scholarship is awarded per student — you cannot stack the President's Excellence with the Provost Scholar or University Scholar. All institutional scholarships combined (including any Pell amount reduction associated with full academic scholarships) cannot exceed the cost of tuition, room, and board. Outside private scholarships can still layer on top of this package.
💡
Strategic Detail
Alcorn's official scholarship requirements confirm that the President's Excellence scholarship is awarded to first-time freshmen with a composite ACT score of 28 or above (or SAT equivalent, reading and math only) and a 3.0 or better high school GPA on a 4.0 scale. The award is described as fully funding tuition, room and board, and providing a book allowance and stipend for up to eight semesters (four years), as long as the student maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Institutional policy states that if a student also receives Pell and other institutional scholarships, the institutional portion is adjusted so total institutional aid does not exceed the cost of tuition, room, and board. ACT and SAT scores are not superscored — Alcorn uses only the officially reported composite. Application to the university must be on file by April 1 to be considered.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who score a 28 or higher on the ACT (or the equivalent SAT composite) and carry at least a 3.0 high school GPA are the ones walking away with this full academic scholarship covering tuition, room, board, books, and a stipend. Test prep is worth every dollar here — a few extra points on the ACT can be the difference between a strong partial award and a full ride.
Automatic
Provost Scholar
📅 Deadline: April 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$15,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~24 ACT✎ ~1160 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Only one automatic academic scholarship is awarded per student — the Provost Scholar cannot be combined with the President's Excellence or University Scholar. All institutional scholarships combined cannot exceed the cost of tuition, room, and board. Outside and private scholarships can still layer on top of this award.
💡
Strategic Detail
Alcorn's official scholarship requirements page confirms the Provost Scholar scholarship is awarded to enrolling first-time freshmen with a composite ACT score of 24–27 (or SAT equivalent, reading and math only) and a 3.0 or better high school GPA on a 4.0 scale. The award covers up to $15,000 per year and is renewable for up to eight semesters (four years) provided the student maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Institutional policy states that institutional scholarships, along with any Pell adjustments applied to academic scholarships, cannot exceed the cost of tuition, room, and board; in practice, the institutional portion may be adjusted so total institutional aid stays within the posted maximum. ACT and SAT scores are not superscored; Alcorn uses only the officially reported composite. Application must be on file by April 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who score between a 24 and 27 on the ACT (or the equivalent SAT composite) with a 3.0+ high school GPA are the core recipients here. This is a genuinely strong award for solid students in the mid-ACT range — up to $15,000 per year is real money, and it renews for four years if the 3.0 GPA is maintained.
Automatic
University Scholar
📅 Deadline: April 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~22 ACT✎ ~1100 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Only one automatic academic scholarship is awarded per student — the University Scholar cannot be combined with the President's Excellence or Provost Scholar. All institutional scholarships combined cannot exceed the cost of tuition, room, and board. Outside and private scholarships can still layer on top of this award.
💡
Strategic Detail
Alcorn's official scholarship requirements page confirms the University Scholar scholarship is awarded to first-time freshmen with an ACT score of 22 or 23 (or SAT equivalent, reading and math only) and a 3.0 or better high school GPA on a 4.0 scale. The award is a flat $5,000 per year and is renewable for up to eight semesters (four years) as long as the student maintains a 3.0 or above cumulative GPA. While the grid does not specify Pell reduction language for this tier, institutional policy still limits the total of all institutional scholarships to the cost of tuition, room, and board. ACT and SAT scores are not superscored; Alcorn uses only the officially reported composite. Application must be on file by April 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who score a 22 or 23 on the ACT (or the SAT equivalent) with at least a 3.0 high school GPA are the typical recipients. At Alcorn's flat tuition rate, $5,000 per year offsets a meaningful chunk of tuition costs, and when paired with Pell and other state aid, families often find the net price extremely manageable.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Students can only receive one of the automatic academic scholarships. Institutional aid cannot exceed the cost of tuition, housing, and meals. Application must be on file by April 1 for full consideration.
Automatic Scholarship FAQs
Do I need to apply separately?
No. All admitted freshmen are automatically considered if they meet the GPA and test score thresholds. FAFSA must be filed for packaging.
Does Alcorn superscore ACT or SAT?
No. Alcorn uses composite scores as reported; there is no superscore policy.
Can these awards stack with other scholarships?
Not usually. Only one academic merit award is granted, and institutional aid cannot exceed the total cost of attendance. Outside/private scholarships may still stack on top.
What’s the deadline to qualify?
Applications must be submitted by April 1 for automatic consideration. Awards depend on available funding.
Sources:
Alcorn State University Scholarships — https://www.alcorn.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/
Academic Scholarship Requirements & Deadlines — https://www.alcorn.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/academic-scholarship-requirements
Alcorn State Admissions — https://www.alcorn.edu/admissions/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Most universities reserve their very best scholarships for a small, competitive pool. Alcorn is different: the President’s Excellence full-ride is awarded automatically to every freshman who meets the ACT/GPA threshold. That means Alcorn does not currently offer a separate flagship competitive program in the usual sense.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
Good to know: At most schools, families chase highly selective competitive programs. At Alcorn, the flagship package is automatic. Competitive opportunities here are mainly corporate/partner scholarships (like Cargill, Strada, or Takeda) and are listed separately through Scholarship Universe.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
So there’s really no competitive flagship award?
Correct. Alcorn’s President’s Excellence is a true full-ride and awarded automatically if you meet the criteria. That’s unusual compared to most universities.
Are there still competitive scholarships available?
Yes, but they come through corporate partners (Cargill, Strada, Takeda) and are handled in Scholarship Universe. These are smaller in number and more specialized.
Does Alcorn superscore ACT/SAT?
No. Alcorn uses composite scores as reported; there is no superscore policy.
Can corporate partner awards stack with automatic merit?
Sometimes, but institutional aid can’t exceed the total Cost of Attendance. Corporate programs may also come with service, internship, or leadership requirements.
Sources:
Alcorn State University Scholarships — https://www.alcorn.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/
Academic Scholarship Requirements & Deadlines — https://www.alcorn.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/academic-scholarship-requirements
Alcorn State Scholarship Universe — https://alcorn.scholarshipuniverse.com/
Corporate Scholars Programs — https://www.alcorn.edu/programs/corporate-scholars
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These are the awards families often overlook — need-based, identity-driven, ROTC, or special opportunities tied to band, study abroad, or departmental initiatives. They can make a real difference when combined with automatic aid.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Oct 14 and Jan 19 (national); campus-based deadlines vary; typical notification by May 1 · 📢 Results: Around May 1 for national boards
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition or housing, room and board support, book allowance, monthly stipend
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.5+ GPA👥 ~Varies by available ROTC funding and board selection each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
ROTC scholarships generally cover full tuition and fees or room and board, plus a book allowance and monthly stipend; they may affect other institutional aid depending on total cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for national or campus-based Army ROTC scholarships via GoArmy/ROTC application and work with Alcorn ROTC to complete required documents and boards.
Selection criteria: Selection is merit-based with emphasis on academic performance, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and physical fitness.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Alcorn’s Army ROTC site describes multiple 2–4 year scholarships that can cover either tuition and fees or room and board, plus approximately $10,000 room and board support, a yearly book allowance around $1,200, and a $420 monthly ROTC stipend; national Army ROTC guidance confirms all ROTC scholarships include a $420 monthly stipend and book allowance.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who meet academic, fitness, and service requirements and commit to commissioning as Army officers; nursing and STEM majors often receive strong consideration.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Band / Music Performance Awards
📅 Deadline: March 23 (main audition date); additional auditions may be scheduled
✓ Renews
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited to students selected through auditions each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Typically stacks with academic scholarships but total institutional aid may be limited by cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Audition with the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band or music ensembles and complete any music scholarship forms by the posted audition date.
Selection criteria: Awards are primarily based on musical talent, audition performance, and ensemble needs; continued participation is required for renewal.
💡
Strategic Detail
Fine Arts/Band information notes performance-based awards tied to participation in the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band and other ensembles; CRP HTML indicates typical awards between $1,000 and $3,000 per year based on talent and need and emphasizes continued participation for renewal.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Talented instrumentalists and performers who successfully audition and commit to rehearsals, marching, and performances with Alcorn ensembles.
App Required
CAAS Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: April 1 (typical CAAS scholarship deadline for high school applicants)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT✎ ~1020 SAT👥 ~Limited; funded through USDA/NIFA grants and CAAS allocations winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can coordinate with other aid but may be structured to cover major portions of tuition, housing, and living costs; total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the CAAS Scholars Scholarship Program application for the 2025–2026 year through the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and submit all required materials by the posted deadline.
Selection criteria: Highly competitive selection emphasizing academic achievement, leadership, community service, and commitment to agriculture and related fields.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The CAAS Scholars (sometimes referenced as CAAS or SAAS scholars) program provides up to $10,000 per academic year (up to $5,000 per semester) toward tuition, housing, and living expenses for selected students pursuing agriculture and related majors; eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and at least a 20 ACT or equivalent SAT, plus evidence of leadership and community service.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving CAAS majors with leadership and community service who submit strong applications and meet GPA and test score thresholds.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Cargill Thrive Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 16 (typical cycle; may vary by year)
✓ Renews
👥 ~Limited; determined by Cargill corporate partnership and cohort size winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Generally stacks with institutional aid and other scholarships subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Alcorn’s Corporate Scholars or Scholarship Universe portal for the Cargill Thrive or related Cargill corporate scholarship, following posted instructions and essay prompts.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing leadership, academic performance, and alignment with agriculture, food, STEM, or business careers.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Corporate Scholars information notes Cargill-related awards that provide up to about $5,000 per year along with mentoring and career development for students in food, agriculture, STEM, and business fields; CRP HTML references a January 16 deadline for the 2025–26 cycle.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students pursuing agriculture, food, STEM, or business pathways who demonstrate leadership, career focus, and strong academics.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
ASU Foundation GAP Assistance
📅 Deadline: Aug 15–22 (Fall Phase II GAP window; subject to change by year)
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited; number of awards depends on ASU Foundation funding each term winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended to cover small remaining balances after other aid and can stack with scholarships up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the ASU Foundation or Scholarship Universe portal during the short GAP Assistance application window, documenting unmet tuition or fee needs.
Selection criteria: Awards prioritize students with demonstrated unmet financial need and small but critical remaining balances.
💡
Strategic Detail
Foundation announcements describe GAP awards of roughly $500 to $1,000 as one-time assistance to help students cover remaining tuition and fee balances when other aid is insufficient; CRP HTML notes these are tied to a short application period in mid-August.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Enrolled students with small remaining gaps in tuition or fees who apply quickly during the limited application window and demonstrate unmet need.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
ASU Foundation Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Aug 15–22 (Fall Phase II window; other cycles may be offered)
Non-Renewable
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Varies by donor fund and annual funding levels winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Generally stack on top of institutional merit awards, subject to cost-of-attendance and donor rules.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a general application through the Alcorn Foundation portal or Scholarship Universe during the posted phase window to be matched to donor-funded scholarships.
Selection criteria: Selection is based on donor criteria, commonly including GPA, financial need, leadership, service, and sometimes major.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Foundation and Scholarship Universe communications describe multiple donor-funded scholarships ranging roughly from $500 to $5,000 per year, awarded based on academic performance, financial need, leadership, and major; CRP HTML highlights a fall Phase II application window in mid-August.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who complete the portal application, have FAFSA on file, and match specific donor criteria such as GPA, financial need, leadership, or major.
App Required
NRCS Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: April 1 (main cycle); June 13 (second cycle)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT✎ ~1020 SAT👥 ~Limited; funded via USDA NRCS partnership and subject to annual allocations winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards may coordinate with other institutional and federal support but are intended to cover a substantial share of tuition, housing, and related costs; total aid limited by cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the NRCS Scholars Program application through the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences by the stated deadline, including required essays and documentation.
Selection criteria: Highly competitive; evaluates academic performance, leadership, community service, and commitment to food and agricultural careers.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The NRCS Scholars Scholarship Program offers up to $10,000 per academic year (up to $5,000 per semester) to support food and agricultural science majors, covering tuition, housing, and living expenses; eligibility includes U.S. citizenship, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and at least a 20 ACT or roughly 1020–1050 SAT, plus leadership and community service.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong CAAS majors in agriculture and natural resources fields with solid GPAs, qualifying test scores, leadership, and interest in USDA-related careers.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Strada HBCU Scholars
📅 Deadline: January–February (varies by year)
✓ Renews
👥 ~Cohort-based; limited number of scholars selected each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Supports tuition and related costs in addition to providing leadership development and internship opportunities; can stack with institutional aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Alcorn’s Corporate Scholars or Scholarship Universe portal for Strada HBCU Scholars during the posted application window and complete leadership program requirements if selected.
Selection criteria: Cohort selection focused on academic achievement, leadership potential, and engagement in campus and community activities.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Corporate Scholars and partner materials describe Strada HBCU Scholars awards around $7,000 per year with an emphasis on leadership training, internships, and persistence to graduation; CRP HTML notes renewability for selected cohorts and a variable January–February deadline.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving undergraduates at HBCUs with strong GPAs, leadership potential, and campus involvement who complete program requirements.
App Required
Takeda Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: January–February (varies by year)
✓ Renews
👥 ~Small, selective cohort determined by Takeda partnership winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with other scholarships while supporting STEM and health pathways through research and internship funding, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Alcorn’s Corporate Scholars or Scholarship Universe portal for the Takeda Scholars Program and participate in research and internship activities if selected.
Selection criteria: Competitive selection focused on academic excellence, interest in STEM or health careers, and readiness for research and internship engagement.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Corporate Scholars information references a Takeda-supported scholars program as a competitive award for high-achieving freshmen on STEM or health pathways; award amounts are not publicly posted, but benefits include scholarship funding plus research and internship support.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving freshmen interested in STEM or health-related majors who show strong academic potential and engagement in research or internship opportunities.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Always confirm with scholarship and program administrators for changes.
Sources:
Alcorn State Scholarships — https://www.alcorn.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/
Alcorn State ROTC — https://www.alcorn.edu/academics/undergraduate-studies/military-science-rotc
Alcorn State Scholarship Universe — https://alcorn.scholarshipuniverse.com/
Alcorn Foundation Scholarships & GAP Awards — https://www.alcorn.edu/news/asu-foundation-gap-awards
College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences (CAAS) — https://www.alcorn.edu/academics/college-agriculture-and-applied-sciences/
NRCS Scholars & USDA Funding — https://www.alcorn.edu/academics/college-agriculture-and-applied-sciences/scholarships/nrcs-scholars
Cargill and Corporate Scholars — https://www.alcorn.edu/programs/corporate-scholars
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid (MTAG/MESG/HELP) — https://www.msfinancialaid.org/
Band Scholarships/Auditions — https://www.alcorn.edu/academics/undergraduate-studies/fine-arts
🎖️ Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program
The Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program is Alcorn’s way of attracting and supporting high-achieving students who want more from their undergraduate years. It’s built around scholarship, leadership, and service — giving motivated students a smaller academic community with big opportunities for growth.
What a Typical Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA of 3.0 or higher, ACT score of 24+ (or SAT equivalent), strong academic rigor, and a record of leadership or service. Current Alcorn students can also apply after their first semester with a 3.0 GPA and faculty recommendations.
Perks that Matter:
- Priority access to Alcorn’s top automatic scholarships (like the President’s Excellence full ride)
- Specialized honors seminars and colloquiums
- Guided research and independent study with faculty mentors
- Support for paid internships and research stipends
- Leadership and service opportunities that strengthen scholarship resumes
- Preparation for graduate school and national fellowship competitions
- Recognition at commencement and on transcripts
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
Honors Program FAQs
Do Honors students get extra scholarships?
While there isn’t a stand-alone “Honors Scholarship,” most students in the program qualify for Alcorn’s top automatic awards — including the President’s Excellence full-ride. Being in Honors also positions students for stipends, internships, and external fellowships.
Is admission automatic if I meet the GPA and ACT cutoffs?
No. Students must submit an Honors application. Admission is competitive and also looks at leadership, service, and faculty recommendations.
Does joining Honors add time to my degree?
No. Honors seminars and projects are designed to complement your major. Students graduate on time with extra distinction.
When should I apply?
Entering freshmen should apply alongside their admission application. Current students can apply after their first semester if they have a 3.0 GPA and faculty support.
Sources:
Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program — https://www.alcorn.edu/academics/undergraduate-studies/honors-program/
Honors Program Admission Requirements — https://www.alcorn.edu/academics/undergraduate-studies/honors-program/admissions-requirements
Alcorn State University Scholarships — https://www.alcorn.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
Alcorn State has a proud legacy as one of the nation’s first historically Black land-grant universities. Families know it best for its strength in agriculture and nursing, but students also find nationally respected opportunities in education, STEM, and music. These programs connect students to real pipelines in Mississippi and beyond.
Standout Program:
Nursing — Alcorn State’s School of Nursing is one of Mississippi’s top producers of Black nursing graduates and is well recognized statewide for preparing nurses who go straight into high-demand hospital and community roles.
- Agriculture & Applied Sciences: As a 1890 land-grant HBCU, Alcorn is nationally recognized for agricultural research, extension, and workforce training through its College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and USDA partnerships.
- Education: Longstanding teacher education programs that supply a large share of Mississippi’s educators, with strong regional placement pipelines.
- STEM Initiatives: Federal partnerships (e.g., NRCS Scholars, USDA-CAAS, corporate programs) highlight Alcorn as a pathway for underrepresented students in STEM fields.
- Music / Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Band: Known statewide and nationally for its marching band and fine arts traditions, which attract students across the South.
Final Thoughts
Alcorn State is unusual in the best way: it puts a true full-ride scholarship on the table automatically for high-achieving students. Add in strong state aid, ROTC, band, foundation awards, and Honors support, and families can realistically cover the full cost of college here. For first-gen parents, that means less worry about hidden fees and more confidence that your student’s hard work will be rewarded. If you’re looking for a place where value and opportunity meet, Alcorn State belongs on the list.
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