Mississippi State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth exploring
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Middle 50% ACT: 21–29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1100–1340
- Average HS GPA: ~3.6
Source: BigFuture, Testbook, and MSU institutional profile (latest cycle). Ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted freshmen.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
MSU at a Glance
Last verified: Oct 13, 2025
Mississippi State remains one of the South’s most generous flagships for families chasing value. Strong grades and solid test scores can unlock automatic merit that rivals in-state tuition elsewhere—especially for out-of-state students who qualify for its Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship. Add competitive awards like the Presidential Scholarship and you’re looking at a full-ride possibility with housing and meals covered.
To compare state programs or stack MSU aid with other offers, start with our Mississippi State Grants & Scholarships guide, then return here to see how MSU’s merit tiers line up.
FAQ
Is MSU test-optional? Yes. ACT/SAT scores are optional for admission but required for top scholarship consideration. MSU superscores within the same test type.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? 21–29 ACT / 1100–1340 SAT for admitted students (latest BigFuture/IPEDS data).
What’s the average net price? $15,910 (latest NCES/IPEDS year reported). Actual cost varies by income and aid package.
Does MSU offer reciprocity or waivers? There’s no regional reciprocity program, but MSU’s Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship significantly reduces or offsets OOS tuition for qualifying students.
https://www.admissions.msstate.edu/scholarships
https://msstate.academicworks.com/
https://www.admissions.msstate.edu/tuition
https://www.honors.msstate.edu/scholarships
https://www.sfa.msstate.edu/cost
https://collegereadyparent.org/mississippi-state-scholarships/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Mississippi State University (2025–2026)
This table shows direct, billed costs only — tuition & fees plus typical housing & meal expenses. Other expenses like books, transportation, and personal costs are not billed by MSU but are factored into financial aid calculations.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $10,604 | $28,736 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus) | $13,514 | $13,514 |
| Total Billed Costs | $24,120 | $42,250 |
Books & Supplies: ≈ $1,200 (not included above). For what families actually pay after scholarships and aid, see our Net Price & SAI Guide.
Notes: All figures verified from MSU’s 2025–2026 Cost of Attendance and Admissions documentation. Rounded to nearest $10 for clarity and consistency with CRP formatting.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Mississippi State University
Are housing and meal costs the same for every student?
No. The figures shown reflect a standard double room and an average meal plan. Costs can vary depending on residence hall, meal plan choice, and whether the student lives off campus.
What expenses aren’t included in the table?
The table includes only tuition, fees, housing, and meals billed directly by MSU. Additional costs like books, transportation, and personal spending are indirect but used when calculating financial aid eligibility.
Does Mississippi State participate in any tuition reciprocity programs?
Yes. MSU participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM). Students from participating states can qualify for in-state tuition rates if their major isn’t offered in their home state and they meet ACM requirements.
Is the average net price the same for everyone?
No. The $16,480 average comes from federal data and varies based on family income, residency, and scholarships. Students with higher GPAs or Pell eligibility often pay less.
How much do books and supplies typically cost?
MSU estimates about $1,200 per year for books and course materials. Some majors with lab or studio components may have higher costs.
Can out-of-state students receive in-state tuition?
Yes. Qualifying students can access in-state rates through the ACM, select scholarships, or departmental tuition waivers that reduce the non-resident portion.
https://www.sfa.msstate.edu/cost
https://collegereadyparent.org/mississippi-state-scholarships/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Mississippi State automatically considers admitted freshmen for merit based on 9th–11th grade GPA and, if submitted, ACT/SAT superscore (same test type only). Most awards renew up to 8 semesters with a minimum 3.0 college GPA and full-time enrollment. Send any score updates by the posted receipt deadline.
Mississippi Resident — Academic Scholarship Package
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) |
Eligibility (GPA/Test) |
Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident A | $1,000 | ACT 21–24 · GPA 3.00–3.29 | No | Up to 4 yrs | Solid B+/A- students at the entry band | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Resident B | $1,500 | ACT 21–24 · GPA 3.30–3.59 | No | Up to 4 yrs | Strong B+/A- students with a slightly higher GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Resident C | $3,500 | ACT 21–24 · GPA 3.60+ | No | Up to 4 yrs | High-GPA students whose test score is in the lower band | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Resident D | $2,000 | ACT 25–29 · GPA 3.00–3.29 | No | Up to 4 yrs | Stronger test scores but more middle-of-the-road GPAs | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Resident E | $2,500 | ACT 25–29 · GPA 3.30–3.59 | No | Up to 4 yrs | Above-average GPA and mid-20s ACT superscore | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Resident F | $5,000 | ACT 25–29 · GPA 3.60+ | No | Up to 4 yrs | High-GPA students with solid upper-20s test scores | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Resident G | $3,000 | ACT 30–32 · GPA 3.00–3.29 | No | Up to 4 yrs | Students with strong 30–32 ACT but a more modest GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Resident H | $5,000 | ACT 30–32 · GPA 3.30–3.59 | No | Up to 4 yrs | Balanced high test scores and above-average GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Resident I | $8,000 | ACT 30–32 · GPA 3.60+ | No | Up to 4 yrs | Top academic students with low-30s ACT range | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Resident J | $4,000 | ACT 33–36 · GPA 3.00–3.29 | No | Up to 4 yrs | Very strong test scores with a solid but mid-range GPA | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Resident K | $6,000 | ACT 33–36 · GPA 3.30–3.59 | No | Up to 4 yrs | Upper-30s test scores and good-but-not-perfect GPAs | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Resident L (Top Band) | $10,500 | ACT 33–36 · GPA 3.60+ | No | Up to 4 yrs | Top resident academics; usually apply early and meet all deadlines | Dec 1 (priority) |
Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship (Test-Optional)
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) |
Eligibility (GPA) |
Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NR Test-Optional Tier 1 | $7,500 | GPA 3.45–3.59 | No | Up to 4 yrs | Good out-of-state students applying test-optional | Dec 1 |
| NR Test-Optional Tier 3 | $13,000 | GPA 4.10+ | No | Up to 4 yrs | Top GPA OOS admits going test-optional | Dec 1 |
Non-Resident Academic Scholarship Package (Test + GPA)
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) |
Eligibility (GPA/Test) |
Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NR Academic (Test + GPA) – Tier 3 | $24,000 | ACT 31+ or SAT 1390+ · GPA 4.10+ | No | Up to 4 yrs | Top OOS tier; brings cost near in-state | Dec 1 |
⚠️ Award bands and amounts are reviewed annually. The GPA and ACT ranges above come from Mississippi State’s current scholarship grid, but real cutoffs can shift a bit depending on the year’s applicant pool and funding. MSU superscores ACT or SAT within the same test type for awarding. Some OOS awards may not stack with ACM or tuition waivers.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at MSU
Do they superscore? Yes. MSU considers superscores for both ACT and SAT when awarding automatic scholarships.
Are GPA cutoffs weighted or unweighted? Mississippi State uses the weighted GPA from the high school transcript, as reported on a 4.0 scale.
What deadline applies? Students must apply for admission and submit test scores by December 1 to guarantee consideration for automatic scholarships.
How strict are the ACT/SAT cutoffs? Published grids show minimums, but real awards follow funding and applicant pool strength. In some years, students just below a threshold have missed out.
https://www.admissions.msstate.edu/scholarships
https://www.sfa.msstate.edu/cost
https://msstate.academicworks.com/
https://collegereadyparent.org/mississippi-state-scholarships/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
These require a separate application and/or interview. Strong academics plus leadership, service, and fit matter. Target the Dec 1 timeline for priority consideration unless a scholarship lists an earlier date.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) | Eligibility (GPA/Test) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Merit Finalist Package | Full tuition + housing + meals + books + stipend | National Merit Finalist; lists MSU as first choice | Yes (via NMSC) | Yes | NMFs who designate MSU; awards are structured as full-ride packages | NMSC deadlines |
| Presidential Scholarship | Full cost of attendance (tuition, housing, meals, books, and stipend) | ACT ≥ 30 or SAT ≥ 1360; GPA 3.75+ (unweighted); exceptional leadership and service record | Yes | Yes | Roughly 10–12 recipients annually; interview-based selection from top applicants in the entering class | Dec 1 |
| Luckyday Scholars (MS residents) | $6,000 (up to $24,000 total) | MS resident; ACT ≥ 20; strong GPA; service emphasis | Yes | Yes | Cohort selection based on academics, service record, and program fit | Dec 1 |
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
How do National Merit awards work here?
Finalists who list MSU as first choice receive a full-ride style package; details run through the National Merit process. See our National Merit guide.
Do I need essays or recommendations?
Yes. Strong applications often include a polished essay and recommendations; see our Essay Toolkit and Reference Request Kit.
Disclaimer: Award counts and ranges reflect recent cohorts and official descriptions; they are guides, not guarantees. Final awards depend on funding, the applicant pool, and university review.
FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at Mississippi State University
How selective are these scholarships?
Extremely. Fewer than 5% of admitted students receive flagship-level awards. Most recipients have near-perfect GPAs, ACT scores above 30, and strong records of service or leadership.
What’s the difference between “automatic” and “competitive” scholarships?
Automatic scholarships are guaranteed if your GPA and test scores meet published thresholds. Competitive (flagship) scholarships require an additional application, interview, or essay review and are awarded to a small group each year.
Do National Merit Finalists automatically receive the full-ride package?
Yes — if they name Mississippi State as their first-choice school with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and meet enrollment requirements. The award covers tuition, housing, meals, and books for four years.
Who should apply for Luckyday?
Mississippi residents with strong academics, solid community service, and a record of leadership. The program looks for well-rounded students who want to contribute to campus life, not just top test scores.
Are interviews required for any of these awards?
Yes. Finalists for programs like Luckyday and certain Honors-linked awards are invited to interview in early spring. The process focuses on character, initiative, and community engagement.
Can out-of-state students win flagship scholarships?
Yes. Out-of-state students can qualify for flagship awards like the National Merit package or academic excellence waivers, which effectively bring their tuition down to the in-state rate or lower.
https://www.admissions.msstate.edu/scholarships/details/presidential-endowed-scholarship-package
https://msstate.academicworks.com/
https://www.luckyday.msstate.edu/becoming-scholar
🎖 Shackouls Honors College
Note: The Honors Presidential Scholarship is a true full ride covering tuition, housing, and meals, plus a $12,000 enrichment fund (over 4 years) for research or study abroad. Out-of-state students also receive 100% non-resident tuition coverage.
Additional Shackouls Awards (for current Honors students)
- Honors Study Abroad Scholarship – helps fund international programs for Shackouls students.
- Shackouls Research Fellowship – supports undergraduate research with MSU faculty.
FAQ — Shackouls Honors College
Is the Honors Presidential Scholarship really a full ride?
Yes. It covers tuition, housing, and a meal plan and adds a $12,000 enrichment fund across four years. Out-of-state students also receive full non-resident tuition coverage.
How many Presidential Scholarships are given?
Roughly 40 students per year are selected, combining high test scores, GPAs, and standout leadership/service.
Do I apply separately for the Honors Presidential Scholarship?
Submit MSU’s general scholarship application by Dec 1. Finalists may be invited to complete additional materials and interview for the Presidential award.
Is the Provost Scholarship tied to Honors?
No. Many recipients are in Honors, but Provost is not Honors-exclusive. The Presidential award is the Honors-linked flagship.
Are there more Honors funds after freshman year?
Yes. Shackouls offers competitive awards like the Honors Study Abroad Scholarship and Shackouls Research Fellowships to support international study and faculty-mentored research.
https://www.honors.msstate.edu/scholarships
https://msstate.academicworks.com/
Why Mississippi State Stands Out
Mississippi State isn’t just a proud flagship—it’s an engine of real innovation and impact. It’s Mississippi’s only R1 university (that means “very high research activity”), and the National Science Foundation consistently ranks MSU among the nation’s top 100 research institutions. From autonomous drones to meteorologists and feeding the world—this place builds careers, breakthroughs, and big opportunities.
- Agriculture & Natural Resources: Ranks in the top 5% nationally for research expenditures in ag & natural resources .
- Engineering: Aerospace and mechanical engineering both in the top 50 (NSF rankings), plus industrial engineering near that range }.
- Meteorology & Atmospheric Science: One in three on-air broadcast meteorologists in the U.S. graduated from MSU .
- Archaeology & Heritage Studies: Home to the Cobb Institute of Archaeology—lead in fieldwork and public outreach for Near Eastern and Southeastern U.S. ancient sites .
- Research Clout & Grants: Ranked #64 among all public universities in research and development expenditures; R1 “Very High Research Activity” status confirmed .