University of Mississippi (ole miss) 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: ~99%
- Middle 50% ACT: 25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1190
- Average GPA: l3.6
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Mississippi (ole miss) at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Stamps Scholarship & Ole Miss Opportunity)
Average Net Price
$13,164/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$8,000/yr
No separate application.
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 23+ / SAT 1130+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Stamps Scholarship & Ole Miss Opportunity
Honors College
Honors Program Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) (Read This First)
- “Test-optional” doesn’t mean “scholarship-optional.” You can get admitted without scores, but the biggest automatic merit awards usually require strong ACT/SAT scores.
- Deadlines matter more than people realize. Missing the priority scholarship window (early January) can cost your student access to top programs and awards.
- Top awards may not stack. Many of the largest university-funded scholarships replace each other—you typically get the best one, not all of them combined.
- Big money is tied directly to stats. Ole Miss is one of the clearest “numbers = money” schools, but if you’re just below a cutoff, the drop in award can be significant.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Mississippi (ole miss) is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 25; SAT: 1190.
Average net price? About $13,164/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Mississippi (ole miss) 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) |
$12,108 |
$17,708 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$12,040 |
$18,392 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$24,148 |
$36,100 |
Average Federal Net Price: $13,164 — 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.
🌍 Tuition Reciprocity & Waivers at Ole Miss
-
Ole Miss participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), which lets eligible students from SREB states pay in-state tuition for approved majors not offered in their home state (e.g., Forensic Chemistry, Southern Studies, Geological Engineering).
-
The university also offers substantial automatic merit scholarships for high-achieving non-resident students that can offset much of the out-of-state tuition.
-
Military and veteran families using GI Bill benefits automatically receive a non-resident fee waiver, bringing tuition to the in-state level.
-
Ole Miss does not offer broad border-state discounts (e.g., for Alabama or Arkansas) outside of ACM or merit aid programs.
Savings example: The out-of-state tuition rate is about $30,150 versus $9,990 in-state — a potential savings of roughly $17,000–$20,000 per year if a student qualifies for ACM, major merit aid, or a military waiver.
*Housing and meal costs shown are averages; totals will vary by hall and meal plan.
💬 FAQ: Understanding Ole Miss Costs
Why is the out-of-state cost so much higher?
Out-of-state tuition adds roughly $20,000 per year compared to Mississippi residents. Many non-resident students lower that difference through automatic merit scholarships or the Academic Common Market.
Does Ole Miss have border-state discounts?
No. The university doesn’t offer general border-state tuition breaks for Alabama, Arkansas, or Tennessee students—only competitive merit awards and ACM programs reduce the out-of-state rate.
Who qualifies for in-state tuition automatically?
Mississippi residents always pay the in-state rate. Military service members, veterans, and dependents using GI Bill benefits also qualify for automatic non-resident waivers.
What do the totals actually include?
Only billed costs: tuition, fees, housing, and a standard meal plan. Books, transportation, and personal expenses aren’t included because they’re paid separately.
How much do families really pay after scholarships?
The average net price is about $13,164 per year after aid. Strong academics can push that even lower—especially if a student earns one of the major merit awards that offsets most or all non-resident tuition.
Sources:
https://olemiss.edu/admissions/cost-of-attendance/
https://catalog.olemiss.edu/fees-financial-aid/estimated-costs
https://olemiss.edu/finaid/
https://olemiss.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://olemiss.edu/info/academic-common-market/
https://olemiss.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/non-resident/entering-freshman/non-resident-fee-specific-awards/nr-fee-specific.php
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Automatic Merit Scholarships
These awards post automatically when your student qualifies — no separate application unless noted. Ole Miss accepts ACT/SAT superscores for admission (and these scores matter for scholarships).
Tip: Complete the Freshman Scholarship Application by Jan 10 for priority consideration; submit the FAFSA by Mar 1 for need-based aid like Red & Blue.
🗓️ Ole Miss Timeline: If you remember nothing else, remember this
- Fall (as early as possible): Submit the admission application (rolling admissions).
- By Jan 10: Complete the Freshman Scholarship / Special Programs / Competitive Programs pieces required for many awards and programs.
- By Mar 1: File the FAFSA early for priority consideration on need-based aid and programs that require FAFSA timing.
Why this matters: At Ole Miss, missing a “key gate” (Jan 10 especially) can cost more than missing one outside scholarship deadline.
Automatic
Merit Tier Award
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$3,000–$7,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1300 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with the 1848 Scholarship for eligible Mississippi residents with at least a 3.5 GPA.
💡
Strategic Detail
Represents the higher Mississippi resident academic merit chart bands; exact annual amount depends on ACT/SAT band.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Mississippi residents with stronger GPA/test-score profiles in the upper Ole Miss resident merit chart bands. This is not a separate essay scholarship; the key is being admitted with the right academic profile.
Automatic
Base Merit (MS)
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$2,250/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~23 ACT✎ ~1130 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with the 1848 Scholarship for eligible Mississippi residents with at least a 3.5 GPA.
💡
Strategic Detail
Represents the lower Mississippi resident academic merit chart bands; exact annual amount depends on ACT/SAT band.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Mississippi residents in the lower Ole Miss resident merit chart bands. This is useful for solid in-state students, but the dollar amount is much smaller than the higher test-score bands.
Automatic
1848 Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~23 ACT✎ ~1130 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Additional scholarship included on the Mississippi resident chart total.
💡
Strategic Detail
Resident chart shows $2,000/year 1848 amount for ACT 23-28 bands with 3.5 GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Mississippi residents with at least a 3.5 GPA who fall into the ACT 23-28 resident chart bands. This is an add-on, not a separate competitive application.
Automatic
1848 Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1330 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Additional scholarship included on the Mississippi resident chart total.
💡
Strategic Detail
Resident chart shows $4,000/year 1848 amount for ACT 29+ bands with 3.5 GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Mississippi residents with at least a 3.5 GPA and ACT/SAT scores in the stronger resident chart bands. For families, this is where a few ACT/SAT points can noticeably change the final Ole Miss offer.
Automatic
Eagle Scout / Gold Award
📅 Deadline: Within first term of enrollment
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
💡
Strategic Detail
$6,000 total, paid as $1,500/year for four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Entering freshmen who earned Eagle Scout or Gold Award status. This is a meaningful stackable award for a specific service/leadership profile, but it is not broadly available to all applicants.
Automatic
Boys/Girls State Participant
📅 Deadline: Within first term of enrollment
Non-Renewable
Holistic / Status Based
💡
Strategic Detail
One-year only award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Entering freshmen who participated in Mississippi Boys State or Girls State. This is a one-year add-on award, not a major four-year merit package by itself.
Automatic
Academic Success (Nonresident)
📅 Deadline: Within first term of enrollment
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.8+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot stack with Academic Merit.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Out-of-state freshmen with at least a 3.75 GPA who do not receive the larger Academic Merit award. This is helpful, but families should compare it carefully against the full nonresident price.
Automatic
Boys/Girls State Governor
📅 Deadline: Within first term of enrollment
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
💡
Strategic Detail
$4,000 total, paid as $1,000/year for four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who were named state governor or selected as a state delegate to Boys Nation or Girls Nation. This is a recognition-based award, so the hard part happens before the Ole Miss scholarship process.
Automatic
Barnard Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Follows National Merit announcement timeline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Entering freshmen with National Merit Finalist status and at least a 3.0 GPA. This is a strong add-on for Finalists, but not something a typical applicant can pursue separately.
Automatic
National Merit Finalist Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Follows National Merit announcement timeline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
🕵
Who Actually Wins
National Merit Finalists who name Ole Miss as first choice and meet the university's National Merit conditions. This is a narrow award, but it is very straightforward for students who already have Finalist status.
Automatic
Mississippi Star Student
📅 Deadline: Within first term of enrollment
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
💡
Strategic Detail
$8,000 total, paid as $2,000/year for four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Mississippi entering freshmen selected as the Star Student of their high school. This is a strong recognition add-on, but only a small number of students at each school can qualify.
Automatic
Red and Blue Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Apr 1
Non-Renewable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Priority awarding by April 1; additional awards depend on available funding.
💡
Strategic Detail
Individually calculated freshman award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-time, full-time freshmen who still show financial need after other scholarships and aid are considered. Families should treat this as a possible gap-closing award, not a guaranteed merit scholarship.
Automatic
All-Star Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Within first term of enrollment
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
💡
Strategic Detail
$4,000 total, paid as $1,000/year for four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Mississippi entering freshmen selected as one of the top 20 All-Star Scholars by the Mississippi Economic Council. This is a narrow recognition award, not a general academic merit tier.
Automatic
Student Body President
📅 Deadline: Within first term of enrollment
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
💡
Strategic Detail
$6,000 total, paid as $1,500/year for four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Entering freshmen who served as president of the entire student body or student council. This is a leadership-status award, not a general leadership essay competition.
Automatic
Valedictorian / Salutatorian
📅 Deadline: Within first term of enrollment
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
💡
Strategic Detail
$8,000 total, paid as $2,000/year for four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Entering freshmen named valedictorian or salutatorian by a high school that officially ranks students. This is valuable for the top two ranked students, but families should not confuse it with a broad merit tier.
Automatic
AICE Cambridge Diploma
📅 Deadline: Within first term of enrollment
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
💡
Strategic Detail
$8,000 total, paid as $2,000/year for four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Mississippi or Memphis-area entering freshmen who earned the AICE Cambridge Diploma and have at least a 3.0 GPA. This is a targeted curriculum-recognition award, not a general academic merit tier.
Automatic
J. Means (Tennessee Counties)
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$5,000–$8,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual amount ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 based on GPA/test profile.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted students from Shelby, Tipton, or Fayette County in Tennessee. For Memphis-area families, this is one of the more important Ole Miss regional awards to check because it can materially lower the nonresident price.
Automatic
STEM Major (Nonresident)
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1300 SAT
💡
Strategic Detail
$8,000 total, paid as $2,000/year toward the nonresident fee.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Out-of-state freshmen in eligible STEM majors with at least a 3.5 GPA and 28 ACT or SAT equivalent. This is a nice STEM-specific add-on, but it does not by itself erase the nonresident price gap.
* 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.
Clarifying the Range: Most automatic merit awards fall between $3,000–$6,000 per year.
Full-tuition awards are reserved for the very top scores. Amounts and cutoffs can shift each year with funding and applicant volume.
Automatic Merit FAQs
🧪 Test-Optional Note (Ole Miss scholarships)
Ole Miss may be test-optional for admission, but test scores can still be the fastest path to top-dollar merit aid.
If your student is aiming for the highest automatic tiers, plan for scores to be submitted early enough to count before scholarship deadlines.
When is the deadline for automatic scholarships?
The Freshman Scholarship Application is due January 10. Students must be fully admitted by then and have official test scores on file for maximum consideration.
Does Ole Miss superscore the ACT or SAT?
Yes. Ole Miss superscores both ACT and SAT for admission and automatic merit scholarships.
Do I need a separate application for automatic merit awards?
No. Your general admission and Freshman Scholarship Application automatically enter you into merit consideration.
Are these awards renewable?
Yes. Most automatic merit awards renew for up to eight semesters (4 years) if you maintain full-time status and the required GPA (typically 3.0 or higher).
Do out-of-state students qualify?
Yes. Ole Miss offers specific nonresident scholarships like STEM Major and Academic Success to offset OOS tuition.
What if my ACT/SAT scores arrive after January 10?
Scores received after the deadline may not be considered for the highest automatic tiers. Submit early to lock eligibility.
Can the Red and Blue Scholarship be stacked with merit awards?
Yes, in many cases it can be combined with automatic merit but is need-based and requires a completed FAFSA by March 1.
Sources:
https://olemiss.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://olemiss.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/mississippi-residents/entering-freshman/awards-automatic-consideration/
https://olemiss.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/non-resident/entering-freshman/awards-automatic-consideration/nr-freshman-merit.php/
https://olemiss.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/non-resident/entering-freshman/non-resident-fee-specific-awards/nr-fee-specific.php
https://olemiss.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/
https://olemiss.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/financial-aid/applying-for-aid/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
These awards require a separate application and weigh leadership, essays, GPA, test scores, and service. Most close around January 10 via the Freshman/Competitive Academic Programs application.
Full RideApp Required
Stamps Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
premier competitive scholarship
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award may cover up to cost of attendance after other awards. The package includes a $12,000 enrichment stipend for educational activities outside the classroom, including study abroad, research, and other approved enrichment pursuits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to Ole Miss and submit the Freshman Scholarship Application by the January 10 deadline.
Selection criteria: Exceptional academic record, leadership, service, and competitive scholarship review
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Current Ole Miss 2026-2027 scholarship listing describes Stamps as up to cost of attendance after other awards plus a $12,000 enrichment stipend.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is Ole Miss' top-tier competitive scholarship profile: students with exceptional academics, leadership, service, and evidence that they will use the enrichment funding well. Families should treat it as a reach-level scholarship, even for very strong students.
App Required
W.R. Newman / Robert M. Carrier Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be part of a broader Ole Miss scholarship package, subject to university stacking and cost-of-attendance rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to Ole Miss and submit the Freshman Scholarship Application by the January 10 deadline.
Selection criteria: Exceptional academic and leadership record
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Ole Miss lists both the W.R. Newman Scholarship and Robert M. Carrier Scholarship at $40,000 total, or $10,000 per year, for Mississippi resident entering freshmen with exceptional academic and leadership records.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Mississippi residents with exceptional academic and leadership records. This is not a basic merit-grid award; it is for students who look like high-impact campus leaders and top academic admits.
App Required
Ole Miss First Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with other aid, subject to university packaging and cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to Ole Miss and submit the Freshman Scholarship Application by the January 10 deadline.
Selection criteria: Academic achievement, leadership, service, and mentoring-program fit
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Ole Miss First describes a four-year scholarship for incoming freshmen who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service. Scholars receive $4,500 annually and participate in mentoring and community programming.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who show strong academics, leadership, service, and fit for a mentoring-based scholarship community. Parents should see this as more than a dollar award: the mentorship and monthly programming are part of the value.
App Required
Luckyday Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1 · 📢 Results: Apr 1
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA👥 ~80 new freshmen winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Ole Miss notes that Luckyday gives priority to students with remaining financial need after other scholarships and grants are considered.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to Ole Miss, submit the Freshman Scholarship Application, and complete the FAFSA by March 1.
Selection criteria: Grades, test scores, financial need, leadership, activities, and Luckyday essay
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Luckyday lists the incoming freshman award as $24,000 total, or $6,000 per year for four years, awarded competitively to 80 first-time freshmen.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Mississippi residents with at least a 3.5 GPA, a completed FAFSA, remaining need, and a strong mix of grades, test scores, leadership, activities, and a strong Luckyday essay. This is one of the most important Ole Miss competitive awards for Mississippi families, but only about 80 new freshmen are selected.
App Required
Lott Leadership Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be packaged with other Ole Miss aid, subject to university scholarship rules and cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to Ole Miss and submit the Competitive Academic Programs or Freshman Scholarship Application by the January 10 deadline for Public Policy Leadership scholarship consideration.
Selection criteria: Academic strength, leadership record, service, and public policy leadership fit
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Ole Miss lists the Lott Leadership Scholarship as amount varies for entering freshmen with exceptional leadership and academic records who are actively pursuing a degree in public policy leadership.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students pursuing Public Policy Leadership who bring a serious leadership record, strong academics, and evidence of service or civic engagement. This is not a general-campus award; it is best treated as a fit-based scholarship for students who genuinely want the Lott/PPL pathway.
App Required
Ole Miss Women's Council Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Some Ole Miss Women's Council scholarships may be need-based and may require the FAFSA. Final packaging is subject to university scholarship rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to Ole Miss and submit the Freshman Scholarship Application by the January 10 deadline.
Selection criteria: Academic record, leadership record, mentoring-program fit, and donor-specific criteria
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Ole Miss lists OMWC Scholarships at $40,000 total, or $10,000 per year. Academic and leadership record are considered; some scholarships may be need-based.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with strong academics, leadership, service, and fit for a mentoring scholarship model. Despite the name, Ole Miss describes these scholarships as available to young men and women entering the freshman class unless a specific donor scholarship says otherwise.
* 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.
Notes: Most freshman competitive scholarships close Jan 10. Some (e.g., Luckyday) also require FAFSA by Mar 1. Always verify exact dates and forms each cycle.
🧩 Stacking Rule of Thumb at Ole Miss
Here’s the plain-English version: most students receive one main “primary” university merit package (the best one they qualify for).
After that, need-based aid, departmental awards, and outside scholarships may stack — usually up to the school’s Cost of Attendance.
- Usually “one primary”: automatic merit tiers and other big university-funded packages typically don’t pile on top of each other.
- Often stackable: FAFSA-based aid, departmental/college awards, music/band awards, ROTC, and outside scholarships (until you hit COA limits).
- Watch this: flagship/competitive awards can sometimes replace a smaller merit package rather than adding to it.
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs (Ole Miss)
When’s the main deadline?
January 10 — the Freshman Competitive Programs deadline covering Stamps, Newman/Carrier, OMWC, and similar awards. Luckyday also requires FAFSA by March 1.
Who typically wins?
Students with top grades, rigorous coursework, and major leadership or service records. Essays and recommendations help distinguish finalists once GPA/test benchmarks are met.
Do these replace automatic merit?
Often, yes — flagship awards like Stamps or Newman supersede general merit packages. Need-based and outside scholarships may still stack.
What can families do to prepare?
Use our Essay Toolkit to refine essays, our Brag Sheet Builder for activities, and our Reference Request Kit for strong recommendations.
National Merit or Stamps?
Ole Miss is a recognized Stamps Scholarship partner. National Merit Finalists may also receive stackable aid; see our National Merit guide for details.
Sources:
https://olemiss.edu/omf/scholarship-information/
https://olemiss.edu/provost/stamps-impact-prize/
https://www.stampsscholars.org/2012/11/20/university-of-mississippi-university-ms/
https://olemiss.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://olemiss.edu/luckyday/scholarship-information/
https://www.petersons.com/scholarship/w-r-newman-scholarship-111_276652.aspx
https://omf.olemiss.edu/
https://www.collegedata.com/scholarship-finder/276651
https://olemiss.edu/onsa/scholarship_deadlines/
https://olemiss.edu/ppl/resources-scholarships/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_KYU6HEPq8
🧾 What this looks like in real life (Ole Miss examples)
Scenario A: Mississippi resident • ACT in the low/mid-20s • solid GPA • FAFSA filed
- Likely outcome: a smaller automatic scholarship + FAFSA-based aid possibilities.
- Best move: hit Jan 10 and file FAFSA early — it keeps more doors open than chasing random outside scholarships.
Scenario B: Out-of-state • STEM major • strong GPA + strong ACT/SAT
- Likely outcome: larger automatic merit + potential STEM/college-level awards if your student completes the required scholarship steps on time.
- Best move: don’t wait on late test dates — scores submitted too late can cost a higher automatic tier.
Scenario C: Honors/competitive target (top academics + leadership + strong essays)
- Likely outcome: competitive programs become the real lever — but missing Jan 10 can remove the highest-upside options.
- Best move: treat Honors + competitive applications like a package deal (not “optional extras”).
These scenarios are intentionally simple — the goal is to help parents understand the sequence (apply early → hit deadlines → file FAFSA) before worrying about perfection.
Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond automatic and competitive merit, Ole Miss offers a trove of “hidden gem” awards—tied to majors, background, music/arts, service, research, and study abroad. Many can stack with other aid (up to Cost of Attendance).
App Required
Luckyday Success Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1 · 📢 Results: Apr 1
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA👥 ~80 incoming freshmen winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable up to cost of attendance, but final packaging depends on Ole Miss aid rules and may be affected by other major institutional awards.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Ole Miss admission application, complete the scholarship/Luckyday application process, and file the FAFSA by March 1. Selection considers academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, service, leadership, and program fit.
Selection criteria: Academic strength, financial need, service, leadership, and Luckyday essay
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Luckyday provides $24,000 total, or $6,000 per year for four years, to 80 incoming Mississippi freshmen.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A limited cohort of Mississippi freshmen with at least a 3.5 GPA, demonstrated financial need, and a strong record of service or leadership. This is one of the most meaningful Ole Miss awards for in-state families, but it is still competitive.
Full TuitionAutomatic
Ole Miss Opportunity
📅 Deadline: Aligns with Ole Miss financial aid and FAFSA priority deadlines
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
need-based guarantee
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers remaining core costs after other gift aid. Students cannot receive more free aid than the program's eligible cost cap.
💡
Strategic Detail
UM-funded program that helps cover eligible tuition, housing, and meals for qualifying Mississippi residents by filling gaps after Pell, state, institutional, and private gift aid. Recent program descriptions also reference textbook support.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Low-income Mississippi freshmen who file the FAFSA on time, meet the GPA and income rules, and still have a qualifying gap after Pell, state aid, institutional scholarships, and private aid. This is one of the most important Ole Miss affordability programs for high-need Mississippi families.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Study Abroad Scholarships - Study Abroad Office
📅 Deadline: Varies by term and program
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with other Ole Miss aid up to cost of attendance, depending on the program, term, and aid rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for an approved study abroad program, meet the program's minimum GPA or eligibility rules, and submit the required scholarship statement or study abroad scholarship materials by the term-specific deadline.
Selection criteria: Academic fit, program participation, statement quality, and term-specific criteria
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The Study Abroad Office offers term-specific awards, commonly in the approximate $500-$2,000 range, with program-based deadlines.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Accepted study abroad students who connect the travel program to academic goals and submit a strong, timely statement. This is not freshman-entry money, but it is real Ole Miss-connected money students may overlook later.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
College of Liberal Arts Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (1 yrs)
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackability depends on the specific donor fund, departmental rules, and university cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the UM freshman scholarship application by the January 10 deadline. College of Liberal Arts Dean's Office and departmental scholarship funds are awarded from that application pool.
Selection criteria: Departmental and donor-fund criteria
💡
Strategic Detail
College of Liberal Arts Dean's Office and departmental scholarships use the UM freshman scholarship application rather than a separate College of Liberal Arts form.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who apply by January 10 and match the College of Liberal Arts or department-specific fund criteria. This is exactly the kind of scholarship families miss if they only look at the main freshman merit chart.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Named/Donor Endowments by School or Department
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (1 yrs)
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with other Ole Miss aid depending on donor rules, departmental rules, and cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the UM freshman scholarship application by January 10 and/or the relevant department or school scholarship portal. Some funds may require a specific major, GPA, portfolio, service background, or donor-defined eligibility match.
Selection criteria: Department, major, donor, GPA, service, need, or fund-specific criteria
💡
Strategic Detail
The College of Liberal Arts page confirms that many donor and departmental funds are awarded from the UM freshman scholarship application pool without extra forms. Similar scholarship patterns may exist across other schools and departments.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who match the specific donor or department criteria and submit the right application on time. These awards are not always obvious from the main freshman merit chart, which is why they belong in the hidden-gem bucket.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
First-Generation Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies; many awards use Jan 10, while some regional campus deadlines may be Aug 15 or Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with other aid, subject to donor rules, department rules, and university cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Special Programs scholarship process or the relevant school/unit scholarship portal. Students generally need to document first-generation status and may need a FAFSA on file.
Selection criteria: First-generation status, financial need, and donor or unit criteria
💡
Strategic Detail
First-generation awards remain distributed through Special Programs, departmental, or unit scholarship processes. 2026-2027 amounts are not centrally itemized in one public chart.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation students who apply early, complete the right scholarship application path, and meet any need or donor-specific requirements. Parents should not assume this appears automatically just because a student is first-gen.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Ole Miss Band / School of Music Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Audition dates posted annually, often by February for the following year
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with other Ole Miss aid depending on music, band, and university scholarship rules.
📄
How to Apply
Audition for the Pride of the South Marching Band, School of Music, ensembles, or music-major scholarship consideration. Students should follow posted audition dates and apply or audition early.
Selection criteria: Audition and ensemble or music-program placement
💡
Strategic Detail
Band and music scholarships are audition-based. Audition dates and amounts are updated annually by the School of Music.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Committed student performers with strong auditions, ensemble fit, and a willingness to participate in the band or music program. This is not just for music majors; ensemble participation can matter too.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
ROTC Scholarships - Army and Air Force
📅 Deadline: AFROTC HSSP window listed as Jul 1-Dec 12, 2025; Army boards and campus awards vary
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
ROTC
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
ROTC awards may stack with Ole Miss scholarships up to cost of attendance, depending on ROTC branch rules and university packaging rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the national or campus-based ROTC scholarship process for Army ROTC or Air Force ROTC. Students must meet academic, fitness, medical, and service-commitment requirements.
Selection criteria: ROTC academic, fitness, leadership, medical, interview, and service-commitment review
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
ROTC scholarships can cover tuition, fees, books, and stipend depending on branch and scholarship type. Ole Miss participates through national and campus-based ROTC processes.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who are serious about military service, pass the ROTC selection process, and meet academic, physical, medical, and leadership standards. This can be financially powerful, but it comes with a real service commitment.
* 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.
Potential “Hidden Lever”: National Recognition / College Board Recognition programs (Rural/Small Town, etc.) may unlock additional consideration at some universities.
Parent check: If your student has an official recognition certificate, confirm whether Ole Miss requests documentation in the portal and whether it changes scholarship eligibility for your cycle.
Hidden Gem Scholarships — FAQs (Ole Miss)
What’s the key date most families miss?
The Special Programs & Scholarships application is due January 10 for many donor/department awards (CLA, Accountancy, Croft, Honors, etc.). File the FAFSA early, too.
How do Luckyday selections work?
Luckyday is competitive and requires FAFSA by March 1; the program chooses a cohort and provides four years of support with mentoring and service.
When should musicians audition?
Scholarship consideration is tied to School of Music audition dates (posted each year, often through late winter/early spring); check current audition sign-ups.
Do ROTC awards stack with other UM aid?
Often, yes—ROTC can cover tuition/fees or provide R&B alternatives plus books/stipends, and many students also receive UM scholarships (subject to Cost of Attendance limits). Deadlines: AFROTC HSSP runs Jul 1–Dec 12; Army HS boards occur fall→spring.
Where do I find study-abroad deadlines?
Use the Study Abroad Office deadlines page; dates vary by program and term, so check the specific listing before you plan.
Sources:
https://olemiss.edu/luckyday/scholarship-information/
https://www.luckyday.msstate.edu/becoming-scholar
https://olemiss.edu/music/auditions/
https://olemiss.edu/afrotc/resources-scholarships/
https://studyabroad.olemiss.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewDeadlines
https://olemiss.edu/onsa/scholarship_deadlines/
https://libarts.olemiss.edu/resources/for-students/scholarships/
https://outreach.olemiss.edu/rankin/scholarships_grants.html
https://umfoundation.com/2025/01/08/luckyday-scholarship-provides-transformative-ive-journey/
Honors College Scholarships (Ole Miss)
The Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College (SMBHC) is one of the most respected public honors colleges in the country, known for its small seminars, individualized advising, and emphasis on service and leadership. Admission is competitive and requires a separate application through the university’s Special Programs Application.
Why it matters: SMBHC students have access to exclusive research grants, priority registration, and are frequently nominated for major national awards such as Rhodes, Truman, and Goldwater scholarships.
Admission Basics
- Apply by January 10 through the Special Programs Application
- Two essays, résumé, and recommendation letters required
- Selection emphasizes intellectual curiosity, writing strength, and community engagement
Typical Honors Profile
- ACT 30–34+ (or SAT equivalent) and GPA ~3.9–4.0
- AP/IB/Dual Credit rigor, leadership/service, and strong essays
App Required
McDonnell-Barksdale Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with university academic and departmental scholarships up to cost of attendance, subject to Ole Miss overaward rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College through the Special Programs & Scholarships Application by January 10. The Honors College application serves as the scholarship application.
Selection criteria: Academic record, rigor, essays, leadership, and community engagement
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual award valued at $32,000 total, or $8,000 per year, and limited to Mississippi residents. Renewal requires rising GPA benchmarks: 3.20 after freshman year, 3.40 after sophomore year, and 3.50 after junior year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Mississippi residents admitted to the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College who land in the very top scholarship group. Families should treat this as a highly selective Honors award, not simply a reward for meeting the ACT/SAT guideline.
App Required
Doris Raymond Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Typically awarded within the top Honors College scholarship cohort and may stack with automatic merit, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College through the Special Programs & Scholarships Application by January 10. The Honors College application serves as the scholarship application.
Selection criteria: Academic record, essays, leadership, and community engagement
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual award valued at $32,000 total, or $8,000 per year, and open to all applicants admitted to the Honors College. Renewal requires rising GPA benchmarks: 3.20 after freshman year, 3.40 after sophomore year, and 3.50 after junior year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top Honors College admits with exceptional academics, rigorous coursework, strong essays, and meaningful leadership or community engagement. The ACT/SAT guideline helps signal competitiveness, but the award is still holistic and limited.
App Required
Harold Parker Memorial Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with other Ole Miss merit within cost-of-attendance limits and counts as one of the flagship Honors College scholarship awards.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College through the Special Programs & Scholarships Application by January 10. No separate Honors scholarship form is required.
Selection criteria: Academic excellence, leadership, essays, and service
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual award valued at $32,000 total, or $8,000 per year, and open to all Honors College applicants.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Highly competitive Honors College admits with strong academics, leadership, essays, and service. This should be treated as a top-cohort Honors award, not a predictable automatic scholarship.
App Required
Bill and Melanie Roper Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Honors award targeted to business and STEM majors; stacks according to Ole Miss scholarship and cost-of-attendance policy.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College through the Special Programs & Scholarships Application by January 10 and indicate an eligible business or STEM academic path.
Selection criteria: Academic rigor in business/STEM, leadership, and essays
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual award valued at $40,000 total, or $10,000 per year, and open to business, science, technology, engineering, or math students in the Honors College.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top Honors College admits in business or STEM with exceptional academic preparation, rigorous coursework, and leadership. This is both an Honors award and a major/field-restricted award.
App Required
Everett Williams Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
One of several flagship Honors College awards; stacks within overall merit and cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College application through the Special Programs & Scholarships Application by January 10. No separate scholarship form is required.
Selection criteria: Academic record, essays, and leadership
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual award valued at $32,000 total, or $8,000 per year, and open to all Honors College applicants.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors College admits with exceptional academics, leadership, essays, and community engagement. This is a limited top-Honors-cohort award, not a guaranteed award for all Honors students.
App Required
Annexstad Leaders for Tomorrow Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1310 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Need-aware Honors award that coordinates with Ole Miss need-based aid packages and overall cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College through the Special Programs & Scholarships Application by January 10 and file the FAFSA. Selection emphasizes financial need and leadership potential.
Selection criteria: Leadership and financial-need focus within the Honors College cohort
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual award valued at $25,000 total, or $6,250 per year, and open to applicants with financial need who exhibit leadership potential.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors College students with demonstrated financial need and strong leadership potential. This is not just a high-score award; the need and leadership pieces matter.
App Required
Walker Family Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 10
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1310 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Need-based Honors award for Mississippi residents. Coordinates with Ole Miss Opportunity and other need-based aid under university packaging rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College by January 10 and file the FAFSA. This award is limited to Mississippi residents with demonstrated financial need.
Selection criteria: Financial need plus Honors-level academics
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual award valued at $12,000 total, or $3,000 per year, and limited to Mississippi residents with demonstrated financial need.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Mississippi Honors College students with strong academics and demonstrated financial need. For families, this is a smaller but meaningful add-on for high-need in-state Honors students.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors Research & Study Grants - SMBHC
📅 Deadline: Varies by semester
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time project support; may coordinate with other aid or program funding depending on the project and term.
📄
How to Apply
Current Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College students submit a faculty-supported research, thesis, or study abroad proposal to the Honors College by the semester deadline.
Selection criteria: Proposal quality, feasibility, and alignment with Honors thesis or experiential goals
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
One-time SMBHC funding support for research, thesis, or study abroad. Typical awards are in the low-thousands depending on project costs, term, and available funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Current Honors College students in good standing who have a real research, thesis, or study abroad plan with faculty support. This is later-stage money students can miss if they only focus on freshman-entry awards.
* 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.
Heads up: SMBHC students often receive priority consideration for flagship scholarships like Stamps and W.R. Newman, which are covered in the Competitive Scholarships section of this page.
Honors College — FAQs (Ole Miss)
How selective is the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College?
Very selective. SMBHC admits roughly 300–400 freshmen each year from thousands of applicants. Most have ACT 30+ or equivalent test-optional profiles, 3.9+ GPAs, and advanced coursework.
Is the Honors College required for major scholarships?
While not required, being in SMBHC significantly improves eligibility for competitive awards like Stamps, Lott, and Newman Scholarships. Many top scholarship recipients are also Honors students.
Are essays more important than test scores?
For SMBHC, yes. The essays and résumé are critical—they help the review committee assess curiosity, leadership, and community impact beyond academics.
Can test-optional students still get in?
Absolutely. SMBHC welcomes test-optional applicants, provided they demonstrate exceptional academic rigor and intellectual engagement in other parts of the application.
Does Honors come with automatic funding?
No automatic funding, but Honors students gain access to special grants, research support, and higher priority for major university scholarships.
Is SMBHC worth the extra work?
Yes. Students often cite closer faculty mentorship, stronger grad school prep, and networking with high-achieving peers as the biggest long-term benefits.
Sources:
https://www.honors.olemiss.edu/admissions/
https://catalog.olemiss.edu/university-programs/sally-mcdonnell-barksdale-honors-college/academics
https://catalog.olemiss.edu/2025/fall/university-programs/sally-mcdonnell-barksdale-honors-college/academics.pdf
https://honors.olemiss.edu/admissions/honors-scholars-program/
https://olemiss.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/mississippi-residents/entering-freshman/competitive-awards/ms-freshman-competitive.php
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/97844-doris-raymond-honors-scholarship
https://olemiss-sa.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Abroad.ViewLink&Parent_ID=0BFC694C-5056-BA1F-71CDB7265DA3CFCC&Link_ID=0C041A11-5056-BA1F-71AF9F4361ED6E85
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⭐ What the University of Mississippi Is Known For
The University of Mississippi blends a classic flagship campus experience with a handful of programs that genuinely stand out on a national level.
As an R1 research university, Ole Miss offers undergraduates access to funded research, faculty-led projects, and specialized academic tracks that go well beyond the standard lecture-hall experience.
Families often come for the campus culture — but stay for the strength of its professional pipelines.
Signature Strength:
Patterson School of Accountancy — Widely regarded as one of the strongest undergraduate accounting programs in the country and consistently ranked among the top programs nationally.
Ole Miss accounting graduates place heavily into Big Four and major regional firms, making this a true flagship pathway.
- Pharmacy: Nationally recognized program with a long track record of strong licensure outcomes and professional placement.
- Croft Institute for International Studies: A highly selective, honors-style B.A. combining international studies, advanced language training, a senior thesis, and mandatory study abroad.
- Center for Manufacturing Excellence (CME): A distinctive hands-on program blending engineering, business, and accountancy with an on-site manufacturing floor — often described as unique among public universities.
- Journalism & New Media: Well-regarded program with strong regional influence and alumni presence across media, communications, and public affairs.
Scholarship tip: Many of Ole Miss’s strongest programs offer major-specific or college-level awards after admission.
These frequently stack with automatic merit but fill quickly, so early portal follow-up matters.
🔗 Official University of Mississippi Links
Use Ole Miss’s official university resources below to verify admissions details, scholarship policies,
costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines and award terms.
At the end of the day, Ole Miss is one of those rare schools where families can see both a big-time college experience and serious scholarship opportunities.
Automatic awards make it easy to budget, competitive programs open doors for top students, and the Honors College adds a layer of challenge (with funding to match).
Whether you’re in-state or looking at Ole Miss from afar, the real takeaway is this: your student doesn’t have to chase every outside scholarship to make it affordable.
If you plan ahead and apply early, the university itself can cover a surprising share of the bill.
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