University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Scholarships (2026–2027)

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Ole Miss rewards strong students with automatic academic scholarships that can cut out-of-state tuition by tens of thousands per year. Add competitive and Honors awards, and the university often costs less than peer flagships.

This guide shows who qualifies for automatic merit, which competitive awards require extra steps, and how state and university aid can combine to make Ole Miss affordable for both residents and non-residents.

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Mississippi (2026–2027)

The table below lists direct, billed costs only (what families actually pay the university): tuition/fees and on-campus housing & meals for a full-time undergraduate student at Ole Miss in Oxford.

Why only these items? This table includes the amounts you typically pay directly to Ole Miss—tuition, fees, housing, and meal plan. Other estimated expenses (books/supplies ~$1,000, transportation ~$3,300, and personal expenses ~$3,800–$4,500) vary by student and are not billed directly by the university.

*Housing and meal costs shown are averages; totals will vary by hall and meal plan.

Automatic Merit Scholarships

Automatic Merit FAQs

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.

🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)

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).

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.

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

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.

⭐ 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.

• 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.

🔗 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.

• Undergraduate Admissions:
  https://olemiss.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/
• Admissions Deadlines & Requirements:
  https://olemiss.edu/admissions/
• Scholarships & Financial Aid:
  https://olemiss.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
• Office of Financial Aid (main):
  https://olemiss.edu/finaid/
• Cost of Attendance & Tuition:
  https://olemiss.edu/admissions/cost-of-attendance/
• Net Price Calculator:
  https://finaid.olemiss.edu/calculator/
• Common Data Set / Institutional Research:
  https://olemiss.edu/irep/institutional-research/common-data/

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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