Financial Aid
Mississippi State University's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and admissions counselors are here to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible, connecting students and families with the federal, state, and institutional resources that can make a Bulldog education genuinely affordable. The most important step you can take is submitting your FAFSA early. From there, our team will work with you every step of the way to help you understand your options, meet your deadlines, and build a financial plan that works for your future.
Federal Financial Aid — Start with the FAFSA
Federal student aid is an important way to help you as you plan for paying for college. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you may qualify for grants, loans, and federal work-study opportunities. The FAFSA is free to complete and is the required starting point for all federal aid programs.
MSU's Federal School Code: 002423
Federal aid programs available to eligible MSU students include:
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Pell Grant — need-based grant funding that does not need to be repaid. The maximum award is $7,395 for the 2026-27 award year (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027)
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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) — Additional need-based grant funding for students with exceptional financial need
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Federal Direct Loans — Low-interest loans available to students; subsidized loans are need-based and do not accrue interest while you are enrolled
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Federal Work-Study — Part-time employment opportunities that help eligible students earn money to help pay for education expenses
State Financial Aid — Mississippi Residents
Mississippi residents may be eligible for additional state-funded aid programs. State aid applications should be submitted as early as possible after January 1st of the year you plan to enroll. Students receiving state aid must be registered for a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester to maintain eligibility.
State aid programs available through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid include:
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Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) — Need-based grant available to Mississippi residents attending eligible in-state institutions
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Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG) — Merit-based grant for high-achieving Mississippi high school graduates
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William Winter Teacher Scholar Program — Scholarship and loan program for students pursuing careers in Mississippi public school teaching
MSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
Your Partner in the Process
MSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is your go-to resource for all things financial aid — from understanding your award letter to navigating loan repayment options. Their team is experienced in helping both first-time freshmen and transfer students find and secure the aid they need.
Helpful resources from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships:
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Financial Aid Handbook — a comprehensive guide to aid types, eligibility, and processes
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Step-by-step FAFSA instructions and guidance
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Information on satisfactory academic progress requirements
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Aid appeals and special circumstance review processes
Visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about financial aid? Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at financialaid@msstate.edu or (662) 325-2450. For admission questions, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admit@msstate.edu or (662) 325-2224.
FAFSA Application Mississippi State Aid Application Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships How to Apply for Financial Aid Types of Student Financial Aid
How do I apply for financial aid at Mississippi State University?
To apply for financial aid at Mississippi State, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible when it opens on October 1. Use MSU's Federal School Code, 002423, to send your results to MSU. Mississippi residents should also complete the state aid application after January 1 of the year they plan to enroll. Once your FAFSA is processed, MSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will determine your eligibility and notify you of your award.
What is MSU's FAFSA school code?
Mississippi State University’s Federal School Code for the FAFSA is 002423. Enter this code on your FAFSA to send your results to MSU, then watch for your award notification from MSU’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships once your FAFSA is processed.
Does Mississippi State University offer need-based financial aid?
Yes. MSU participates in all federal need-based aid programs, including the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and Federal Direct Subsidized Loans. Mississippi residents may also be eligible for need-based state grants through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid. Eligibility for need-based aid is determined through the FAFSA.
What state financial aid programs are available to Mississippi residents at MSU?
Mississippi residents attending MSU may be eligible for the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG), the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG), and the William Winter Teacher Scholar Program, among other programs. Applications are submitted through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid at msfinancialaid.org and must be submitted after January 1st of the year the student plans to enroll. Students must be enrolled in at least 15 credit hours per semester to maintain state aid eligibility.
When should I apply for financial aid at Mississippi State?
Mississippi State University students should apply for financial aid as early as possible. The FAFSA becomes available October 1 for the following academic year, and MSU’s FAFSA priority deadline is April 1. Submitting early ensures maximum consideration for all available aid programs, including those with limited funding. Mississippi residents should also submit their state aid application as soon as the application period opens after January 1.
Does Mississippi State offer work-study programs?
Yes. Eligible students at MSU may receive Federal Work-Study as part of their financial aid package, which provides part-time employment opportunities on or off campus. Work-study eligibility is determined through the FAFSA based on financial need.