Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid | Mississippi State University
Tuition,
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Mississippi State University's Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid page covers costs, scholarships, financial aid, and payment plans. Automatic academic scholarships go to incoming freshmen based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores, with no separate application, while a General Scholarship Application opens each October. Students should file the FAFSA after it opens October 1, using MSU's Federal School Code 002423; Mississippi residents also complete the state aid application after January 1. Payment plans, set up through myState, let students spread tuition and fees over monthly installments.
Find Scholarships Apply for Scholarships
Find
Scholarships
MSU awards millions of dollars in scholarships each year to incoming freshmen and transfer students. Explore your options and find out what you may qualify for.
As an out-of-state student, affordability was a top priority when choosing a college! Thanks to the many scholarship opportunities at Mississippi State University, going to school so far away from home, in a place that felt like home, was financially feasible.
— Rachel Bowers
Cary, North Carolina
Questions about affording MSU? We're here to help.
How much does it cost to attend Mississippi State University?
The cost of attendance at Mississippi State University includes tuition and fees, housing, and a meal plan. For the 2026-2027 academic year, in-state tuition and fees is $11,095. Out-of-State tuition and fees is $30,086 (for the 2026-2027 academic year). There are additional costs including on-campus housing, which cost approximately $9,990, and the meal cost is $5,210 (these represent approximate costs for the 2026-2027 academic year). Visit the MSU Cost of Attendance page for a full cost breakdown.
Does Mississippi State University offer scholarships to out-of-state students?
Yes. Mississippi State University offers competitive automatic academic scholarships to both in-state and out-of-state students, with out-of-state students eligible for significant non-resident tuition scholarships that can substantially reduce the cost of attending MSU. Many out-of-state students find that scholarship packages make MSU highly competitive with in-state tuition rates at other universities.
How do I apply for financial aid at Mississippi State University?
To apply for financial aid at Mississippi State, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible after it opens on October 1. MSU's Federal School Code is 002423. Mississippi residents should also complete the state aid application after January 1 of the year they plan to enroll. For more information, contact MSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Does Mississippi State University have payment plans?
Yes. MSU offers both annual and semester payment plans that allow students and families to spread tuition and fee costs over monthly installments throughout the academic year. Payment plans are managed through the Office of the Controller and Treasurer and must be set up online through your myState account.
What scholarships does Mississippi State University offer incoming freshmen?
Mississippi State automatically awards academic scholarships to academically high-achieving incoming freshmen based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores — no separate scholarship application required. Additional competitive and need-based scholarships are available through the General Scholarship Application, which opens each October. Visit MSU's scholarship website for full details on all available awards.
Questions about affording MSU? We're here to help.
Connect with your admissions counselor to talk through tuition, scholarships, and financial aid options specific to your situation.