Freshman Scholarships
Presidential National Merit Scholarship
Deadline is based on National Merit progression.
A limited number of students recognized as National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists will qualify for the university-sponsored Presidential National Merit Scholarship, which is designed to cover the cost of attendance for four years, including tuition, out-of-state fees (if applicable), room, board, and a book stipend for four years (worth approximately $46,500 for Mississippi residents). Consideration is based on Finalists having listed The University of Southern Mississippi as their first-choice institution with the National Merit Corporation as well has having been admitted to the University and to the Honors College. Students who progress to Finalist standing will further receive a $4,000 study abroad scholarship to participate in the university study abroad program of their choice. These scholarship recipients are automatically members of the Presidential Scholar class, which is the highest designation a student can receive at Southern Miss. (This scholarship precludes any other university scholarship.)
Honors College application for admission
Presidential Scholarship
Application deadline is January 5.---DEADLINE PASSED
Presidential Scholarships are designed to cover the cost of attendance for four years, including tuition, out-of-state fees (if applicable), room, board, and a book stipend for four years (worth approximately $46,500 for Mississippi residents). Typically, students scoring at least 30 composite ACT/combined SAT score of 1320*, National Merit Commended Students, and National Achievement Semifinalists will be considered and must have been admitted to the Honors College and the University by the deadline of January 5. The Presidential Scholarship application packet is available on the Honors College Web site. (This scholarship precludes any other University scholarship.)
Honors College application for admission
Academic Excellence Award
Freshmen admitted by March 15 will be considered.---DEADLINE PASSED
Students with a minimum 24 composite ACT/combined SAT score of 1090** and a strong academic history will be automatically considered for these awards upon admission, which range from $2,000 to $13,500 (payable over four years). Strong emphasis is placed on the student’s grade point average. Nonresidents of Mississippi who are recipients of the Academic Excellence Award will also receive a full waiver of out-of-state fees.
Regional Award (Out-of-state fee waiver)
Freshmen admitted by March 15 will be considered.---DEADLINE PASSED
These awards are available to students who do not qualify for Academic Excellence Awards and are not residents of Mississippi. The Regional Award may represent a partial or full waiver of out-of-state fees (currently $3,389 per semester). Recipients typically have a strong academic history and have demonstrated significant student involvement and leadership. To obtain an application for the Regional Award, please go to www.usm.edu/admissions.
Regional Award application
Leadership Award
Application deadline is January 5.--DEADLINE PASSED
This unique program has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most sought-after and competitive leadership programs in the region. Based on exceptional involvement and abilities inside and outside of the classroom, students are invited to compete for scholarships worth $15,500 (payable over four years). To be considered for this scholarship, students must have submitted a 2009 Freshman Scholarship Programs application and have applied for admission with all supporting materials** by the deadline of January 5. Additional information about the Leadership Scholarship program may be obtained by contacting the Office of Admissions.
2009 Freshman Scholarship Programs application
iPDF and PDF documents require the Acrobat Reader 5.0x.
Luckyday Scholarship
Application deadline is January 5. Mississippi residents only.--DEADLINE PASSED
The Luckyday Scholarship at Southern Miss is for exemplary students who are outstanding citizens and who are committed to continued involvement in community service and need financial assistance for college. This prestigious scholarship program provides Mississippi high school seniors the opportunity to compete for scholarships worth $15,500 (payable over four years), with an opportunity to apply for study abroad scholarships for the study abroad program of the student’s choice once enrolled in the Luckyday Scholarship program. To be considered for this scholarship, students must have submitted a 2009 Freshman Scholarship Programs application and have applied for admission with all supporting materials** by the deadline of January 5. Additional information about the Luckyday Scholarship program may be obtained by contacting the Luckyday Scholarship program by phone at 601.266.5981 or by email at Luckyday@usm.edu.
2009 Freshman Scholarship Programs application
iPDF and PDF documents require the Acrobat Reader 5.0x.
Continuation of all scholarships is based on satisfactory academic progress and other conditions once the student is enrolled. Specific requirements are available upon request.
* The written portion of the SAT is not considered in the awarding of scholarships.
** All applicants must submit the application for admission, $35 application fee, a partial high school transcript, and ACT/SAT scores before an admissions decision can be rendered.
*** Applications received after the priority deadline will be considered on a competitive, funds-available basis.
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