Undergraduate Scholarships
Freshman Competitive Programs
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LUCKYDAY AND HONORS COLLEGE
JANUARY 15: Submit the General Application and Competitive Scholarship Application through the GO System.
MARCH 15: Students can login to the GO System and learn their status of the competitive process for Honors College and Luckyday Scholars Program.
MAY 1: Students must accept Freshman Competitive Scholarships in the GO System.
Click here for instructions on How To Apply for Competitive Scholarships in the GO System.
* For a full list of all freshman scholarships and eligibility, please visit our main website.
Other Programs to Consider
OSEOLA MCCARTY SCHOLARS PROGRAM (MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS ONLY)
Office of Undergraduate Scholarships | scholars@usm.edu | 601.266.4540
The Oseola McCarty Scholars Program honors the legacy of a Hattiesburg native who gave a significant portion of her life savings to the University in order to help students afford college. Oseola Mccarty had a strong work ethic, giving heart, and a love for helping others. Students will receive a $2,000 annual scholarship for 4 years.
- Mississippi residents only
- Minimum 3.0 core high school grade point average and at least a 21 ACT score or SAT equivalent
- Must be from a public high school in south Mississippi, show demonstrated financial need, desire to serve the community, and strong leadership skills
- Click here to access the application via the Golden Opportunities Scholarship Application System.
Joe Paul Leadership Scholars Program | Office of Admissions | admissionsFREEMississippi | 601-266-5000
Students will receive a $6,000 annual scholarship for 4 years. Non-Residents will receive an additional $2,000 annually to offset non-resident fees. Leadership Scholars will participate in specialized leadership programming during their first year at Southern Miss.
- Students must be admitted to The University of Southern Mississippi before applying to the scholarship.
- Minimum 3.0 core high school grade point average
- Have a proven record of leadership in high school and community activities.
Click here to learn about the application process and how to apply.
If you are a student leader in your high school and ready to share your passion at Southern Miss, please click here and apply today! If you receive an error message, please clear your cache and browser history and try again in Google Chrome. Google Chrome is the prefered web browser.
The Jump Scholars Program is offered through the Center for Student Success and allows incoming freshman students the opportunity to get a JUMP start on their college experience by participating in a three week, success camp experience. The Jump scholars program allows students to register in one of three different intersession classes. The program is designed to allow incoming first year students time and support during through their transition to college life.
The Powell Scholarship Program begins with the freshman year at USM and can be renewed for an additional three years allowing awardees to enhance engagement in key student success initiatives. During the first two years of the program, awardees will focus on foundational skills, self-awareness, and campus connections through participation in the Jump Scholars and Spark Sophomore Success programs. For the second two years, students will shift their attention to emphasize engagement in the major, career mindset, and career readiness through programs with Career Services, the Office of Pathway Experiences, and the Alumni Association.
Academic Connections to Enhance Success (ACES) Program provides accepted first-year students with access to a small community of peers within the larger university setting and direct connections with dedicated faculty and staff. Program opportunities hosted by the Center for Student Success, student leaders, as well as course faculty members will be available throughout the fall and spring semesters to ACES students.
The Jubilee Scholars Program provides unique academic and professional development opportunities to a select group of students at The University of Southern Mississippi. Each year in the late spring, 50 Jubilee Scholars are selected from the freshman class. They officially begin the program at the start of their sophomore year.
The Kennard Scholars Program offers a variety of resources to aid students in their ability to pay for college, personal and academic development, and the pursuit of a university degree. Each Kennard Scholar receives an $800 scholarship, a mentor, life skills training, and the opportunity to participate in active learning experiences. The Kennard Scholars Program curriculum is a roadmap to assist in the development of skills necessary to succeed.