Graduate Students
[ Types of Student Financial Aid ]
- Specific eligibility requirements regarding Assistantships/Fellowships and Waivers are available at the Office of Graduate Studies
- If you are an employee of the University click here for The Department of Human Resources Management Employee Waiver Program.
I. Federal Student Aid
Federal Direct Student Loan ProgramsThe Federal Direct Student Loan Programs are low interest loans that students may borrow directly from the U.S. Treasury. They include the Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan, the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. These loan programs were created by Congress to help all eligible students, with and without financial need, pay for educational expenses.
- Federal Direct Stafford Loan - Eligible undergraduate and graduate students may borrow through the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program. The Federal Direct Stafford Loan can be subsidized or unsubsidized depending primarily on the student's demonstrated need. Click here for more information about the Federal Stafford Loan.
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan - Only eligible Graduate students may borrow through the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program. The amount a student may borrow is the student's Cost of Attendance minus the Estimated Financial Aid (including the maximun Federal Stafford Loan) to be received during the loan period. Click here for more information about the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.
Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) is a "need based" part-time work program which allows students to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The amount shown on the Award Notification (which can range from $2,228 to $3,564 per year) is the maximum amount available to earn on the FWS program. FWS will not be available at registration for the payment of fees. FWS student employees will be paid based upon the current minimum wage twice per month. The maximum award allows student employees to work up to 16 hours per week.
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH Grant)
In general, the Federal TEACH Grant Program provides financial assistance, through the federal student aid programs, to students while attending college, majoring in an academic program that will allow them to teach in high need subject areas, as highly qualified teachers, at Title I (low income serving) elementary or secondary schools in the United States.
II. Alternative Loan (private or non-federal)
Students who do not qualify for federal financial aid, or who need additional funds beyond what federal financial aid can provide,
have an option of applying for an alternative (private or non-federal) educational loan. Alternative loans are generally more expensive, therefore
should only be considered if absolutely necessary. In most cases, the student applicant's credit and/or co-signer's credit must be approved by the lender.
The eligible loan amount can be no greater than the Cost of Attendance minus all other Estimated Financial Aid.
Click here for more information about private alternative
loans.
III. State Student Financial Aid (Mississippi Residents Only)
Several student financial aid programs are offered by the state of Mississippi through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid in Jackson, MS. Some of these programs are offered specifically for teacher education majors, nursing majors, medical students and dental students.
For information or to receive an application for MTAG/MESG or to learn about other state aid programs such as William
Winter Teacher Scholarship, Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP) or the Critical Needs Teacher Program contact:
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
Phone Number: 1-800-327-2980
E-mail: sfa@ihl.state.ms.us
Web Site: http://www.ihl.state.ms.us
