Out-of-State Transfer Scholarships

Out-of-State Transfer Scholarships
for Fall 2027 & Spring 2028

Mississippi State University offers scholarships to help out-of-state residents pay for college. If you are transferring to Mississippi State, explore available scholarship opportunities, review eligibility requirements, and find important application information all in one place.

Scholarship programs and eligibility requirements are reviewed annually and may change from year to year.

Federal financial aid, state financial aid, and/or scholarship recipients may not receive funds in excess of cost of attendance. The amount of your scholarships may be adjusted or canceled if you receive funds in excess of cost of attendance.

Transfer scholarships are only available to students pursuing their first bachelor's degree.

Academic Scholarships

Mississippi State University automatically awards academic scholarships to eligible out-of-state transfers based on the following criteria:

Minimum overall transferable GPA of 3.25+
*Overall transferable GPA is calculated by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions and is based on all transferable college courses attempted.

Entering transfer academic scholarships are generally renewable for up to 5 semesters based on overall college GPA and continuous full-time enrollment at Mississippi State University.

Students must enroll full-time (12 credit hours each semester at MSU) to receive their scholarship(s). Scholarship renewal is based on maintaining continuous full-time enrollment and maintaining the required overall college GPA as listed in the student's official scholarship offer letter. Enrollment and overall college GPA are checked at the end of each spring semester to determine scholarship renewal eligibility for the next academic year. Academic scholarships will be deferred during the work phase for co-op students provided the student is enrolled in the co-op placeholder course.

Competitive and Leadership & Service Scholarships

Mississippi State University offers a variety of competitive scholarships, including private, departmental, leadership, and service scholarships. To be considered, you must complete the General Scholarship Application.

Important Dates

Review the important dates below to stay on track with scholarship applications and deadlines.

Date	Details
October 1	General Scholarship Application opens
March 1	Priority submission date for incoming transfers

Need additional deadlines? Visit our full Financial Aid Calendar for a complete list of deadlines, processing timelines, and important dates.

Financial Aid Calendar

How to Apply for Scholarships

Follow these steps to apply for scholarships at Mississippi State University:

Step 1: Apply for Admission

Complete your application for admission to Mississippi State University. You must be admitted to complete the General Scholarship Application.

Apply for Admission

Step 2: Complete the General Scholarship Application

Log in to your myState account using your NetID and NetPassword.
Under Apps & Services, select Banner.
Select Student.
In the Financial Aid and Scholarships column, select Submit/Revise General Scholarship Application.
A new tab will open. Select Sign in With Your Institution.
Complete the General Scholarship Application if you are logging in for the first time.
Select Save to save your information. When you return to the application, your previously saved information will be available.

Step 3: Explore Additional Scholarship Opportunities

After you complete and submit the General Scholarship Application, you may receive recommendations for additional scholarship opportunities based on information such as your test scores, GPA, leadership and service activities, and applicant record.

New scholarship opportunities may become available over time. Log in regularly to review your account and check for new recommended opportunities.

Step 4: Monitor Your Email

Check your email regularly for scholarship notifications, requests for additional information, and other important communications.

Explore Available Scholarships

Use the filters below to explore available scholarships and find opportunities that match your student status, academic interests, and eligibility criteria. Select the filters that apply to you to narrow your search and view scholarships for which you may be eligible.

Automatic Scholarships

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is awarded to entering transfer students. The amount of this award is dependent on the student's overall transferable GPA as calculated by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Renewable for up to 5 semesters provided student maintains a minimum overall college GPA of 3.0 and continuous full-time enrollment (12 credit hours per semester at Mississippi State University).

The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is not awarded to first-time entering freshmen.

$5,000 over five semesters

GPA

3.25-3.49

Award Information

Awarded for up to 5 semesters at $1,000 per semester for a maximum amount of $5,000.

Award Criteria

Must be an entering transfer student
Must have an overall transferable GPA of 3.25-3.49 as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must submit verification of membership in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
- Verification may include membership as listed on a student's official transcript as accepted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or submission of the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Application within the scholarship portal

Fall 2027 entering transfer students must submit the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Application by August 1, 2027.

$10,000 over five semesters

GPA

3.50+

Award Information

Awarded for up to 5 semesters at $2,000 per semester for a maximum amount of $10,000.

Award Criteria

Must be an entering transfer student
Must have an overall transferable GPA of 3.50+ as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must submit verification of membership in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
- Verification may include membership as listed on a student's official transcript as accepted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or submission of the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Application within the scholarship portal

Fall 2027 entering transfer students must submit the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Application by August 1, 2027.

Transfer Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship

The Transfer Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship is awarded to entering transfer students. The amount of this award is dependent on the student's overall transferable GPA as calculated by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Renewable for up to 5 semesters provided student maintains a minimum overall college GPA of 3.0 and continuous full-time enrollment (12 credit hours per semester at Mississippi State University).

You must be assessed non-resident tuition in order to receive the Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship. The Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship may not be combined with any programs that waive the non-resident charges, such as: Academic Common Market; Veteran, Service-Member, Dependent or Spouse Non-Resident Tuition Waiver; etc.

$30,000 over five semesters

GPA

3.25-3.74

Award Information

Awarded for up to 5 semesters at $6,000 per semester for a maximum amount of $30,000. This award may be stacked with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.

Award Criteria

Must be an entering transfer student
Must have an overall transferable GPA of 3.25 -3.74 as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must be a non-resident student

$35,000 over five semesters

GPA

3.75+

Award Information

Awarded for up to 5 semesters at $7,000 per semester for a maximum amount of $35,000. This award may be stacked with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.

Award Criteria

Must be an entering transfer student
Must have an overall transferable GPA of 3.75+ as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must be a non-resident student

Alumni Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship for Transfers

Awarded to non-resident students whose status as the child of a Mississippi State University alumni has been verified. Renewable annually provided student maintains an overall college GPA of 2.5 and continuous full-time enrollment (12 credit hours per semester at Mississippi State University).

You must be assessed non-resident tuition in order to receive the Transfer Alumni Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship. The Transfer Alumni Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship may not be combined with any programs that waive the non-resident charges, such as: Academic Common Market; Veteran, Service-Member, Dependent or Spouse Non-Resident Tuition Waiver; etc.

The Transfer Alumni Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship may be combined with the Transfer Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship. However, the combined amount of these awards cannot exceed the amount of the non-resident portion of tuition.

$5,000 per year

GPA

2.50+

Award Criteria

Must be an entering transfer student
Must have a minimum overall transferable GPA of 2.5+ as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must be a non-resident student
Must be the child of an Mississippi State University alumni
- Qualifications for alumni status -received a degree from or completed a minimum of 48 hours towards a degree at Mississippi State University
- Alumni status must be verified by the Mississippi State University Office of the Registrar

The amount of the Alumni Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship may vary depending on the amount of a student's Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship if eligible.

Other Scholarships

Academic Common Market

The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a tuition savings program allowing residents of a participating state to pursue specific academic degree programs not offered in their home states without having to pay non-resident tuition charges.

Students who meet all requirements and are approved will receive a waiver that covers 100% of the non-resident portion of tuition.

Learn More About Academic Common Market

The Academic Common Market Wavier cannot be stacked with the Freshman Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship, the Transfer Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship, or the Alumni Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship.

Non-Resident Fee Waiver for West Alabama Counties

Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus received approval in 2013 from the Institutions of Higher Learning to waive nonresident charges for Alabama residents in six Alabama counties; Sumter, Greene, Choctaw, Hale, Marengo, and Clarke. Please contact the MSU Meridian Office of Student Services for more details at 601-484-0234.

Only offered to students enrolled at the Mississippi State University Meridian campus. Starkville campus students do not qualify for this waiver.

Veteran, Service-Member, Dependent, Spouse, Non-Resident Tuition Waiver

Veterans, Service-members, Dependents, Survivors and Spouses will receive a waiver that covers 100% of the non-resident portion of tuition.

Learn More about the Military Non-Resident Waiver

Award Criteria

Must be a veteran, service-member or dependent/spouse of a veteran/service-member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Veteran must have a "Honorable Discharge". A "General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions" DOES NOT qualify.

The Veteran, Service-Member, Dependent, Spouse, Non-Resident Tuition Waiver cannot be stacked with the Freshman Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship, the Transfer Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship, or the Alumni Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship.

All-USA Community College Team Scholarship

Priority Date

Mar 01, 2027

Awarded to entering community college transfer students who meet the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship criteria and have been named to the All-USA Community College Team.

$2,500 one-year award

GPA

3.25+

Award Information

The above one-year award amount will be disbursed equally over two semesters during a student's first year at Mississippi State University. This award may be stacked with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.

Award Criteria

Must be an entering transfer student
Must be a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Must have a minimum overall transferable GPA of 3.25 as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must have a minimum of 48+ transferable hours as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must be named a member of the All-USA Community College Team
Must submit the General Scholarship Application
Must submit the All-USA Community College Team Scholarship Application in the scholarship portal
- Students must upload a scanned copy or picture of their All-USA Community College Team certificate as verification as part of the All-USA Community College Team Scholarship Application

Phi Theta Kappa All-States Academic Team Scholarship

Priority Date

Apr 01, 2027

Awarded to entering community college transfer students who meet the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship criteria and have been named to the a Phi Theta Kappa All-Academic Team for a state other than Mississippi. The amount of this award is determined by the team level to which the student has been named.

Second Team $1,000 one-year award

GPA

3.25+

Award Information

The above one-year award amount will be disbursed equally over two semesters during a student's first year at Mississippi State University.

Award may be stacked with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.

Award Criteria

Must be an entering transfer student
Must be a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Must have a minimum overall transferable GPA of 3.25 as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must have a minimum of 48+ transferable hours as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must be a non-resident student
Must be a named a member of the Phi Theta Kappa All-States Academic Second Team (for a state other than Mississippi)
Must submit the General Scholarship Application
Must submit the Phi Theta Kappa All-States Academic Second Team Scholarship Application in the scholarship portal
- Student must upload a copy of their All-Academic Second Team certificate as verification as part of the Phi Theta Kappa All-States Academic Second Team Scholarship Application

First Team $2,000 one-year award

GPA

3.25+

Award Information

The above one-year award amount will be disbursed equally over two semesters during a student's first year at Mississippi State University

Award may be stacked with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.

Award Criteria

Must be an entering transfer student
Must be a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Must have a minimum overall transferable GPA of 3.25 as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must have a minimum of 48+ transferable hours as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must be a non-resident student
Must be a named a member of the Phi Theta Kappa All-States Academic First Team (for a state other than Mississippi)
Must submit the General Scholarship Application
Must submit the Phi Theta Kappa All-States Academic First Team Scholarship Application in the scholarship portal
- Student must upload a copy of their All-Academic First Team certificate as verification as part of the Phi Theta Kappa All-States Academic First Team Scholarship Application

Phi Theta Kappa Chapter President Scholarship

Priority Date

Mar 01, 2027

Awarded to entering community college transfer students who meet the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship criteria and have been named President of the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at their community college.

$2,000 over two years , $1,000 per year

GPA

3.25+

Award Information

Renewable for up to two years (four semesters) provided student maintains a minimum overall college GPA of 3.0 and continuous full-time enrollment (12 credit hours per semester at Mississippi State University).

Award may be stacked with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, but not stacked with the Phi Theta Kappa Officer Scholarship.

Award Criteria

Must be an entering transfer student
Must be a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Must have a minimum overall transferable GPA of 3.25 as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must have a minimum of 48+ transferable hours as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must be named President of the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at their community college
Must submit the General Scholarship Application
Must submit the Phi Theta Kappa President Scholarship Application in the scholarship portal
- Student must submit the name and email address of their Phi Theta Kappa advisor to verify their status as Phi Theta Kappa President as part of the Phi Theta Kappa President Scholarship Application

Phi Theta Kappa International Officer Scholarship

Priority Date

Mar 01, 2027

Awarded to entering community college transfer students who meet the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship criteria and have served as an International Officer for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

$8,000 over two years , $4,000 per year

GPA

3.25+

Award Information

Award may be stacked with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.

Award Criteria

Must be an entering transfer student
Must be a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Must have a minimum overall transferable GPA of 3.25 as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must have a minimum of 48+ transferable hours as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must have served as an International Officer for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Phi Theta Kappa Officer Scholarship

Priority Date

Mar 01, 2027

Awarded to entering community college transfer students who meet the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship criteria and have served as an officer of the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at their community college.

$1,000 one-year award

GPA

3.25+

Award Information

The above one-year award amount will be disbursed equally over two semesters during a student's first year at Mississippi State University.

This award may be stacked with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, but not stacked with the Phi Theta Kappa Chapter President Scholarship.

Award Criteria

Must be an entering transfer student
Must be a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Must have a minimum overall transferable GPA of 3.25 as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must have a minimum of 48+ transferable hours as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must have served as an officer of the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at their community college
Must submit the General Scholarship Application
Must submit the Phi Theta Kappa Officer Scholarship Application in the scholarship portal
- Students must upload a scanned copy or picture of a letter on school letterhead from their Phi Theta Kappa advisor verifying their status as an officer as part of the Phi Theta Kappa Officer Scholarship Application

Transfer Student Body President Scholarship

Priority Date

Mar 01, 2027

Awarded to entering community college transfer students who have been named Student Body President at their community college.

$2,000 over two years , $1,000 per year

GPA

3.00+

Award Information

This scholarship award is renewable for up to two years (four semesters) provided student maintains a minimum overall college GPA of 3.0 and continuous full-time enrollment (12 credit hours per semester at Mississippi State University).

Award Criteria

Must be an entering transfer student
Must have a minimum overall transferable GPA of 3.0 as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must have a minimum of 48+ transferable hours as computed by the Mississippi State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Must be named President of the entire student body at their community college
Must submit the General Scholarship Application
Must submit the Student Body President Scholarship, Entering Transfer Application in the scholarship portal
- Student must submit the name and email address of an official from their community college to verify their status as Student Body President as part of the Student Body President Scholarship, Entering Transfer Application

Air Force ROTC Room and Board Scholarship

Award Information

Awarded by the MSU Air Force ROTC Department. Cadets selected and amount awarded are based on commander discretion.

Award Criteria

Must be on an Air Force Scholarship
Must be in good standing with the Air Force ROTC program

For more information contact Air Force ROTC, (662) 325-3810 or email afrotc@afrotc.msstate.edu

Army ROTC Room and Board Scholarship

Award Information

Awarded by the MSU Army ROTC Department. Cadets selected and amount awarded are based on commander discretion.

Award Criteria

Must be on an Army Scholarship
Must be in good standing with the Army ROTC program

For more information contact Army ROTC, (662) 325-3503

External Scholarship Opportunities

Helpful Tips on Finding External Scholarship Opportunities

External scholarship money is available to students of all qualifications, abilities, and interests. These external scholarships may be provided by private donors, foundations, businesses, and many other sources outside of Mississippi State University. Here are a few helpful tips for finding scholarships that are right for you:

Contact your high school guidance counselor: If you’re a high school student, speak to your high school guidance counselor about options that are specific to your interests and intended major.
Avoid paying for scholarship services: External scholarship applications should be free for students to complete. Should you have any questions, reach out to your high school guidance counselor or the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at MSU.
Think Outside the Box: Search for scholarships that may be offered by a parent or legal guardian’s employer, civic clubs, and local community. Corporations may also offer scholarships to children of their employees.
Contact the MSU Sponsored Students Office: All external scholarships should be sent to the Sponsored Students Office.
Use scholarship search and matching websites: Other scholarship resources can be found by using scholarship search and matching websites. A list of these resources is below
- Appily
- Ascent
- Big Future
- Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students - Graduate Students Only
- Cancer for College
- Cappex
- CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder
- Citizens Bank
- College Board
- Dollars for Scholars
- DCTAG
- Fastweb
- Get2College
- Hagan Scholarship Foundation
- Hagan International Scholarship - International Graduate Students Only
- Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid
- Niche
- Nurse Corps Scholarship Program - Nursing Students Only
- Ochsner Nurse Scholars - Nursing Students Only
- The Princeton Review
- Sallie Mae
- Scholarship America
- Scholarships.com
- ScholarshipPoints
- Scholarships for Students with Health Conditions
- Scholly
- Student Scholarships
- Study.com
- Unigo

Understanding Scholarships and Avoiding Scams

Read the fine print and understand all terms and conditions before accepting any award
Avoid companies or organizations that "guarantee" you a scholarship
Never provide confidential or personally identifiable information such as social security number until you have been awarded a scholarship
Talk to the Mississippi State University Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships if you are unsure about a scholarship
Check the privacy policy of scholarship websites to make sure your information is protected
Learn more about scholarship scams at the Federal Trade Commission website - Click Here

External Scholarship Application Tips

Start your search early and conduct as much research as you can. Apply for every scholarship that you are eligible for
Follow all directions and provide everything that is requested, but no more than is required. Pay attention to specific instructions on the application
Make note of any deadlines and mark your calendar. Missing a deadline immediately takes you out of the running for scholarships!
Be neat when applying for scholarships. Be sure to prepare your application carefully and review it thoroughly before submitting
Make a list of all activities and honors and be sure to highlight those accomplishments that are relevant to the scholarship
Never be afraid to ask for help! Unless the scholarship organization prohibits it, you should ask questions if there's something you need clarified
Make a strong impression in your essays. Tell a story and use personal examples and be sure to explain how the scholarship will help you
Select references that know you well and give them plenty of time to write a recommendation
Review your application and ask someone else to proof and edit it to catch any typos or missing words

National Service Scholarship

$1,000 ($500 per semester)

ACT

20+

SAT

1030+

GPA

3.00+

Award Information

Awarded by the MSU Army ROTC/Air Force ROTC Departments

Award Criteria

Must be a first or second year cadet and meet all criteria to be "enrolled," as defined by the Army/Air Force ROTC program and enrolled in ROTC classes.
Must have a minimum 20 ACT or a 1030 SAT
Must not currently be the recipient of an Army or Air Force Scholarship
Must be a US citizen
Must meet service age requirements
Must meet service height/weight requirements
Must pass Army/Air Force Service Physical Fitness Test by second semester
Must pass DoD medical exam by third semester

Departmental and College Scholarships

Departments and colleges within the university administer their own departmental scholarship programs. Students who have chosen a major are encouraged to contact the department in their major areas of study regarding scholarship opportunities.

The General Scholarship Application (GSA) and each departmental scholarship application will open on October 1. The priority date for entering freshmen to submit these scholarship applications is December 1. The priority date for entering transfer students and current MSU students is March 1. It is also recommended that students submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by their respective scholarship priority date.

More information regarding departmental scholarships can be found by visiting the websites below.

Performance and Service Scholarships

The Department of Art, Department of Music, Choral Activities, Famous Maroon Band, and Spirit Squads may offer scholarships to Mississippi State University students. The amounts of these awards vary and are determined by the awarding department.

An audition or portfolio showing may be required to be considered for these awards. Contact the appropriate department or program for more information.

Privately Funded Awards

The Mississippi State University Foundation oversees nearly 2,000 privately-funded scholarships housed in our various academic colleges and departments. You can maximize your consideration for these awards by completing your General Scholarship Application, as well as any applications recommended to you within our online scholarship portal which can be found by logging into your myState account.

Many of our Alumni Association's local chapters provide scholarships to students from their local communities. These chapter scholarships are awarded to select students to receive one-year awards based on outstanding leadership and academic records. For a list of alumni chapters/alumni chapter scholarships and how to apply through your myState account, please visit the Mississippi State University Alumni Association Website.

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Out-of-State Transfer Scholarships