Non-Degree Students
Most non-degree students are not eligible for federal financial aid. However, some students in specific non-degree programs may qualify for limited federal student aid.
Teacher Certification Students
Students who have previously earned a bachelor's degree and are enrolled in an eligible Teacher Certification Program to become certified to teach in an elementary or secondary school may be eligible for Federal Direct Stafford Loans.
Certificate Program Students
Students enrolled in a certificate program as non-degree seeking are not eligible for federal financial aid. The Teacher Mississippi Institute (TMI) Program is an exception.
Special Non-Degree Students
Students who do not meet Mississippi State University's regular admission requirements but are admitted as Special Non-Degree students may be eligible for federal financial aid. These students may be eligible for limited federal financial aid if they meet the following requirements:
- Eligibility is limited to the Federal Direct Stafford Loan at the entering freshman loan level.
- Financial aid eligibility is limited to 12 consecutive months, beginning with the first term of enrollment as a Special Non-Degree student.
- Students must submit a completed Special Non-Degree Certification Form to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships each semester before their eligibility can be certified.
- Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of coursework required for admission to their intended degree program each semester.
- After the 12-month eligibility period ends, students are no longer eligible for federal financial aid unless they are admitted to a degree program.
Access the Special Non-Degree Certification Form
Students who are not admitted into a degree program can not receive financial aid for correspondence courses.
Transient students and students not seeking a degree from Mississippi State University are not eligible for financial aid.