MTAG helps Mississippi residents pay for undergraduate study at approved public or private nonprofit colleges. It generally offers up to $500 a year to freshmen and sophomores and up to $1,000 to juniors and seniors, for no more than eight semesters or twelve quarters. It is a modest grant that can complement other aid, not a promise to cover full tuition.
The entering-freshman pathway requires at least one year of Mississippi residency, a 2.5 high-school GPA, and a minimum ACT score of 15 or accepted equivalent; the program also checks Pell eligibility through FAFSA or, in certain cases, a certification statement. Students must enroll full time at an approved institution and pursue a first certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. Students with college credits should check the separate continuing-student route and GPA rules.
The state office lists an annual application window from October 1 through September 15, with supporting documents due October 15 if requested. The fall 2026 application date passed on September 15, but the next academic-year window can begin October 1. The college financial-aid office should confirm which cycle applies and whether FAFSA or a certification statement is needed, then ensure it reports enrollment on time.
Renewal is not automatic: MTAG reviews college GPA, continuous full-time enrollment, and progress each regular semester. Rules also cap combined aid at the institution’s cost of attendance, so an award may be adjusted when other grants exceed that limit. Ask what amount applies to your class year, when it is credited, and whether combining it with MESG or other awards changes the final package.
Before applying, confirm the current cycle, priority date, participating institution, enrollment load, and any missing records. Keep a copy of the FAFSA or state form, transcripts, and submission confirmation. Ask about renewal, covered expenses, and coordination with other aid. Do not budget money until you receive an official award.
Compare net cost and distinguish scholarships, grants, waivers, and loans; they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Verify current-cycle dates and requirements directly with the administrator.
Read the program profile and federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) — Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid.
MTAG rules and regulations — Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid.
Mississippi Office of State Financial Aid — State of Mississippi.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Aid, funding, and deadlines can change by cycle. Confirm eligibility with the program administrator and your college financial-aid office before relying on an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on the aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)
MTAG helps Mississippi residents pay for undergraduate study at approved public or private nonprofit colleges. It generally offers up to $500 a year to freshmen and sophomores and up to $1,000 to juniors and seniors, for no more than eight semesters or twelve quarters. It is a modest grant that can complement other aid, not a promise to cover full tuition.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
State of Mississippi · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) ↗
Primary source
State of Mississippi · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.