Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students (HELP)

HELP is a Mississippi need-based grant for residents who still have a tuition gap after other gift aid. It primarily serves first-time students pursuing a first certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree at an approved in-state institution. It is not just an income test: Pell eligibility, academic records, and annual funding also matter.

For high-school seniors, the official page generally requires at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, a national ACT score of 20 or an accepted equivalent, and Mississippi residency for the stated period. Applicants must demonstrate need through FAFSA and meet the published income conditions. Students with prior college credits may face different rules, so recent-graduate criteria should not be assumed to apply to everyone.

The state’s calendar generally opens MAAPP on October 1, sets March 31 as the HELP deadline, and requires FAFSA and supporting documents by April 30. MAAPP and FAFSA are separate steps: filing FAFSA alone does not replace the state application. Make sure the high school submits GPA and ACT records when required, and keep confirmation from both systems.

The official page says HELP may cover full tuition for eligible recipients, but the final award depends on institutional charges, other aid, available funds, and approval. Do not budget housing, non-required fees, or personal expenses as covered. Compare the college letter with the state award and ask how to regain eligibility if credits or academic standing interrupt payment.

HELP combines financial-need and academic criteria, so the federal and state applications work together. Check that FAFSA is for the correct award year and contains income details needed to assess Pell eligibility. Report changes in household, residency, or school; do not use a prior-year estimate as this year’s determination.

The word “tuition” matters: coverage does not mean fees, books, housing, or transportation disappear. The amount is calculated alongside other aid and paid to an approved institution. Before enrolling full-time, request a statement showing the balance HELP would leave and ask when the school will receive the state award notice.

The annual process has two steps: submit MAAPP and complete FAFSA and supporting documents. Published 2026–27 dates were March 31 for the application and April 30 for documents; both have passed as of October 13. If you applied, check your file; otherwise ask about aid still open and record the next official calendar when released.

Who it serves and what it can cover: HELP is a Mississippi need-based grant for residents who still have a tuition gap after other gift aid. It primarily serves first-time students pursuing a first certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree at an approved in-state institution. It is not just an income test: Pell eligibility, academic records, and annual funding also matter. For high-school seniors, the official page generally requires at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, a national ACT score of 20 or an accepted equivalent, and Mississippi residency for the stated period. Applicants must demonstrate need through FAFSA and meet the published income conditions. Students with prior college credits may face different rules, so recent-graduate criteria should not be assumed to apply to everyone.

How to apply or get help: The state’s calendar generally opens MAAPP on October 1, sets March 31 as the HELP deadline, and requires FAFSA and supporting documents by April 30. MAAPP and FAFSA are separate steps: filing FAFSA alone does not replace the state application. Make sure the high school submits GPA and ACT records when required, and keep confirmation from both systems. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information