Achieve Your College Dreams with USM Scholarships
Starting your college journey is a significant milestone, and financial support is often key to making your dream a reality. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) recognizes this need and offers a range of scholarships exclusively for incoming freshmen. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also celebrate your academic achievements and potential.
USM’s Dedication to Student Success
The University of Southern Mississippi is known for its dedication to offering a well-rounded education and fostering a supportive learning environment. This commitment to student success is evident through its scholarship programs, which are designed to make higher education both accessible and affordable for deserving students.
Scholarship Details
Degree Level
The Freshman Scholarships 2025 are available for students pursuing undergraduate degrees at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Available Subjects
Students can apply for this scholarship regardless of their chosen field of study, as it is open to all subjects taught at USM.
Application Deadline
The deadline for scholarship applications is February 1, 2025.
Benefits
1. Academic Excellence Scholarship (Automatic Award)
This prestigious award is granted automatically based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores:
- ACT 30-36 or SAT 1360-1600: Full tuition coverage
- ACT 27-29 or SAT 1260-1350: $7,000 annually
- ACT 25-26 or SAT 1200-1250: $5,250 annually
- ACT 23-24 or SAT 1130-1190: $4,500 annually
- ACT 22 or SAT 1100-1120: $3,000 annually
These awards are renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA and completing 15 credit hours per semester.
2. Freshman Housing Scholarship (One-Time Award)
Students with exceptional test scores (ACT 33+ or SAT 1450+) can receive full coverage of the cost of a double-occupancy dorm room for their freshman year, valued at approximately $8,030. This award is available only for students residing on campus in double-occupancy rooms.
3. Designation-Based and Competitive Scholarships (Application Required)
These scholarships include the Luckyday Citizenship Scholars Program, Honors College Scholarships, and the McCarty Scholars Program. Selection criteria often involve leadership, community involvement, and academic merit. Apply through the Golden Opportunities (GO) System by February 1, 2025.
4. National Merit Scholarships (Automatic Consideration for Semifinalists)
National Merit Semifinalists automatically qualify for USM scholarship offers. To be considered as a National Merit Finalist, submit documentation through the GO System by May 1, 2025, and select USM as your top-choice institution.
Eligibility Criteria
The University of Southern Mississippi Freshman Scholarships 2025 are open to students of all nationalities, including both domestic and international students.
Application Procedure
Applying for scholarships at USM is simple:
- Automatic Scholarships: Awarded based on your admissions application and test scores.
- Designation-Based and Competitive Scholarships: Submit your application via the Golden Opportunities (GO) System.
Complete your FAFSA by December 15, 2024, to maximize your scholarship eligibility.
Key Deadlines
- February 1, 2025: Application deadline for designation-based and competitive scholarships.
- March 1, 2025: Last date to submit test scores for the Academic Excellence Scholarship.
- May 1, 2025: Deadline to accept freshman scholarships.
Ready to Apply?
To explore and apply for the various freshman scholarships at the University of Southern Mississippi, visit the official scholarship page.
