National Merit Finalist Scholarship Package
ListedCollege program
- Award
- For fall 2027/spring 2028: $48,000 over four years ($12,000 annually), plus campus double-occupancy housing for four years/eight semesters at the assigned hall's rate. Nonresidents may also receive coverage of the full nonresident tuition portion.
- Timeline
- Mar 1, 2027Name MSU as first choice with NMSC. For the 2027 competition, NMSC includes choices received before in its first referral group
- May 31, 2027Is its final first-choice receipt deadline.
- How to apply
- Be a National Merit Finalist, have a 9th to 11th grade GPA of 3.0+, and select MSU as first choice with NMSC.
- What you'll need
- No separate application: you are considered when you apply for admission
- Who can apply
- Entering first-time freshmen (Starkville) who are National Merit Finalists with a 3.0+ high school GPA. Students attending high school outside the US must satisfy NMSC citizenship or permanent-residence rules.
- Good to know
- Current page lists fall 2027 and spring 2028. Renew up to eight semesters with 3.0 overall college GPA and continuous full-time enrollment of 12 MSU credits per term. Replaces the freshman academic package; aid capped at cost of attendance. Honors members may qualify for a separate $2,000 Stewart Bridgforth award after first year with 3.4 GPA and program participation.