National Merit Finalist Scholarship Package

The National Merit Finalist Scholarship Package is awarded to entering freshmen who have been named a National Merit Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This comprehensive scholarship package provides significant financial support including a base scholarship of $12,000 per year, housing awards worth approximately $8,456 per year, and for non-resident students, a Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship covering 100% of the non-resident portion of tuition. The scholarship is renewable annually for up to 8 semesters at Mississippi State University based on overall college GPA. The total package value is approximately $81,824 over four years for in-state students, with additional value for out-of-state students. National Merit Finalists who are members of the Shackouls Honors College may also be eligible for a $2,000 Stewart Bridgforth Honors Scholarship for study abroad, internships, or faculty-sponsored undergraduate research support after successful completion of their first year. Additionally, finalists sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation may be selected for an annual stipend ranging from $500 to $3,000. This award package is granted in lieu of the Freshman Academic Scholarship Packages and the National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholarship Package.