Types of Financial Aid
PELL Grant
All federal aid programs available require that the student demonstrate a financial need. To determine this need, the college requires the student to submit a financial aid application with the U.S. Department of Education. The website address is https://studentaid.gov/. All students should apply for federal aid even if you feel you may not qualify. This is a free application. The FASFA application is available online beginning October 1st for the next school year. If the student is asked to pay a fee to process their application, they are on the incorrect website. Southwest MS Community College's federal aid code is 002436. Top priority is given to students who submit a completed application by July 1; although, all eligible students will receive aid. Awards will be granted to the applicants showing the greatest need. After submitting the application online, students should contact the Financial Aid Office to complete the required paperwork. Students should apply as soon as possible before the term in which they plan to enroll in order to secure aid.
MTAG
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant is for students that receive less than a full pell grant, have received a standard high school diploma or GED, have a minimum ACT Score of 15, are permanent Mississippi residents, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must complete the MTAG application online at msfinancialaid.org. The deadline to apply for MTAG is September 15 of the current school year. You can contact the state office by phone at 1-800-327-2980.
*Effective Fall 2017, students eligible for state aid through multiple programs will be awarded through the single program that awards the largest amount.
MESG
Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant is for first time college students that have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program or attended a Home Education Program for grades 9-12; applicants must have a minimum ACT Score of 29 and a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale which must be maintained as well as apply at www.riseupms.com/state-aid/.
Help
Higher Education Legislative Plan Created by the Mississippi Legislature, this program is designed to provide tuition assistance to qualified students who demonstrated need as determined by the results of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The combined income for the student and the student’s parents must be $42,500 or less. However, the allowable average adjusted gross income increases by $5,000 for each additional dependent family member under the age of 21 other than the student. Applicants must have a minimum ACT Score of 20 and a minimum GPA of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale which must be maintained as well as apply at www.riseupms.com/state-aid/. Help has an early deadline for application of March 31 prior to the next school year.