If planning to study in the USA and looking for ways to fund your education, the MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity. This scholarship is designed to support both domestic out-of-state students and international students attending Mississippi State University (MSU), helping alleviate the high costs associated with out-of-state tuition. Below is a detailed guide covering all that you need to know about this scholarship opportunity

Basic Information About the MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship 2026

The Out-of-State Resident Scholarship at Mississippi State University is automatically awarded based on a student’s academic achievements during high school (9th-11th grade GPA and ACT/SAT test scores). This scholarship aims to reduce tuition costs for eligible students entering MSU as freshmen in 2026. The scholarship is partially funded but can be renewed every year for up to eight semesters (fall and spring) if the recipient maintains a satisfactory GPA at MSU.

Application Deadline: December 1, 2025, for maximum scholarship consideration
Last ACT/SAT Test Date for Scholarship: February 2026
Eligibility: Incoming freshmen from outside Mississippi (domestic or international)
Award Type: Partial tuition funding and renewable grants
Application: No separate application needed for the basic scholarship, but applying for the General Scholarship Application can open more scholarship opportunities

University Details: Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University (MSU) is a public research university located in Starkville, Mississippi. It holds a land-grant status and is well-known for its strong research programs as well as academic offerings across a broad range of disciplines. Globally, it ranks among the top universities and offers a supportive environment for international students.

Location: Starkville, Mississippi, USA
University Type: Public research university
Global Ranking: #920 in Best Global Universities, with solid subject rankings (QS World University Rankings 2025)

Study Areas and Available Programs

MSU offers a variety of study programs across multiple fields, making it an attractive destination for international students with diverse academic interests. Available study areas include:

Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Business and Management
Engineering and Technology
Health and Human Sciences
Arts and Humanities
Social Sciences
Natural Sciences

Specific popular degree programs include Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science, Kinesiology, and more.

MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship Benefits

The MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship offers multiple financial benefits to help students succeed:

Tuition Reduction: Partial to significant reduction in out-of-state tuition fees.
Renewability: Scholarship is renewable each year for up to eight semesters, contingent on meeting GPA requirements.
Military Tuition Waiver Eligibility: Some students may qualify for the Non-Resident Military Tuition Waiver, which can cover more tuition costs if it exceeds the scholarship amount (valued around $18,132).
Automatic Award: Students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application to receive the basic Out-of-State Resident Scholarship.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities: Students can complete the General Scholarship Application to qualify for more awards and combine them with this scholarship.

High School GPA	Scholarship (No Test Score)	Scholarship (ACT 31+ / SAT 1390+)
3.30 – 3.59	$12,000	$17,000
3.60 – 4.09	$16,000	$21,000
4.10 & Above	$19,000	$24,000

Benefits Not Included

While the scholarship helps reduce tuition fees, it does not cover:

On-campus or off-campus housing costs
Food and meal plans
Books, supplies, and other academic fees
Personal expenses or transportation costs
Health insurance

Eligibility Criteria for the MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship

To qualify for the MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a first-time incoming freshman at MSU for the 2026 academic year
Reside outside the state of Mississippi (includes international students)
Have a minimum GPA based on 9th-11th grade academic records (usually above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
Submit acceptable ACT/SAT test scores (superscoring accepted, scores through February 2026 allowed)
Maintain the required GPA throughout university studies to renew the scholarship annually

Required Documents for the Application

Although the main scholarship is automatically considered, documents required for further scholarship applications at MSU include:

Completed online application form for admission and scholarships
Copy of current valid passport or national ID card (for international students)
Official high school transcripts showing grades from 9th to 11th grade
ACT or SAT test score reports
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native speakers
Any additional supporting documents requested by the admissions office

MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Apply for Admission at MSU: Submit your application for undergraduate admission through the official MSU website.
Submit Test Scores: Students must submit their ACT or SAT scores to MSU before the February 2026 deadline.
High School Transcripts: Provide official academic records covering 9th to 11th grades.
Complete the General Scholarship Application: Available starting October 1, 2025, online at my.msstate.edu.
Meet the Priority Deadline: Submit all documents and applications by December 1, 2025, for maximum scholarship consideration.
MSU automatically considers eligible students for the Out-of-State Resident Scholarship.
Consider Additional Scholarships: Apply for other competitive and private scholarships through the university if interested.
Accept the Scholarship: Follow MSU’s instructions to accept and activate your scholarship award.

Tips for a Successful Application

Maintain a strong GPA in high school, especially from grades 9 to 11.
Prepare and register early for standardized tests like the ACT or SAT to leave room for retakes.
Apply early to meet the priority deadlines.
Submit all required documents accurately and on time.
Craft a compelling application essay if required for additional scholarships.
Apply for multiple scholarships through the General Scholarship Application.
Stay in communication with MSU admissions and scholarship offices.
Keep your academic status strong to renew the scholarship each year.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students at MSU (in USD)

Here’s an estimate to help international students budget:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing (On-campus/off-campus)	$600 – $900
Food & Groceries	$300 – $400
Transportation	$50 – $100
Books & Supplies	$50 – $100
Health Insurance	$150 – $250
Personal Expenses	$100 – $200
Total Estimated Expenses	$1,250 – $1,950

Why Choose the MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship?

Automatic Consideration: No separate application needed for the base scholarship, making it accessible and hassle-free.
Renewable Funding: Supports students financially for up to eight semesters, ensuring sustained academic focus.
Multiple Financial Aids: Opportunity to combine with other scholarships and military tuition waivers for maximum funding.
Supports International Students: Open to all nationalities, encouraging global diversity.
Great Value for Out-of-State Students: Helps offset the high costs of non-resident tuition at MSU.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is eligible for the MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship?
A: Incoming freshmen from outside Mississippi, including international students, with strong academic records (GPA and ACT/SAT) are eligible.

Q2: What is the application deadline?
A: December 1, 2025, is the priority deadline for scholarship consideration.

Q3: Is there a separate application for this scholarship?
A: No, eligible students are automatically considered based on submitted admission applications and academic credentials.

Q4: Can the scholarship be renewed?
A: Yes, it can be renewed for up to eight semesters if the student maintains the required GPA at MSU.

Q5: Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
A: No, it primarily covers partial tuition fees. Living expenses must be funded separately.

Q6: What test scores are accepted?
A: ACT or SAT scores, including superscoring, taken up through February 2026 are accepted.

Official Link:

This scholarship is an outstanding opportunity for students outside Mississippi and international students aiming to pursue undergraduate studies in the USA at Mississippi State University. By helping reduce tuition costs significantly, the MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship paves the way for academic and career success. Interested candidates should meet deadlines diligently and prepare strong applications to maximize their chances of receiving this valuable financial aid

MSU Out-of-State Resident Scholarship 2026 in USA: Comprehensive Guide