Undergraduate Scholarships
Freshman Competitive Programs
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Honors College, Joe Paul Leadership Scholars Program, and Luckyday Scholars Program
FEBRUARY 1: Submit the General Application and Competitive Scholarship Application through the for Luckyday and Honors College and through for the Joe Paul Leadership Scholars Program.
MARCH 15: Students can login to the and learn their status of the competitive process for Honors College and Luckyday Scholars Program.
MAY 1: Students must accept Freshman Competitive Scholarships in the .
Click here for instructions on How To Apply for Competitive Scholarships in the .
The Joe Paul Leadership Scholars Program application instructions can be found here.
* For a full list of all freshman scholarships and eligibility, please visit our main website.
Other Programs to Consider
OSEOLA MCCARTY SCHOLARS PROGRAM (MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS ONLY)
Office of Undergraduate Scholarships | scholars@usm.edu | 601.266.4540
The Oseola McCarty Scholars Program honors the legacy of a Hattiesburg native who gave a significant portion of her life savings to the University in order to help students afford college. Oseola Mccarty had a strong work ethic, giving heart, and a love for helping others. Students will receive a $2,000 annual scholarship for 4 years.
- Mississippi residents only
- Minimum 3.0 high school cumulative grade point average and at least a 21 ACT score or SAT equivalent
- Must be from a public high school in south Mississippi, show demonstrated financial need, desire to serve the community, and strong leadership skills
- Click to access the application via the Golden Opportunities Scholarship Application System.
The Jump Scholars Program is offered through the Center for Student Success and allows incoming freshman students the opportunity to get a JUMP start on their college experience by participating in a three week, success camp experience. The Jump scholars program allows students to register in one of three different intersession classes. The program is designed to allow incoming first year students time and support during through their transition to college life.
The Powell Scholarship Program begins with the freshman year at USM and can be renewed for an additional three years allowing awardees to enhance engagement in key student success initiatives. During the first two years of the program, awardees will focus on foundational skills, self-awareness, and campus connections through participation in the Jump Scholars and Spark Sophomore Success programs. For the second two years, students will shift their attention to emphasize engagement in the major, career mindset, and career readiness through programs with Career Services, the Office of Pathway Experiences, and the Alumni Association.
Academic Connections to Enhance Success (ACES) Program provides accepted first-year students with access to a small community of peers within the larger university setting and direct connections with dedicated faculty and staff. Program opportunities hosted by the Center for Student Success, student leaders, as well as course faculty members will be available throughout the fall and spring semesters to ACES students.
The Kennard Scholars Program offers a variety of resources to aid students in their ability to pay for college, personal and academic development, and the pursuit of a university degree. Each Kennard Scholar receives an $800 scholarship, a mentor, life skills training, and the opportunity to participate in active learning experiences. The Kennard Scholars Program curriculum is a roadmap to assist in the development of skills necessary to succeed.