Promise Scholars

Our Promise

The Promise Scholars Program offers academic support, scholarships and experiential learning opportunities to entering first-year students from Mississippi. It is designed to help fulfill MSU's land-grant mission by offering academic and other opportunities to entering first-year students whose parent(s) income is $42,000 or less a year. Students who are selected for the program will receive academic support, career exploration opportunities, and receive financial assistance.

Become a Promise Scholar today:

The Promise Scholars Program is open to incoming freshmen and transfer students from the State of Mississippi. Students must have maintained a high school GPA of 3.0 and have scored at least a 19 on the ACT. In addition, student scholars must meet the following criteria: 

  • Must be a Mississippi resident 
  • Must complete the MSU application and general scholarship application by the priority deadline.
  • Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application.
  • Complete the State of Mississippi student aid application process.
  • Enroll as a first-time, full-time student. 
  • Must maintain a 2.5 GPA after acceptance of the award. 

Why Promise?

Promise scholars are accepted and progress in the program in cohort-based classes. Not only does this program offer a tight-knit community fueled by resources and individualized support, but it also guarantees a scholarship for up to 4 years of enrollment, academic coaching and peer mentorship, a series of academic and career readiness workshops and priority class scheduling.

Promise Scholars Program Requirements:

Promise Scholars Program offers a transformative collegiate experience by providing financial support, promoting academic success, peer mentorship, career development and a vibrant community. In addition to the following requirements: 

  • Encourages continued program engagement across all years at MSU
  • Completion of Promise Pathway Course during the first year
  • Active participation in promise checkpoint meetings 
  • Maintain 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher on all course work 
  • Failure to meet this requirement will require a probationary period and process. 

 

Promise Programs and Events

The Promise program hosts a variety of programs and events throughout the year which includes career development, leadership skills building, special celebrations, networking opportunity and our annual promise scholar’s day. 

 

FAQs

The Promise Scholars Award per student is a $2,500 yearly scholarship or $1,250 semesterly. This scholarship will be awarded as long as the students complete the necessary scholarship requirements to maintain the Promise Scholars Scholarship. 

The Promise Award will cover 8 semesters for incoming First-year students and 4 semesters for incoming Transfer Students coming to Mississippi State. The Promise Award will only apply to the students’ Fall and Spring semesters in the Promise Scholars Program.

Students may transfer from any accredited higher education institution and are not required to transfer from a community college. Transfer students are eligible to apply for the PROMISE Program if they meet all program eligibility requirements.

PROMISE Scholars are part of a supportive community focused on belonging, accountability, and shared success. Students build strong relationships through workshops, events, and cohort experiences.  First-year PROMISE Scholars will be connected to a peer mentor called a Promise Ambassador. Promise Upperclassmen will engage in conversation with professional staff who provide guidance and support throughout their college journey.

The PROMISE Program is designed for incoming first-year and transfer students. Students must apply and be selected prior to enrollment at MSU.

Gallery

Promise Scholars Day
Promise Scholars Day
Freshman Finale
Frshman_Finale_eating and making conversation
Promise Scholars Day