Scholarships Strengthen Ole Miss: Investing in the Future of Our Students
Support Scholarships
Attending the University of Mississippi can be a significant financial investment. For Mississippi residents, the cost averages around $27,000 annually, or approximately $108,000 over four years. For non-residents, the expense increases to $44,000 annually or $175,000 over four years.
For many students, graduating with substantial student loan debt can feel overwhelming and discouraging. Scholarships play a crucial role in alleviating this burden, providing deserving students with the financial relief they need to pursue their education and enter the job market with a brighter future.
Creating Lasting Impact Through Endowed Scholarships
With a minimum gift of $50,000, you can establish an endowed scholarship, an investment that will provide long-term support for Ole Miss students. Endowments are managed by the University of Mississippi Foundation and are designed to exist perpetually. The annual income generated from the endowment is used to fund scholarships for students each year.
While it takes approximately two years for an endowment to mature before the scholarship can be awarded, the long-term impact of your gift will be felt for generations. You can choose to make your commitment outright or pledge it over five years.
Examples Of Endowment Levels and Their Impact:
$50,000 Endowment: Generates an estimated $2,175 annually, which could support one student each year. As the endowment grows, the scholarship award will grow too.
$250,000 Endowment: Generates approximately $10,625 annually, potentially supporting one or more students each year.
Your Scholarship, Your Legacy
As a scholarship donor, you can name your scholarship and define the criteria for awarding the funds. You may choose from a variety of options, such as:
- Merit-based
- Need-based
- A combination of both merit and need
- Geographical preference, such as students from Mississippi and Texas or any other area you choose.
If you wish to see the scholarship awarded immediately, an additional cash gift can be made in the first few years to bridge the gap until the endowment generates sufficient interest.
Non-Endowed Scholarships: Immediate Impact
Scholarships are not only available through endowments. Gifts of any amount can be directed to non-endowed scholarships, which can be used immediately to support students. These gifts may be a great option if you’re looking to make an immediate impact, without the $50,000 minimum requirement.
Ole Miss Opportunity Program: Transforming Lives
In addition to endowed and non-endowed scholarships, the Ole Miss Opportunity Program is a critical initiative aimed at providing access to education for Mississippi students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Gifts of any amount can help ensure that eligible Mississippi residents receive the financial aid needed to cover tuition, residence hall housing, and meal allowances. Through this program, Ole Miss guarantees that no student is denied the opportunity to attend due to financial need.