The online application for the state’s new Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship (DEDC) will open on Monday, Nov. 6 at www.msfinancialaid.org.
Public and charter school juniors and seniors may apply for the scholarship to cover tuition for up to six credit hours (lifetime eligibility) of Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit courses offered by a participating institution in Mississippi (at this time, all public and private colleges and universities are planning to participate in the program).
The application for DEDC will be separate from the application a student submits for state aid after high school graduation. The application is short. Students will provide basic demographic information, their high school, which college they plan to attend for dual enrollment/credit, and how many courses they plan to take. Students will not be required to submit any supporting documents. Upon submitting the application, students should verify their email address to ensure they are able to log in to their student account. The student will use the same MAAPP (Mississippi Aid Application) account throughout their high school and college careers.
To receive a DEDC Scholarship, a student must be a Mississippi resident; be a high school junior or senior in a public or charter high school in Mississippi; meet the criteria outlined in the Procedures Manual for the State of Mississippi Dual Enrollment and Accelerated Programs (high school counselors and the participating colleges must ensure students meet the requirements); and enroll in an eligible academic or CTE course (must be listed in Procedures Manual).
The state set aside nearly $10 million for the program for this first pilot year, but funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. As long as funds remain available, students will be offered a tentative award shortly after submitting the application. Awards will be paid directly to the college offering the dual enrollment/credit course only after the student’s enrollment has been confirmed.
Questions about the application process or a student’s award status should be directed to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid at sfa@mississippi.edu. Questions about student eligibility, course selection or availability, or other costs beyond tuition should be directed to either the high school or the college.