Ole Miss Opportunity Program
Through our Ole Miss Opportunity program, the University guarantees that eligible Mississippi resident students will receive financial aid support to cover the average cost of tuition, residence hall housing, and an allowance for meals.
About the Program
The Ole Miss Opportunity (OMO) Scholarship Program is committed to expanding access to higher education and supporting student success by providing holistic, student-centered support to high-achieving Mississippi students. OMO empowers scholars to persist, graduate, and thrive through intentional advising, mentoring, community connection, and engagement.
Launched in 2010, the Ole Miss Opportunity Scholarship Program was established to address persistent gaps in access, retention, and completion for students with financial need who demonstrate strong academic potential. Grounded in data-informed practice and collaborative partnerships, OMO represents the university’s commitment to removing barriers and creating pathways for student success.
Program Highlights
- Scholarship-based program with holistic academic, social, and personal support
- Dedicated advising and success coaching throughout the college journey
- Intentional focus on community building, mentorship, and student wellbeing
- Commitment to persistence, degree completion, and post-graduate success
Core Pillars
Reduce financial barriers and expand access to higher education through scholarship support and resource connection.
Promote academic achievement and degree completion through student advising, success coaching, and academic support programs.
Connect scholars to high-impact practices – including internships, research, leadership development, study broad/study USA, and career-readiness experiences – that prepare students for success beyond the university.
Support students’ holistic wellbeing by fostering meaningful mentoring relationships, peer and professional support systems, and access to wellness-centered resources.
Cultivate a strong sense of connection and belonging through intentional community-building, cohort engagement, and programming support.
Who is Eligible for OMO?
- To be eligible for Ole Miss Opportunity, you must be a Mississippi resident, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a first-time entering freshman at the start of the fall semester in which you first enroll, seeking a degree, and enrolled full-time at Ole Miss. In addition, you must meet the following criteria:
- The family income listed on your FAFSA (from the federal tax return) must be at or below $40,000
- Eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Student Aid Index (SAI) no higher than 6,655
- 3.0 high-school GPA
- How to Apply: The two applications listed below are required every year.
- Submit a FAFSA by March 1 prior to the fall semester for automatic consideration.
- Submit the State of Mississippi Financial Aid Application for the MS HELP, MTAG, and MESG grants. (Priority may be given to those who file it by March 31.)
Opportunity First Scholars Program
- Cohort-based community and peer connections
- Mentorship and success coaching
- Leadership and professional development opportunities
- Academic and college navigation support
- Career readiness and experiential learning experiences
- Community engagement and service opportunities
- Exclusive workshops, retreats, and networking events
- A pathway from first-year student to program ambassador, mentor, and peer leader
Build connections, develop college success skills, and establish a strong foundation for your Ole Miss experience.
Deepen campus involvement, explore leadership opportunities, and expand your personal and professional network.
Serve as a mentor, engage in high-impact experiences, and contribute to the success of future scholars.
Prepare for life after graduation through career preparation, alumni engagement, and reflection on your Ole Miss journey.
Find Out More About OMO
If you would like to know more about our ongoing efforts to support First-Generation College students, don't hesitate to get in touch! Reach out below or stop by Martindale-Cole (3rd floor, Suite Q).
Seneca Crump and Kenesha Barnes