Students might need to add a class to get scholarship aid
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Some Mississippi college students will need to add an extra class in order to receive state scholarship money this fall.
The change comes after the Mississippi Postsecondary Education Financial Assistance Board modified the definition of a full-time student for the purposes of receiving state financial aid from 12 credit hours to 15 credit hours.
Dr. Terry Dale Cruse, administrative director at Mississippi State University-Meridian, tells the Meridian Star that the change will cause problems mainly for non-traditional students.
The new rule does not affect federal aid programs, but does impact those applying for state aid. The change begins July 1.
Dr. Jim Turcotte, chair of the Mississippi Postsecondary Education Financial Assistance Board, says the change encourages students to “Finish in Four,” whether that’s four semesters of community college or four years at a university.
