Funding Opportunities

Graduate students at Delta State have a number of funding opportunities including fellowships, scholarships, loans, and Graduate Assistantships. Students may qualify for financial assistance through the University's Financial Aid Office after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Graduate Assistantships. Graduate Assistantships (GA) offer students the opportunity to work for Delta State. Most assistantships offer free tuition, and some pay a small monthly stipend. Graduate assistantships are competitive. These opportunities provide students an excellent chance to get experience in their chosen field while continuing their education. A graduate assistantship will require an application process, a minimum grade point average, and typically an interview.  In order to be considered for a graduate assistantship, the graduate student must register with the Graduate Studies Office prior to seeking employment or being re-employed at the onset of each academic year.

B.F. Smith Scholarship. The B.F. Smith Scholars Program consists of graduate assistantships for students. The graduate assistantship may be awarded to students with a record of academic achievement and commitment to the Delta region for pursuit of a degree related to the field of Community & Economic development such as community development, finance, marketing economics, political science, sociology, or public administration. Previous awards have been $5,000 per semester. Recipients must have a Bachelor's degree in a related field with a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.25. The recipient cannot be employed full-time outside the University during this time period. 

Recipients will be expected to engage in real-world learning opportunities and produce a final report. To apply for this scholarship submit 1) a graduate school application, 2) an official undergraduate transcript, 3) a cover letter outlining the applicants qualifications, 4) the name, title, address, and phone number of at least three references, and 5) a written statement describing why the candidate wishes to become a B.F. Scholar and how the program can lead to career success, preferably in the Mississippi Delta. 

Download B.F. Smith Scholarship Brochure

Hearin Fellowship Scholars Program. The Hearin Fellowship provides funding to graduate students interested in the following graduate programs: Community Development, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Counselor Education. Other programs will be considered. A focus for these Hearin scholars will be on graduate research. Each scholar will receive (1) a 10-month stipend totaling $5,000; and (2) $5,000 for each fellow's tuition annually. Recipients must have a Bachelor's degree in a related field with a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.25. The recipient cannot be employed full-time outside the University during this period. Preference will be given to graduate students who desire to live and work in Mississippi, preferably the Mississippi Delta region. 

Recipients will be expected to engage in real-world learning opportunities and produce a final report. Scholars will meet monthly under the direction of a Faculty Scholar to discuss their research activities. There will be a final research project and presentation at the end of the semester. To apply for this fellowship submit 1) a graduate school application, 2) an official undergraduate transcript, 3) a 5000 word essay on career goals, 4) the name, title, address, and phone number of two references, and 5) a resume.