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FINANCIAL AID

STEP 3 - APPLY FOR STATE AID

Critical Needs Teacher Loan/Scholarship (CNTP)

Program Overview
The primary objectives of this program are to provide education opportunities for students who wish to become classroom teachers and address Mississippi’s teacher shortage by providing a constant source of qualified classroom teachers for our public schools. CNTP awards will be made available, to the extent of appropriated funds, to persons seeking a bachelor’s degree in teacher education at one Mississippi institution of higher learning in exchange for employment as a classroom teacher in a Mississippi Teacher Critical Shortage Area or Subject Area.

Important Dates
Application dates: January 1 - March 31
Document deadline & Entrance Counseling: March 31
Praxis I test results: July 31
The dates are important as the number of awards and recipients are dependent upon available funds and awards are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Eligibility
You are eligible if all of the following apply:

  • You are seeking a first Bachelor’s degree in Education
  • You have a cumulative 2.5 GPA
  • You have at least junior status at one of Mississippi’s 4-year institutions
  • You are enrolled for at least 6 credit hours
  • You can show proof of passing the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test OR show proof of an ACT score of 21 or higher taken prior to any college work (no subscore below 18).

Click here for a complete listing of eligibility requirements.

Award Amount

  • The annual award amount for full-time students at a Mississippi public college or university shall equal the total cost for tuition, room and board, not to exceed an amount equal to the highest total cost of tuition, room and meals assessed by a State Institution of Higher Learning. The award amount is prorated for part time students.
  • CNTP recipients are not eligible for any other state aid.
  • The award shall be suspended should a recipient fail to maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA for the subsequent period of enrollment.

Service Obligation
The loan to service obligation can be discharged on the basis of one year’s teaching service for one year of full-time loan/scholarship received. The service must be rendered as a licensed classroom teacher in a MS public school district located in a critical teacher or subject shortage area.

To Apply

  • Complete the online application by the application date of March 31. This online application must be completed each academic year whether you are a prior recipient or a first-time applicant.
  • Submit passing scores for the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test OR ACT score of 21 or higher taken prior to any college work (no subscore below 18). Send scores to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211.
  • Read the CNTP Entrance Counseling 2010-2011; print and retain for your records; sign and date the final page titled "CNTP Entrance Counseling Participation Sheet"; and send it to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Doesn’t your office automatically receive my Praxis I scores?
    No. Scores are automatically sent to the Mississippi Department of Education for licensure requirements and not the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid. Students must mail in a copy of their passing Praxis I scores to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid to be considered to receive CNTP. Scores may be submitted after the March 31 deadline.
  2. Upon graduation, do I get to choose the Critical Needs area in which to teach or am I just placed in a teaching job?
    The Mississippi Teacher Center will assist CNTP participants in arranging placement interviews with Mississippi public school districts; however, it is the responsibility of the participant to secure a teaching position.
  3. CNTP pays tuition plus average cost of room and board. What if I live off campus or move off campus?
    The amount of CNTP remains the same if a student lives on or off campus.
  4. Is CNTP available to me for summer school?
    No. CNTP is available during the regular academic year only.
  5. I am about to graduate. What’s next?
    The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid (MOSFA) has contracted with ACS Campus Products in Utica, NY, to service our loan/scholarship accounts by ensuring compliance with service or repayment terms. Upon graduation, you will receive communication from ACS. We ask that all recipients respond promptly to any and all correspondence you receive from ACS regarding your account. You may still contact MOSFA should you have questions or need assistance.