Mary Lou Peyton History Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?

Eligibility differs for History Major awards and Non-History-Major awards. History majors have priority for scholarship money.

History Majors

• All incoming and continuing Mississippi University for Women undergraduate History majors who have been admitted to the university are eligible to apply for awards of up to $10,000 per year.
• The student must declare an intent to major in History, History with a concentration in Public History, or History with Teacher Certification in History. Renewal of the scholarship is contingent upon remaining a History major, among other criteria.
• Students who meet the following minimum qualifications are eligible for these scholarships:
  • Incoming Freshmen: minimum 3.0 GPA or minimum 24 ACT score
  • Transfers (Any Year): minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Continuing W Students: minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, and minimum 3.0 institutional GPA

History Minors & Interdisciplinary Majors with a Significant History Component

• Students who have a declared History minor, or whose major of study contains a substantial history component as decided by the History faculty, including, but not limited to: Women’s Studies and Political Science – Social Studies, are eligible to apply as funds allow.
• History Minor: $1000 per academic year ($500 per semester)
  • The student must officially declare a History minor, and must be registered for at least one History class per semester until the minor is completed to qualify.
  • After the completion of the minor, the student may receive the scholarship until graduation if they continue to meet the minimum qualifications listed in the renewal eligibility requirements.
• Major with a substantial History component: $1000 per academic year ($500 per semester)
  • The student must officially declare a major with a substantial history component, as determined by the History faculty, and must be registered for at least one history class per semester until the History portion of the major is completed.
  • After the completion of the history portion of the major, the student may receive the scholarship until graduation if they continue to meet the minimum qualifications listed in the renewal eligibility requirements.
• Students who meet the following minimum qualifications are eligible for these scholarships:
  • Incoming Freshmen: minimum 3.0 GPA or minimum 24 ACT score
  • Transfers (Any Year): minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Continuing W Students: minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, and minimum 3.0 institutional GPA

What do I need to apply?

All applicants must complete and submit the online application. History Major applications must include the following:

• A letter of application no more than two pages in length explaining why the student wants to major in history, why they want to study history at The W, and his or her current plans for after graduation;
• A writing sample of 3-8 pages in length, preferably from a history course, which demonstrates the student’s analytical writing skills; and
• A current and complete copy of all relevant transcripts (high school and any undergraduate transcripts for freshmen, all undergraduate transcripts for transfer students). Unofficial transcript copies are acceptable.

When are applications due?

We begin review of applications in December for the next academic year and continue to take applications and make awards through August. Please apply as soon as possible for Peyton funding—the earlier, the better!

How do I renew my scholarship?

As long as you meet the eligibility requirements listed below, simply complete the Mary Lou Peyton History Scholarship Renewal Form each spring to request the renewal of your scholarship for the following academic year. The deadline for submitting this form is April 15 and decisions will be announced by May 4.

What are the eligibility requirements to renew my scholarship?

Mary Lou Peyton Scholarships are renewable annually for up to four years if the following criteria are met:

• Student maintains a declared History major, including History, History with a concentration in Public History, or History with Teacher Certification in History, OR maintains a declared History minor OR maintains a declared major with a substantial History component.
• Student shows timely progress toward the major or minor, OR has completed the History requirements for the History Minor, OR has completed the History components of a declared major with a substantial History component.
• Student maintains a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, and a minimum 3.0 institutional GPA.
• Student demonstrates acceptable academic performance in history coursework as determined by the History faculty scholarship committee.

What happens to my scholarship if I change my major or minor?

If you change your major or minor to a field not covered by the scholarship, then you are not eligible to receive further Peyton scholarship funds and the scholarships you currently receive will expire at the end of the semester during which you change major.

Can I change my focus within history and keep my scholarship?

Yes, you may change your major within History as long as you are a declared major in History, History with a concentration in Public History, or History with Teacher Certification in History and still be eligible for a scholarship.

Am I eligible for a scholarship if I declare a double major?

Yes, as long as one of those majors is History, History with a concentration in Public History, or History with Teacher Certification in History.

Will winning a Peyton scholarship affect my eligibility for other scholarships?

Mary Lou Peyton Scholarships may be stacked with other scholarship awards from The W or outside sources. In other words, winning another scholarship will not make you ineligible for a Peyton scholarship, nor will it reduce your award amount from the university. Your total combined scholarship package may not exceed the annual cost of attendance as defined each year by the university. To learn how winning a Peyton scholarship may affect your eligibility for external scholarships (i.e. those not from The W), you should consult those external scholarship organizations.

What happens if I fail to meet the requirements to renew my scholarship? Is there an appeals process?

If you fail to meet the eligibility criteria to renew your scholarship you may appeal this decision once during your time at The W.