Mary Lou Peyton History Scholarships
The Mary Lou Peyton Scholarships are awarded annually on a competitive basis to incoming freshmen or transfer students. Awards of up to $10,000 per year help History majors with education-related expenses and are renewable for up to four years. Students who declare and maintain a major in History, History with a concentration in Public History, or History with Teacher Certification in History are eligible to apply for these 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 total 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.
Please use the links below to apply for a Peyton Scholarship.
Apply for the Peyton History Scholarships
New Admits & Prospective Students
Incoming or current students who do not currently hold a Mary Lou Peyton Scholarship should use this form to apply. We begin review of applications in December for the next academic year and continue to take applications and make awards through August. Apply today!
Renew your Peyton Scholarship
The Mary Lou Peyton Scholarship can be renewed annually for up to four years if eligibility requirements are met. (See Renewal Requirements in the FAQ below) The deadline for submitting this form is April 15 and decisions will be announced by May 4.
Peyton Scholarship broadens horizons
John McGee is focused on making the most of every opportunity. That’s why the junior agrees when asked if he is making up for lost time. From McGee’s perspective, his past experiences have shown him the importance of doing what he needs to do in the classroom to succeed on the field and abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
- All incoming and continuing Mississippi University for Women undergraduate History majors who have been admitted to the university are eligible to apply.
- 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 3.2 overall GPA
- Continuing W Students: minimum 3.0 overall GPA
What do I need to apply?
The application must include the following components:
- A completed online application (for which the user must create a login and password)
- A letter of application no more than two pages in length explaining why the student wants to major in history, why he or she wants 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.
- Student shows timely progress toward the degree.
- Student maintains a minimum overall 3.0 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?
If you change your major to a non-history field, 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.