MC Offers New Scholarship in Partnership with Chick-Fil-A

Because the two organizations share similar values, employees are already inclined toward a Christian environment and supportive community.

MC and CFA are partnering to give more opportunities for employees to have a Christian higher education. Commuting students who currently work at a CFA in Mississippi are eligible to receive the scholarship. (Photo Credit: Chloe Newton)

In the fall of 2022, it was announced that the Leland Speed scholarship would be available only to freshmen and transfers beginning classes in the fall of 2023. The current student body felt upset because they didn’t have an opportunity of this magnitude.

“Honestly, it’s a little unfair, because all the students that were accepted before the fall have to pay full tuition,” said Katya Blackwell, a senior elementary education major, “I am happy for them [because] that means MC has more students, and it will grow.”

Upperclassmen’s complaints did not return void. Mississippi College (MC) has partnered with Chick-Fil-A (CFA) on a scholarship available to currently employed CFA workers in the state of Mississippi.

Commuting students in undergraduate programs are eligible to receive a minimum of 65% of paid tuition. For adult, accelerated, graduate, or online programs, students may receive a minimum of 20% paid tuition.

Commuters in undergraduate programs

Tuition scholarship minimum: 65% ($14,000/year)

Commuters in adult, accelerated, graduate, or online programs

Tuition scholarship minimum: 20% ($405/class)

Those who meet the eligibility requirements may inquire about the scholarship with their admissions counselor after undergoing the initial admissions process.

The scholarship will not have an immediate impact. However, the goal is to draw more students to MC.

“Currently, [this impacts] a very small percentage [of students],” said Michael Wright, Dean of Enrollment Management. “However, we’re hoping this builds a strong pipeline of Chick-Fil-A employees wanting to further their education.”

The popular fast-food franchise is an unexpected pool of potential students for MC to reach. Many of CFA and MC’s values overlap. Blackwell said:

MC’s tribes and clubs focus a lot on service. When I first stepped into Chick-Fil-A, I knew this was a safe place that, even as a worker, I was going to be [pushed] toward the Lord. That’s how I feel about MC. It has helped me grow. They both encourage love and support.

Because the two organizations share similar values, employees are already inclined toward a Christian environment and supportive community. MC strives to be both.

In addition, the Chick-Fil-A scholarship is only offered to CFA employees in Mississippi. The current student body contains a 50-50 ratio of in-state to out-of-state students.

At first glance, MC does not look to be the most affordable option when it comes to colleges in the state, especially for in-state residents. The tuition prices of public universities like Ole Miss and Mississippi State appear cheaper. However, MC offers scholarships to offset the original price of tuition. The more scholarships a university can offer, the bigger the appeal to potential students.

“I think [the scholarship] is great,” said Blackwell. “I wish they could extend it to residential students and not just commuters. But if they get a lot of great feedback, I think it’s a great way to promote new students.”

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