MS SB2853

Appropriates $36,285,077.00 from the State General Fund to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for financial aid scholarship, loan, and grant programs for fiscal year 2014 (July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014).

Authorizes an additional $1,515,000.00 from federal funds, grants, donations, and other special source funds for the same financial aid programs, including GEAR UP Mississippi Scholarship Program matching funds.

Restricts Out-of-State Educational Program funds from being used for students entering medical or dental schools outside Mississippi after July 1, 1982.

Requires the Board of Trustees to fund eleven new optometry students, up to twenty-five total chiropractic students, and returning osteopathic medical students through the out-of-state graduate and professional studies program.

Mandates annual reporting to the Legislature detailing recipient numbers, award amounts, repayment status, and requires institutions to withhold transcripts from students with outstanding loan repayments.