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The Smittcamp Family Honors College

President's Honors Scholarship Information

All students admitted annually to the Honors College become "President's Scholars."  Each admitted Scholar to the Smittcamp Family Honors College (SFHC) will receive a President's Honors Scholarship (PHS) up to a maximum of eight semesters of undergraduate studies.  The dollar value of the PHS may vary in a progressive fashion from one academic year to the next and will be determined by the Honors Council (the governing body of SFHC).  In addition, the SFHC will pay the cost of a double-occupancy dorm room for any Scholar who chooses to live on-campus (Note: the room assignment is at the discretion of the University Housing Office).  All PHS recipients are expected to keep a full-time status (a minimum of 12 undergraduate units per semester).

The President's Honors Scholarship also includes:

  • Credit for a community style room in a campus residence hall for those who choose to live on campus.
  • 25-student limit in honors classes.
    • Smaller class sizes mean a more intimate, personal learning environment that encourages discussion and fosters relationships between students and faculty.
  • Individual study and advising from the university’s premier honors professors.
  • Priority registration for all courses.
  • Use of the Smittcamp Family Honors College office.
    • Located near the center of campus, the Honors College office offers a relaxed environment where students can interact with Honors College staff and faculty. The Honors College office has computers, a copier, the Rodemeyer Conference Room,  lounge, and other amenities for your exclusive use. 
  • Extended library borrowing privileges.
  • Opportunity for international study programs.
  • Regular interaction with the university president.
  • Special honors recognition at commencement.
  • Inscribed Smittcamp Family Honors College bronze medallion at graduation.

Scholarship Requirements

To retain the President's Honors Scholarship and receive a degree with University Honors, students must accomplish the following:

  • Complete 24 units of lower division honors courses and 12 units of upper division honors courses. (All three-unit and four-unit honors courses count towards General Education (GE) graduation requirements.)
  • Maintain the following minimum grade point averages: 
    • Freshman year - 3.25
    • Sophomore year - 3.30
    • Junior and Senior year - 3.50
  • Maintain the following minimum grade point averages: 
    • 30 hours for freshmen
    • 20 hours for sophomores and juniors
    • No hours are required senior year but are highly encouraged for career placement and graduate school applications.

See Also

Other financial aid may be available to help meet costs not covered by the President's Honors Scholarship. Visit the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships' page for more information. Students should also file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for additional financial aid.