Frequently Asked Questions

The Honors College at Boise State University provides talented, highly-motivated undergraduate students with a challenging curriculum and a variety of co-curricular activities. Open to students from all academic majors, the Honors College offers students the personalized attention of a small liberal arts school while drawing upon the resources of a large metropolitan university. The specific benefits of participating in the Honors College include:

In addition to the various types of financial aid available to all Boise State students through the Financial Aid Office, Honors students may apply for a variety of Honors scholarships. Incoming students apply for these through their general Honors application. Continuing students must submit a resume to the Honors College prior to March 1. For more information, please visit our Honors Scholarships page.

Honors students may choose any housing option on or off campus. However, the Honors College and Sawtooth Hall features Honors-dedicated living and learning facilities including dining areas, classrooms, study spaces and housing for over 300 Honors students.

To remain a member of the Honors College, students must pay a program fee of $200 per semester (tuition and fees are subject to change per State Board of Education and university policy). The Honors fee will be processed through students’ Student Center and will be non-refundable after the 10th day of the semester. Students with  financial need may submit an Honors College Fee Waiver to request assistance with their cost of Honors membership.

While we offer online options for most of our courses, HONORS 198 is only offered in person; therefore, our program is not intended for online-only majors.

Graduating from the Honors College shows graduate schools and employers that you have achieved academic success in rigorous courses and have worked with some of the best professors at Boise State. There are many advantages to being a part of the Honors College:

• • • It is a prestigious organization. When people know you’re a member of the Honors College, they take notice.
    • You may apply for Honors scholarships.
    • It is a social and cultural community, giving you a chance to interact with distinguished students like yourself and make lifetime connections.
    • Upon graduation, you will receive an additional diploma from the Honors College and medallion to wear at Commencement.
    • You will receive priority registration for classes.
    • Class sizes are smaller, allowing you to work more closely with your professors and get more help when you need it.
    • Honors courses are taught by distinguished professors. You’ll be learning from the best.

Entrance recommendations for incoming freshmen are an un-weighted high school GPA of at least 3.5, an application essay, and a clear record of extra-curricular experiences, activities, and achievements.

What if I am not an incoming freshman?

Transfer and continuing Boise State students may enter the Honors College if they have completed a minimum of 15 college credits with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.

Honors courses set high expectations, but most Honors students find them stimulating and fulfilling. One of the most important differences between Honors courses and regular courses is the approach professors use when teaching the course material; Honors courses tend to include more advanced readings and prioritize discussion and student participation.

H-Options, Study Abroad, and Independent Study are great alternate ways of earning Honors credits. Schedule a meeting with an advisor to learn more.

H-Options allows you to receive Honors foundations credit for a regular class, often one required by your major but not generally included in typical Honors offerings. To receive Honors credits, you must complete additional coursework in addition to the regular requirements of the class.

No. Instead of a senior project, we require that you complete Honors 498: Senior Seminar. This 10-week course asks graduating seniors to reflect on their education at Boise State and assists their transition into the world beyond the university.

All students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25. Any student whose GPA falls below 3.25 for two consecutive semesters will be disenrolled from Honors unless they submit an appeal letter to the Honors College and are approved for extended probation.

The Honors requirements state that a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 must be maintained. They also state that if you fall below the GPA requirements two semesters in a row, you will be dropped from the Honors College. Don’t be intimidated! Many students’ GPA drops below these, especially during the freshman year when making the adjustment from high school to college. If you have good reasons, you can petition the Honors College to grant you an extension of your grace period, giving you time to bring your GPA back up. Even if you do have to withdraw from the College for a semester, you can reapply once your GPA is up again.