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Honor students in classroom

Do you want to enjoy small classes, close faculty mentorship, a full-tuition scholarship, and opportunities for enhanced learning that go beyond the classroom? If so, apply today to the Bluefield State Honors College!

Q: If I am accepted to the Bluefield State Honors College will I get a scholarship?

A: Students admitted as Honors Scholars will receive generous Honors College “last-dollar” scholarships which will fund costs for books, tuition, and a portion of housing costs after financial aid and/or Pell Grant awards. While the scholarship will cover the majority of the costs for attending Bluefield State, the scholarship will not cover the cost of meal plans, special academic program fees, technology fees, or credit hour tuition fees beyond 15 credit hours per semester (or 30 credits per year). Other supplementary non-eligible fees and housing costs may be assessed. Internal and external competitive scholarship funding, however, may be available to pay for these added costs.

International students should be advised of other costs to arrive, live, and study at Bluefield State that are not covered by the Honors scholarship, including the following:

  • Flight and transportation costs to U.S.A and to campus;
  • Passport and US Student Visa fees;
  • Proof of health insurance (while in US) with MEDIVAC insurance to home country;
  • Homeland Security I20 filing fee;
  • I9-01 filing fee

For more information specific to your circumstances, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (304) 327-4020 or financialaid@bluefieldstate.edu

Q: What are the advantages of becoming a Bluefield State Honors College Scholar?

A: The Honors College offers an exciting opportunity for dedicated students interested in a more advanced level of academic engagement both inside and outside the classroom. Honors Scholars will be part of a more rigorous learning environment complemented by an augmented academic curriculum, making them more prepared and competitive in their future graduate studies and careers. Students admitted to the program will receive last-dollar scholarships (valued at the total cost of attendance minus Expected Family Contribution and financial aid), covering remaining costs for books, tuition, and fees. Finally, students who have successfully completed the Honors College will receive an honorific designation on their transcript and diploma, as well as an acknowledgment at commencement.

Q: What are the requirements to become an Honors Scholar at Bluefield State University?

A: The applicant must meet the following criteria:


To be admitted to Bluefield State University’s Honors College and remain in good standing, the Honors Scholar must:


Complete the standard Bluefield State University admission process and Honors College application for admission into the Honors College;


Have earned a minimum GPA of 3.50 (per Bluefield State’s 4.0 scale) upon both application and entry to, and during, the Honors College program;


Have earned the following:

  • SAT Composite score of 1250 and above OR
  • A.C.T Composite score of 26 and above OR
  • Accuplacer Writing Score of 276+, Reading score 276+, and Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics 276+;

Q: What is the typical profile of an Honors Scholar.

A: Successful Honors Scholars must have earned high grades in high school and have demonstrated clear evidence of intellectual originality, academic engagement, leadership, or service, as well as co- and extra-curricular involvement. The Honors College is an intensive program, designed to allow students to enhance their analytical abilities, leadership, and professional skills while gaining valuable knowledge and experience beyond the classroom.

Q: If I meet these minimum criteria, am I guaranteed admission to the Honors College?

A: No. Satisfying these criteria does not guarantee acceptance into Bluefield State University or the Honors College. Admission to the Bluefield State Honors College is highly competitive, and enrollment is limited. Meeting the general criteria discussed above means that you are eligible for consideration.

Q: What exactly is the difference between an Honors Scholar student and a non-Honors Scholar student?

A: The level of rigor in the Honors College is higher and the intensity of work greater. Students are required to take writing-intensive Honors Seminars as well as enhanced courses throughout their curriculum. Honors core courses are considered enhanced curricula. The nature and type of enhancement for each course will be determined in consultation with the instructor of the course. Students must successfully complete all enhanced-curriculum courses with a minimum grade of B+ to receive honors credit.

Q: How do I apply to Bluefield State Honors College?

A: To apply to the Bluefield State Honors College, please complete the Honors College Admission Application at https://bluefieldstate.edu/honors/application-honors-college

Q: What are the application deadlines?

A: The priority deadline to submit your application for admission to the Honors College is March 1 for the following fall semester. Applications submitted after this date cannot be guaranteed consideration.