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. Students 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:
- have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.25 (on a 4.00 scale) upon both application and entry to the program;
- complete the application process for both Bluefield State University and the Honors College;
- meet minimum placement requirements.
- S.A.T. ERW score of 480 and Reading score of 23; an A.C.T. score of 18 for English main and a score of 17 in Reading; or an Accuplacer score of 250 Writing and 252 Reading. You may submit this application without test scores, but your final admission requires certified equivalent test scores submitted to the Office of Admissions. You may request an Accuplacer testing session by contacting the Counseling and Advising Center at (304) 327-4444.
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. For reasons of curricular standards and accreditation, students planning to major in degree programs within the School of Nursing and Allied Health are not eligible.
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 January 31 for the following fall semester. Applications submitted after this date cannot be guaranteed consideration.