The Honors College offers several opportunities to participate; University Honors (must maintain 3.0 institutional GPA) , Distinguished Honors (must maintain 3.0 institutional GPA & complete Honors thesis) , and Presidential Honors (limited to 50 students & must maintain 3.4 institutional GPA). Having these levels of opportunities within the Honors College provides a structured and tiered approach to cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of our student body. Having three levels of opportunities within the Honors College ensures that students of varying abilities and aspirations can access and benefit from the program. It fosters inclusivity, promotes academic excellence, and creates a vibrant and diverse community of scholars. This approach allows the Honors College to:
- Promoting a Sense of Inclusivity and Access: Having multiple levels of opportunities within the Honors College promotes inclusivity by providing a pathway for students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and academic strengths. It allows students who may not meet the initial criteria for the highest level of the Honors College to still participate and benefit from the program, fostering a supportive and inclusive academic community.
- Encouraging Academic Excellence and Achievement: The different levels of opportunities aim to motivate students to strive for excellence and reach their full potential. Students who are highly motivated and academically prepared can opt for the advanced level, where they can engage in more rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and specialized experiences. This level serves as a platform for high-achieving students to challenge themselves further and distinguish themselves academically.
- Fostering a Dynamic Learning Environment: The presence of multiple levels within the Honors College creates a dynamic learning environment where students can interact and collaborate with peers who have different levels of academic preparedness and interests. This diversity of perspectives and abilities enhances the overall learning experience and encourages intellectual growth through discussions, projects, and shared experiences.
Incoming freshmen who graduate in the top-quarter and are TSI-complete are eligible to apply for admission. Students without a class rank and students with special circumstances may ask to be considered on an individual basis. Returning students and transfer students with a 3.0 or higher GPA are eligible to apply for admission.
University Honors
University Honors consists of a mix totaling 18 credit hours of lower-level Honors core courses and/or upper-level Honors contracts. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 institutional GPA.
Distinguished Honors
Distinguished Honors consists of a mix totaling 18 credit hours of lower-level Honors core courses and upper-level Honors contracts. Additionally, students wishing to complete this program must also complete 6 hours of thesis credit resulting in a culminating paper, project, presentation, or other tangible representation of the work completed in those credit hours (must be approved by the Honors College). Students must maintain at least a 3.0 institutional GPA.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Honors College awards a number of $4,000 and $1,000 scholarships to participants in the Honors College on a competitive basis. Interested students should submit, in addition to an Honors Application, a Scholarship Application Form and a federal student aid application (FAFSA). In addition, students who are admitted to Tarleton by January 15 will be considered for a $1,000 President’s Texan Scholarship.