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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).  For the 2024-25 AY, the PHS is set at $6,000 per academic year ($3,000 per semester), which can be used towards educationally-related expenses (such as tuition and student fees).

The President's Honors Scholarship also includes:

  • Housing stipend for those who choose to live in Fresno State's on-campus residence hall, comparable to the cost of a community double room. (Note: The room assignment is at the discretion of the University Housing Office.)
    • For the 2024-25 AY, the value of this stipend has been set at $5,937 (Fall 2024 = $2,944 and Spring 2025 = $2,993).
  • 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, kitchen, 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:

  • Maintain a full-time status (a minimum of 12 undergraduate units per semester).
  • 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
  • Complete the following amount of community service hours per academic year:
    • 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.