Honors College Scholarships and Awards

Honors College National Scholarships

The Honors College National Scholarship (HCNS) is a four-year scholarship of $8000 per year awarded to nonresident students who join the Honors College as incoming freshmen. The HCNS is not related to financial need. Holders of HCNS awards are expected to be US citizens and to maintain good standing as Honors College members.

Back to top

Professorial Assistantships

Each year approximately 100 incoming freshmen are awarded Professorial Assistantships (PAs), allowing them to begin to work immediately with a faculty member on research or other scholarly activities. Assistants are expected to work eight to ten hours per week during the academic year and are paid a stipend of about $2100 for the year. Assistants whose first-year performance is satisfactory are reappointed for a second year at a higher stipend.

Eligiblity criteria for Professorial Assistantships are

1. Invitation to Honors College membership and
2. An ACT composite score of at least 33, an SAT total score of at least 1500, or semifinalist standing in a National Merit program.

Every out-of-state PA-eligible student who accepts membership in the Honors College receives a tuition grant to cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at MSU. Every in-state PA-eligible student who joins the Honors College receives a $2,000 STATE Scholarship. Both awards are renewable for four undergraduate years, provided the student remains a member of the Honors College.

"Professorial Assistantships at Michigan State University" provides a more detailed description of the program.

Back to top

STATE Scholarships

Every Michigan resident student who is eligible for a Professorial Assistantship and who accepts membership in the Honors College receives an annual $2,000 STATE Scholarship. The Scholarship may be renewed for up to four (undergraduate) years, provided the student remains a member of the Honors College.

Back to top

Tuition Grants

Every out-of-state student who is eligible for a Professorial Assistantship and who has accepted membership in the Honors College receives a tuition grant which equalizes tuition and fees with those charged to a Michigan resident. (The grant is currently worth about $11,000 per year.) The grant may be renewed for a total of four (undergraduate) years, provided the student remains a member of the Honors College.

Back to top

Benschop International Enrichment Award

The John A. and Irma L. Benschop International Enrichment Award (for Study Abroad) helps defray travel expenses for Honors College members participating in international study programs. Applications are due near the middle of October for winter break or Spring Semester programs and at the beginning of March for Summer, Fall, or academic year programs.

Description     Application

Back to top

Cole Excellence Awards

The Cole Excellence Awards are available to Honors College students to offset tuition and other costs of attending Michigan State University. These scholarships are intended to reward members who demonstrate academic excellence through a program of study that is enriched by opportunities offered by the Honors College.

Description     Application

Back to top

Cole International Study Award

The Jeffrey and Kathryn Cole International Study Award provides funds for Honors College members participating in study abroad programs. Applications are due near the middle of October for winter break or Spring Semester programs and at the beginning of March for Summer, Fall, or academic year programs.

Description     Application

Back to top

Genevieve Gillette Fellowships

Each spring two students planning to produce a senior thesis or equivalent project are awarded Genevieve Gillette Fellowships to cover living expenses during the summer before the senior year. The stipends of $2,200 each are made possible thanks to the generosity of Ms. Gillette, an alumna of Michigan State University and a long-time friend of undergraduate education. Applications are due at the beginning of March.

Description     Application

Back to top

Honors College Research Fund

The Honors College Research Fund enables undergraduates to pursue individual projects under faculty supervision. Modest funding is available for two types of support:

1. equipment and supplies, or
2. stipends for travel and/or on-campus expenses.

Description and Application

Back to top

Hymen and Miriam Stein Scholarship

The Hymen and Miriam Stein Scholarship funds research by an Honors College student who proposes a substantial, interesting, and innovative senior thesis or project. The award funds the recipient's living and research expenses and provides a scholarship during his or her senior year.

Description     Application

Back to top

Gary L. Seevers Scholarships

The Gary L. Seevers Scholarship assists Honors College members who are majoring in an area offered by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Each year two scholarships, renewable for four years, are awarded to incoming freshmen and two one-year scholarships are awarded to continuing students. Awards are $3000 annually.

Description     Application

Back to top