High-achieving student scholarship regulations

Alumni Distinguished Scholarship Commended Finalist regulations

The student recipient must enroll at MSU for the semester that the scholarship is awarded. The award may not be deferred to a subsequent semester of initial enrollment.
The award, in the amount of $2,500, will be divided into equal installments between the fall and spring semesters of the academic year. Awards are limited to eight consecutive semesters of enrollment (fall and spring of an academic year) as an undergraduate.
The student is required to enroll for and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester to complete their degree in a timely manner. Scholarship funding will not extend beyond eight semesters.
The student recipient must remain in good academic standing with the university for the award to continue to be disbursed. A student who is not in good standing for a particular semester will not be able to receive the award during that semester. Semesters for which the student recipient is not eligible to receive this award are included in the eight-semester limit.
If enrollment at MSU is disrupted (excluding summer semester), the student must notify the Office of Admissions in advance at es.scholarships@msu.edu and request an official leave from the university. A committee will evaluate this request.
MSU reserves the right to adjust an award in consideration of other MSU scholarship offers

Alumni Distinguished Scholarship Commended Semifinalist regulations

The student recipient must enroll at MSU for the semester that the scholarship is awarded. The award may not be deferred to a subsequent semester of initial enrollment.
The award, in the amount of $1,500, will be divided into equal installments between the fall and spring semesters of the academic year. Awards are limited to eight consecutive semesters of enrollment (fall and spring of an academic year) as an undergraduate.
The student is required to enroll for and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester to complete their degree in a timely manner. Scholarship funding will not extend beyond eight semesters.
The student recipient must remain in good academic standing with the university for the award to continue to be disbursed. A student who is not in good standing for a particular semester will not be able to receive the award during that semester. Semesters for which the student recipient is not eligible to receive this award are included in the eight-semester limit.
If enrollment at MSU is disrupted (excluding summer semester), the student must notify the Office of Admissions in advance at es.scholarships@msu.edu and request an official leave from the university. A committee will evaluate this request.
MSU reserves the right to adjust an award in consideration of other MSU scholarship offers

Alumni and University Distinguished Scholarship regulations

The student recipient must enroll at MSU for the semester that the scholarship is awarded. The award may not be deferred to a subsequent semester of initial enrollment.
The value of the award is tuition up to 18 credits and fees equivalent to the number of credits taken within each of eight (8) consecutive academic year semesters of undergraduate enrollment, food and housing (in a double-occupancy MSU residence hall with a DineOn Silver meal plan) and an allowance of $1,000 per year toward expenses. Students will be eligible for this award while pursuing their first undergraduate MSU degree. The award will be credited to the student’s account each eligible fall and spring semester at registration. Enrollment above 18 credits in any semester may be approved by contacting es.scholarships@msu.edu.
MSU reserves the right to adjust an award in consideration of other MSU scholarship offers. Although the award is not related to financial need, other aid programs that are awarded based on demonstrated need may be reduced or withdrawn if this award meets the student’s total need.
The student is required to enroll for and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester to complete their degree in a timely manner. Scholarship funding will not extend beyond eight semesters.
If enrollment at MSU is disrupted (excluding summer semester), the student must notify the Office of Admissions in advance at es.scholarships@msu.edu and request an official leave from the university. A committee will evaluate this request.
For the award to continue to disburse, the student recipient must:
- be a member of the MSU Honors College;
- maintain a minimum of a 3.2 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
The academic records of the student recipient will be reviewed at the end of the first two semesters of enrollment and thereafter each semester. If the student does not meet the minimum criteria, the student will be placed on scholarship probation for one semester. Failure to meet the minimum GPA requirements upon completion of the semester of scholarship probation will result in cancellation of the scholarship until the cumulative 3.2 GPA is re-established. Semesters for which the student recipient is not eligible to receive this award are included in the eight-semester limit.
The student recipient is expected to participate in the ADS/UDS Cohort program each year during their undergraduate program. The ADS/UDS Cohort program facilitates projects, events and recruitment opportunities to ensure that scholars engage with faculty, staff and each other in aspects of personal, professional and career development.

Distinguished First-year Scholarship regulations

The student recipient must enroll at MSU for the semester that the scholarship is awarded. The award may not be deferred to a subsequent semester of initial enrollment.
The value of the award is tuition up to 18 credits and fees equivalent to the number of credits taken within each of eight (8) consecutive academic year semesters of undergraduate enrollment. Students will be eligible for this award while pursuing their first undergraduate MSU degree. The award will be credited to the student’s account each eligible fall and spring semester at registration. Enrollment above 18 credits in any semester may be approved by contacting es.scholarships@msu.edu.
MSU reserves the right to adjust an award in consideration of other MSU scholarship offers. Although the award is not related to financial need, other aid programs that are awarded based on demonstrated need may be reduced or withdrawn if this award meets the student’s total need.
The student is required to enroll for and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester to complete their degree in a timely manner. Scholarship funding will not extend beyond eight semesters.
If enrollment at MSU is disrupted (excluding summer semester), the student must notify the Office of Admissions in advance at es.scholarships@msu.edu and request an official leave from the university. A committee will evaluate this request.
For the award to be disbursed, the student recipient must:
- be a member of the MSU Honors College.
- maintain a minimum of a 3.2 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
The academic records of the student recipient will be reviewed at the end of the first two semesters of enrollment and thereafter each semester. If the student does not meet the minimum criteria, the student will be placed on scholarship probation for one semester. Failure to meet the minimum GPA requirements upon completion of the semester of scholarship probation will result in cancellation of the scholarship until the cumulative 3.2 GPA is re-established. Semesters for which the student recipient is not eligible to receive this award are included in the eight-semester limit.

Honors Distinction Scholarship regulations

Recipients must be permanent residents or citizens of the United States, Canada or Mexico, and be classified by the University as non-residents for purposes of tuition assessment. If the recipient is reclassified as a Michigan resident for tuition purposes, this award will end.
The Honors Distinction Scholarship (HDS) may be used only at Michigan State University and renewed for a total of eight (8) consecutive academic year semesters while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. The award may not be deferred.
The value of an Honors Distinction Scholarship is $2,500 per semester; $5,000/year. (Total value: $20,000).
The Honors Distinction Scholarship will be credited to the student's account each semester at registration.
The HDS is not related to financial need. This award may supersede any other Michigan State University scholarship not based on need.
The Honors Distinction Scholarship may not be combined with large MSU awards based on merit such as an Honors Excellence Scholarship, Distinguished First-year Scholarship, or Alumni Distinguished Scholarship.
This award may be combined with the MSU Non-Resident Scholarship or equivalent Ohio or Pennsylvania Spartan Grant. Michigan State University reserves the right to alter this award in the presence of other MSU scholarship offers.
Holders of an HDS must maintain good standing as members of the Honors College. Expectations for membership are outlined on the back of this sheet. The academic records of holders of HDS awards will be reviewed in accordance with standard Honors College procedures.
All scholarship recipients must notify the Honors College Assistant Dean in writing if enrollment at MSU is disrupted (excepting summer semester) and request an official leave of absence from the University.
To begin using this Scholarship, you must:
1. Comply fully with the Office of Admissions schedule for the completion of the Advanced Enrollment Deposit no later than May 1.
2. Accept the offer of membership in the Honors College within the MSU student portal no later than May 1.

Honors College expectations

To remain a member in good standing, an Honors College student must fulfill the following requirements:

Establish a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 during the freshman year and maintain a GPA of at least 3.2 until graduation. A student whose cumulative GPA fails to meet this standard will not automatically be released from membership. That student's record will be reviewed term by term, and membership may be continued provided the student shows steady progress in raising the GPA to 3.2 and remains in good standing with respect to the other points listed below.
Pursue an enriched program of study which will ultimately include at least eight Honors-caliber courses. For a student working toward a second degree, which involves completing 30 credits beyond those required for the first degree, two additional Honors-caliber courses are required for the second Honors degree.
Note: Students must complete at least three of the eight Honors experiences by the end of the spring semester of their second year.
Complete the requirements for an enriched program of study in general education.
Student records will be reviewed regularly. Students who do not meet the above continuing membership requirements will face release from the Honors College and loss of the Scholarship.

More information about Honors College benefits and requirements is available on the Honors College Program Flexibility page and the Honors College Requirements page.

Honors Distinction Scholarship regulations (international)

Recipients must be permanent residents or citizens of the United States, Canada or Mexico, and be classified by the University as non-residents for purposes of tuition assessment. If the recipient is reclassified as a Michigan resident for tuition purposes, this award will end.
The Honors Distinction Scholarship (HDS) may be used only at Michigan State University and renewed for a total of eight (8) consecutive academic year semesters while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. The award may not be deferred.
The value of an Honors Distinction Scholarship is $2,500 per semester; $5,000/year. (Total value: $20,000).
The Honors Distinction Scholarship will be credited to the student's account each semester at registration.
The HDS is not related to financial need. This award may supersede any other Michigan State University scholarship not based on need.
This award may be combined with the MSU International Tuition Grant, Global Ambassador/Neighbor awards, and the Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship. Michigan State University reserves the right to alter this award in the presence of other MSU scholarship offers.
Holders of an HDS must maintain good standing as members of the Honors College. Expectations for membership are outlined on the back of this sheet. The academic records of holders of HDS awards will be reviewed in accordance with standard Honors College procedures.
All scholarship recipients must notify the Honors College Assistant Dean in writing if enrollment at MSU is disrupted (excepting summer semester) and request an official leave of absence from the University.
To begin using this Scholarship, you must:
1. Comply fully with the Office of Admissions schedule for the completion of the Advanced Enrollment Deposit no later than May 1.
2. Accept the offer of membership in the Honors College within the MSU student portal no later than May 1.

Honors College Expectations

To remain a member in good standing, an Honors College student must fulfill the following requirements:

Establish a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 during the freshman year and maintain a GPA of at least 3.2 until graduation. A student whose cumulative GPA fails to meet this standard will not automatically be released from membership. That student's record will be reviewed term by term, and membership may be continued provided the student shows steady progress in raising the GPA to 3.2 and remains in good standing with respect to the other points listed below.
Pursue an enriched program of study which will ultimately include at least eight Honors-caliber courses. For a student working toward a second degree, which involves completing 30 credits beyond those required for the first degree, two additional Honors-caliber courses are required for the second Honors degree.
Note: Students must complete at least three of the eight Honors experiences by the end of the spring semester of their second year.
Complete the requirements for an enriched program of study in general education.
Student records will be reviewed regularly. Students who do not meet the above continuing membership requirements will face release from the Honors College and loss of the Scholarship.

More information about Honors College benefits and requirements is available on the Honors College Program Flexibility page and the Honors College Requirements page.

Honors Excellence Scholarship regulations

Recipients must be classified by the University as residing outside the state of Michigan for purposes of tuition assessment. If the recipient is reclassified as a Michigan resident for tuition purposes, this award will end.
The Honors Excellence Scholarship (HES) may be used only at Michigan State University and renewed for a total of eight (8) consecutive academic year semesters while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. The award may not be deferred.
The value of an Honors Excellence Scholarship is $6,500 per semester; $13,000/year. (Total value: $52,000).
The Honors Excellence Scholarship will be credited to the student's account each semester at registration.
The Honors Excellence Scholarship is not related to financial need. This award may supersede any other Michigan State University scholarship not based on need.
The Honors Excellence Scholarship may not be combined with the Honors Distinction Scholarship. The Honors Excellence Scholarship is also not combinable with large MSU awards based on merit such as the Distinguished First-year Scholarship, or Alumni Distinguished Scholarship.
This award may be combined with the MSU Non-Resident Scholarship or equivalent Ohio or Pennsylvania Spartan Grant. Michigan State University reserves the right to alter this award in the presence of other MSU scholarship offers.
Holders of an HES must maintain good standing as members of the Honors College. The academic records of holders of HES awards will be reviewed in accordance with standard Honors College procedures. The award will be renewed automatically provided you meet the expectations for Honors College membership as explained on the back of this sheet.
All scholarship recipients must notify the Honors College Assistant Dean in writing if enrollment at MSU is disrupted (excepting summer semester) and request an official leave of absence from the University.
To begin using this Scholarship, you must:
1. Comply fully with the Office of Admissions schedule for the completion of the Advanced Enrollment Deposit no later than May 1.
2. Accept the offer of membership in the Honors College within the MSU student portal no later than May 1.

Honors College Expectations

To remain a member in good standing, an Honors College student must fulfill the following requirements:

Establish a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 during the freshman year and maintain a GPA of at least 3.2 until graduation. A student whose cumulative GPA fails to meet this standard will not automatically be released from membership. That student's record will be reviewed term by term, and membership may be continued provided the student shows steady progress in raising the GPA to 3.2 and remains in good standing with respect to the other points listed below.
Pursue an enriched program of study which will ultimately include at least eight Honors-caliber courses. For a student working toward a second degree, which involves completing 30 credits beyond those required for the first degree, two additional Honors-caliber courses are required for the second Honors degree.
Note: Students must complete at least three of the eight Honors experiences by the end of the spring semester of their second year.
Complete the requirements for an enriched program of study in general education.
Student records will be reviewed regularly. Students who do not meet the above continuing membership requirements will face release from the Honors College and loss of the Scholarship.

More information about Honors College benefits and requirements is available on the Honors College Program Flexibility page and the Honors College Requirements page.

Honors Excellence Scholarship regulations (international)

Recipients must be classified by the University as residing outside the state of Michigan for purposes of tuition assessment. If the recipient is reclassified as a Michigan resident for tuition purposes, this award will end.
The Honors Excellence Scholarship (HES) may be used only at Michigan State University and renewed for a total of eight (8) consecutive academic year semesters while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. The award may not be deferred.
The value of an Honors Excellence Scholarship is $6,500 USD per semester; $13,000 USD/year. (Total value: $52,000 USD).
The Honors Excellence Scholarship will be credited to the student's account each semester at registration.
The Honors Excellence Scholarship is not related to financial need. This award may supersede any other Michigan State University scholarship not based on need.
This award may be combined with the MSU International Tuition Grant, Global Ambassador/Neighbor awards, and the Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship. Michigan State University reserves the right to alter this award in the presence of other MSU scholarship offers.
Holders of an HES must maintain good standing as members of the Honors College. The academic records of holders of HES awards will be reviewed in accordance with standard Honors College procedures. The award will be renewed automatically provided you meet the expectations for Honors College membership as explained on the back of this sheet.
All scholarship recipients must notify the Honors College Assistant Dean in writing if enrollment at MSU is disrupted (excepting summer semester) and request an official leave of absence from the University.
To begin using this Scholarship, you must:
1. Comply fully with the Office of Admissions schedule for the completion of the Advanced Enrollment Deposit no later than May 1.
2. Accept the offer of membership in the Honors College within the MSU student portal no later than May 1.

Honors College Expectations

To remain a member in good standing, an Honors College student must fulfill the following requirements:

Establish a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 during the freshman year and maintain a GPA of at least 3.2 until graduation. A student whose cumulative GPA fails to meet this standard will not automatically be released from membership. That student's record will be reviewed term by term, and membership may be continued provided the student shows steady progress in raising the GPA to 3.2 and remains in good standing with respect to the other points listed below.
Pursue an enriched program of study which will ultimately include at least eight Honors-caliber courses. For a student working toward a second degree, which involves completing 30 credits beyond those required for the first degree, two additional Honors-caliber courses are required for the second Honors degree.
Note: Students must complete at least three of the eight Honors experiences by the end of the spring semester of their second year.
Complete the requirements for an enriched program of study in general education.
Student records will be reviewed regularly. Students who do not meet the above continuing membership requirements will face release from the Honors College and loss of the Scholarship.

More information about Honors College benefits and requirements is available on the Honors College Program Flexibility page and the Honors College Requirements page.

Honors State Scholarship regulations

Recipients must be United States citizens, or permanent resident aliens, and be classified by the University as Michigan residents for purposes of tuition assessment.
Michigan State University offers you an Honors College STATE Scholarship in recognition of your scholarly achievements and promise. The Honors College STATE Scholarship may be used only at Michigan State University and renewed for a total of eight (8) consecutive academic year semesters while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. The award may not be deferred.
The value of an Honors STATE Scholarship is $2,500 per semester (Total value: $20,000).
The Honors College STATE Scholarship will be credited to the student's account each semester at registration.
The STATE Scholarship is not related to financial need. This award may supersede any other Michigan State University scholarship not based on need.
The Honors College STATE Scholarship may not be combined with large MSU awards based on merit such as the Distinguished First-year Scholarship, or Alumni Distinguished Scholarship. Michigan State University reserves the right to alter this award in the presence of other MSU scholarship offers.
Holders of a STATE scholarship must maintain good standing as members of the Honors College. Expectations for membership are outlined on the back of this sheet. The academic records of holders of STATE scholarships will be reviewed in accordance with standard Honors College procedures.
All scholarship recipients must notify the Honors College Assistant Dean in writing if enrollment at MSU is disrupted (excepting summer semester) and request an official leave of absence from the University.
To begin using this Scholarship, you must:
1. Comply fully with the Office of Admissions schedule for the completion of the Advanced Enrollment Deposit no later than May 1.
2. Accept the offer of membership in the Honors College within the MSU student portal no later than May 1.

Honors College Expectations

To remain a member in good standing, an Honors College student must fulfill the following requirements:

Establish a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 during the freshman year and maintain a GPA of at least 3.2 until graduation. A student whose cumulative GPA fails to meet this standard will not automatically be released from membership. That student's record will be reviewed term by term, and membership may be continued provided the student shows steady progress in raising the GPA to 3.2 and remains in good standing with respect to the other points listed below.
Pursue an enriched program of study which will ultimately include at least eight Honors-caliber courses. For a student working toward a second degree, which involves completing 30 credits beyond those required for the first degree, two additional Honors-caliber courses are required for the second Honors degree.
Note: Students must complete at least three of the eight Honors experiences by the end of the spring semester of their second year.
Complete the requirements for an enriched program of study in general education.
Student records will be reviewed regularly. Students who do not meet the above continuing membership requirements will face release from the Honors College and loss of the Scholarship.

More information about Honors College benefits and requirements is available on the Honors College Program Flexibility page and the Honors College Requirements page.

Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams Scholarship regulations

The student recipient must enroll at MSU for the semester that the scholarship is awarded. The award may not be deferred to a subsequent semester of initial enrollment.
The value of the award is tuition up to 18 credits and fees equivalent to the number of credits taken within each of eight (8) consecutive academic year semesters of undergraduate enrollment, food and housing (in a double-occupancy MSU residence hall with a DineOn Silver meal plan). Students will be eligible for this award while pursuing their first undergraduate MSU degree. The award will be credited to the student’s account each eligible fall and spring semester at registration. Enrollment above 18 credits in any semester may be approved by contacting es.scholarships@msu.edu.
In addition to the above mentioned, a recipient will also receive a one-time stipend of $7,500 to use towards a summer experiential learning opportunity. The student must contact the Office of Admissions with a 250–500-word proposal and budget (emailed to es.scholarships@msu.edu) the semester before desired use and a committee will approve and apply the funding.
MSU reserves the right to adjust an award in consideration of other MSU scholarship offers. Although the award is not related to financial need, other aid programs that are awarded based on demonstrated need may be reduced or withdrawn if this award meets the student’s total need.
The student is required to enroll for and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester to complete their degree in a timely manner. Scholarship funding will not extend beyond eight semesters.
If enrollment at MSU is disrupted (excluding summer semester), the student must notify the Office of Admissions in advance at es.scholarships@msu.edu and request an official leave from the university. A committee will evaluate this request.
For the award to continue to disburse, the student recipient must:
- be a member of the MSU Honors College;
- maintain a minimum of a 3.2 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
The academic records of the student recipient will be reviewed at the end of the first two semesters of enrollment and thereafter each semester. If the student does not meet the minimum criteria, the student will be placed on scholarship probation for one semester. Failure to meet the minimum GPA requirements upon completion of the semester of scholarship probation will result in cancellation of the scholarship until the cumulative 3.2 GPA is re-established. Semesters for which the student recipient is not eligible to receive this award are included in the eight-semester limit.
The student recipient is expected to participate in the Williams/ADS/UDS Cohort program each year during their undergraduate program. The Williams/ADS/UDS Cohort program facilitates projects, events and recruitment opportunities to ensure that scholars engage with faculty, staff and each other in aspects of personal, professional and career development.