Generally students must have a high-school GPA of 3.0 or better and an ACT score of 21 or better (or SAT composite of 1,000). Sometimes we accept strongly-motivated students who meet one but not both of the criteria. (If you are in that category, please contact us.)

The faculty have diverse academic backgrounds, but are united in a commitment to undergraduate liberal education. Many have active research programs; all are accessible and devoted teachers, mentors, and advisers.

It is. In addition to student-organized study groups, the Thorobred Learning Center offers one-on-one sessions to help students with general academic issues such as time management and study skills, and well as providing tutoring for individual courses. Also, all faculty have extensive office hours and are glad to help students. If you want help, you will get it.

Yes. Since classes are small, and the faculty have full-time assignments in the Honors Program, the students and faculty all get to know each other. Unlike what might happen at a larger university, Honors students do not feel “lost in the crowd” here.

Honors classes are genuine college courses, but they are not too difficult for students who do the work. You don’t have to be gifted to do well in the Honors Program. You will have to study, and learning how to study effectively is one of the benefits of the Honors Program.

All Honors Program classes are small classes in which students read and discuss excellent books. Students and faculty gather around a table and through conversation about the assigned readings we help each other to understand The atmosphere is collaborative, not competitive. Students questions are welcomed and encouraged.

Yes. Honors students have participated in all of KSU’s intercollegiate sports, including basketball, football, golf, softball, baseball, tennis and track.

The Whitney Young Honors Program is a member of the Kentucky Honors Roundtable, in which Honors students from the Kentucky public universities meet twice a year for fun and learning. Honors students may also attend regional and national conferences, including the Southern Regional Honors Conference, the National Collegiate Honors Council, and the National Association of African-American Honors Programs.  For more information, see Honors Conferences.

Yes, the Honors Program encourages students to participate in the KSU Study Abroad programs. For more information, see Study Abroad.

Yes. In addition to the financial aid and scholarships available to all KSU students, Honors Students can apply for special scholarship awards. For more information, see Honors Scholarships.

All Honors Program classes are small, with usually no more than fifteen students. All classes are based on student discussion of assigned readings. The faculty guide the discussion to keep it focused, and offer explanations when necessary, but the heart of every class is active student preparation and participation.

All Honors Program classes develop the intellectual skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical and reflective thinking. These skills can be put to use in any major, and are especially beneficial for students who intend to pursue graduate or professional degrees.

See what current students have to say at Why Honors?