University Honors College Admission Requirements
At CSUSB, the University Honors College is looking for students who are motivated, curious, and ready to take their college experience to the next level. To join, you’ll first need to be admitted to CSUSB. Admission to the Honors College is based on a combination of your GPA and other factors that make up a Multifactor Admissions Score.
If you’re a transfer student or applying as a CSUSB junior, you’ll need a 3.5 GPA for admission.
Find out more about the specific admission requirements that apply to you below.
Apply to Become an Honors Coyote
The application for the University Honors College is completed online, and eligible students will receive a link to get started. As part of the application, you’ll be asked to submit:
- a student résumé
- a very brief statement of purpose regarding what you hope to get out of and contribute to the program
- a short essay in response to a prompt
- Two letters of recommendation
Learn more about the University Honors Program Application (PDF)
Presidential Academic Excellence Scholars (PAES)
The CSUSB Presidential Academic Excellence Scholars (PAES) program is a highly competitive opportunity that welcomes just 20 new students each year. You may apply to the program after being admitted to CSUSB.
PAES offers an exceptional community experience designed to help you grow as a scholar and leader. Students in the program benefit from specialized mentoring, leadership development, and engagement opportunities that support academic and career goals beyond the bachelor’s degree—all while giving back to the CSUSB and Honors community.
The program supports up to four years (eight semesters) of enrollment toward a bachelor’s degree. Participants currently receive:
- A scholarship covering any unmet tuition and mandatory fees not already paid by federal and state grants, tuition waivers, or other aid
- An annual scholarship for educational expenses such as books and supplies
- A one-time award to support participation in an unpaid leadership, academic, or career-related internship
- A scholarship covering a double-occupancy room and basic meal plan for students who live in the Honors Residential Scholars community during their first year at CSUSB
For More Information
Visit the University Honors College site to learn more, email honors@csusb.edu, call (909) 537-7472, or stop by at CJ-135 in Coyote Village.