Eligibility Criteria: Entering Freshmen
"High Pass" on application essay and at least one of the following:
- ranked in top 10% of graduating high school class
- minimum standardized test score (SAT of 1200 or ACT of 25)
- portfolio, if appropriate, of significant works demonstrating excellence in creative activities
Students who have earned a GED are strongly encouraged to apply.
Exceptional cases will be considered; contact the UHP office at honors@neiu.edu.
Eligibility Criteria: Current Northeastern Illinois University Students and Transfer Students
"High Pass" on the application essay. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in NEIU courses numbered 100 and above or in transferable courses, and at least three semesters remaining at NEIU. Full- and part-time students are encouraged to apply. Transfer students: If you completed an honors program at a two-year institution, please let us know at honors@neiu.edu prior to applying.
Up to six credits earned in a similar honors program may be considered for transfer into the NEIU Honors Program. The UHP Curriculum and Standards board evaluates transfer credit for honors courses.
How to Apply for UHP Admission
Complete the application form and the appropriate entrance essay (for either a prospective freshman, current NEIU student, or new-to-NEIU transfer student). Entrance essays are assessed on the basis of argument (two points possible), critical thinking (two points possible), organization (one point possible), and the conventions of writing in English (one point possible). A "High Pass" constitutes 4.5 points or more out of a possible six points.
Submit your completed application via email at honors@neiu.edu, mail it to the address below, or in person in Room B-141. The UHP accepts applications at any time, but we must receive your application at least one month prior to the start date for a given term. Normally, you will be notified of the status of your application within two weeks of submission. Applicants who would like to be considered for the Merit Tuition Scholarship must submit their UHP application and scholarship application at least two weeks prior to the scholarship deadline.
University Honors Program
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625-4625
Admission
Successful applicants are admitted to the general education Honors Student Program or the 300-level Honors Scholar Program, depending on your class standing at the time you apply. If you are admitted to the general education Student Program, you will automatically enter the 300-level Honors Scholar Program upon completion of the Honors Student Program and declaration of an academic major.
Maintaining Good Academic Standing in the UHP
To stay in good academic standing in the UHP, maintain eligibility for UHP scholarships and resources, and be eligible to complete the UHP, students must maintain a cumulative NEIU grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 and a GPA of 3.0 in UHP courses. Only courses passed with grades of "A" or "B" will fulfill UHP requirements. No UHP course may be taken more than twice.
Students who do not maintain these minimum requirements will create an academic success plan with the UHP Coordinator and will be placed on academic notice for up to 2 consecutive terms. The academic success plan will help the student raise their GPA while allowing the student to make progress toward completion of UHP requirements. Students on academic notice will meet with the UHP Coordinator each semester to review progress. Students who do not reach or demonstrate satisfactory progress toward the minimum GPA will have their case reviewed for an additional academic success plan or dismissal from the UHP. While on academic notice, students may continue to enroll in UHP courses but are not eligible for UHP scholarships and cannot complete the Honors Program.
