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New Mexico State University

Crimson Scholars Program

The Crimson Scholars Program at NMSU is a recognition and enrichment program for students of exceptional academic achievement. Designation as a Crimson Scholar places you among NMSU's top students and entitles you to a number of valuable privileges.

You do not need to apply to be a Crimson Scholar. At the beginning of each semester that you qualify as a Crimson Scholar, you will receive an email message confirming your status.

Privileges

  • You become automatically eligible for all Honors classes.
  • Early Registration allows you to have the first choice of classes.
  • Crimson Scholars advising is available in each college or department.
  • Library Privileges include being able to check books out for an extended period.
  • You may have the opportunity for salaried work experience as a Crimson Scholars workstudy. Students who are interested in securing employment as a Crimson Scholar workstudy must have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and completed a financial aid file with the NMSU Financial Aid Office. (Eligibility requirements are established by the Office of Financial Aid).
  • You may have the opportunity for independent study, research projects and other meaningful work, guided by NMSU faculty.
  • Eligible Crimson Scholars receive a lapel pin (Crimson Scholar status for 24 credits), recognition on the commencement program (Crimson Scholar status for 75 credits), and notation on their transcript as a Crimson Scholar Graduate (Crimson Scholar status for 90 credits).

Qualifications

  • Degree-seeking undergraduates, enrolled for three or more credits per semester at NMSU (main campus or one of the branch campuses).
  • New Freshman (27 credits or less) with an ACT composite score of 26 or better (or an equivalent SAT score), or an ACT score of 24-25 (or an equivalent SAT score) and a 3.75 or higher High School GPA are eligible. These students must maintain a 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA to continue in the program.
  • Transfer Students must have a 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA at their previous institution(s) to be eligible, and must maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA to continue in the program.
  • Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors must have a 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA to continue in the program.
  • Currently enrolled Crimson Scholars whose cumulative GPA drops below the required 3.5 will be dropped from the program. If the student's cumulative GPA again meets minimum requirements the following semester, the student will automatically be reinstated.