The Buena Vista University Honors Institute is designed for curious, motivated students who want to go beyond the classroom. Through small classes, personalized mentorship, research, and unique experiences, you’ll build the skills and confidence to stand out.
Go Further
For students who want to be challenged, Buena Vista University offers an honors community, competitive fellowships, faculty-mentored research, and a culminating Signature Work project. Together they turn a strong degree into a standout one.
The BVU Honors Program
Designed for intellectually curious students who want more from their degree, the Honors Program offers enriched seminars, interdisciplinary coursework, and a community of motivated peers. Honors students take part in small, discussion-driven classes capped well below our already low average, and graduate with a distinction that signals exceptional achievement to employers and graduate schools.
Fellowships for High Achievers
Competitive fellowships and merit scholarships reward students who lead inside and outside the classroom. From named academic scholarships to funded summer fellowships, these opportunities help offset cost while opening doors to research, travel, and professional networks. Our faculty mentors also guide students through nationally competitive applications.
Research From Day One
At BVU, undergraduates don't wait to do real work. Students collaborate directly with faculty on original research across the sciences, social sciences, business, and humanities — presenting findings at conferences and, in many cases, co-authoring published work. It is the kind of experience that usually waits until graduate school.
Your Signature Work
Every high-achieving Beaver leaves BVU with a culminating Signature Work project — a capstone, portfolio, performance, or thesis that synthesizes what you've learned and demonstrates it to the world. It becomes the centerpiece of your résumé, your graduate applications, and your professional story.
Ready to be challenged?
Ask how honors, fellowships, and research can fit into your BVU experience.