Incoming freshman, transfer students and continuing students are all eligible to take part in the honors program. Incoming freshman must have at least a 3.5 high school GPA or a composite score of 21 or better on the ACT to be considered for honors program admission. Transfer and continuing students must have completed at least twelve collegiate academic courses, excluding learning support courses, and have earned at least a 3.5 GPA.

The Honors Program at Southwest believes that Honors advantages should be available for all students, regardless of their past achievements.  Students who have not yet achieved the required GPA to be officially admitted to the Honors Program may nevertheless register for Honors courses and pursue Honors contracts.  Students who do not yet qualify for Honors Program admission must understand, however, that they will be held to the same high expectations as the Honors Program students, for whom classes and contracts are designed.