Buchanan Freshman Fellowship | MTSU’s Top Freshman Honor

The Honors College is home to the Buchanan Freshman Fellowship, named in honor of MTSU’s Nobel Prize-winning alumnus, Dr. James M. Buchanan. The Buchanan Freshman Fellowship is limited to 20 students each year. The Buchanan Fellowship is the highest award given to an entering freshman at Middle Tennessee State University.

Fellowship Benefits

• Full Tuition Waiver: Covers up to 16 credit hours per semester for four years.
• Book Allowance: $500 per semester for both fall and spring terms.
• Priority Registration: Early access to course enrollment, ensuring optimal class schedules.
• Special Seminars: Participation in exclusive seminars that foster critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning.
• Study Abroad Support: Up to $5,000 available for approved international study experiences. 

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Buchanan Fellowship, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Standardized Test Scores: ACT composite score of 30 or higher, or SAT score of 1360 or higher.
• High School GPA: Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

It’s important to note that these are baseline criteria; successful candidates often present qualifications that exceed these standards.

Application Deadlines and Process

Prospective students have two options for submitting their applications:

1. Early Review Deadline: November 1, by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time. Applicants choosing this option must commit to the Buchanan Fellowship as their first choice if selected.
2. Regular Review Deadline: December 1, by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time. This option allows applicants more time to consider their college choices.

All application materials, including transcripts and standardized test scores, must be submitted by the chosen deadline.

Buchanan Fellows Graduation Benchmarks

• Complete the 9-hours of Buchanan classes and 6 hours or regular Honors classes by the end of the sophomore year
• Complete all other requirements for graduation with University Honors (or Distinction in University Honors), by the end of your senior year
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale)

The requirements listed above represent the minimum qualifications. However, successful applicants typically exceed these standards, often meeting or surpassing the criteria for other MTSU academic scholarships. Once accepted, Buchanan Fellows actively participate in the Buchanan Seminars—a specially designed cohort curriculum where students take three general studies courses together. These courses are exclusive to Buchanan Fellows, fostering a strong sense of community and academic collaboration.

Academic Expectations and Curriculum

Buchanan Fellows engage in a rigorous academic program that includes:

• Cohort Curriculum: A specially designed set of courses taken alongside fellow Buchanan scholars, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Honors Minor: Completion of 15 hours of lower-division and 8 hours of upper-division Honors courses.
• Thesis Project: An independent research project culminating in a thesis, demonstrating the student’s scholarly capabilities.

This curriculum is structured to promote intellectual growth and prepare students for advanced academic or professional pursuits.

Gap Year Applicants

Students who have taken a gap year or more after high school remain eligible to apply for the Buchanan Fellowship. Such applicants should plan to submit their application by the December 1 deadline preceding the fall semester they intend to enroll.

• You must submit all applications by December 1, no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time.
• If you choose early acceptance (see below), you must submit your application by November 1, no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Additional Opportunities

Beyond the classroom, Buchanan Fellows have access to various enrichment activities:

• Publications: Opportunities to contribute to Honors College publications such as Areté, Collage, and Scientia et Humanitas.
• Honor Societies: Eligibility for national honor societies, including Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi.
• Living Learning Community: Option to reside in Lyon Hall, the Honors Living and Learning Community, enhancing the collegiate experience through shared academic interests.

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Be sure to check out the other scholarships available to all MTSU Honors students!

Contact Information

For more details or assistance with the application process:

MTSU Honors College
Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building
Campus Box 267
1737 Blue Raider Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37132

Phone: 615-898-2152
Email: uhc@mtsu.edu
Website: honors.mtsu.edu/buchanan

The Buchanan Freshman Fellowship offers a comprehensive academic and extracurricular experience, positioning scholars for success during and beyond their undergraduate studies at MTSU.