Crawford Honors College

Joliet Junior College is proud to announce the Crawford Honors College, opening in fall 2025. Thanks to the extraordinary vision and generous donation of Dr. Curtis J. & Mrs. Gina Crawford, JJC is able to offer this incredible opportunity for the brightest minds in the college’s district. Graduates will be well-prepared to seamlessly transfer into honors colleges at four-year universities.

Benefits 

  • Full tuition scholarship for four semesters*
  • Small class sizes
  • Interdisciplinary courses and advanced offerings
  • Priority registration and advising
  • Research and study abroad
  • Conferences
  • Publication opportunities

Admissions Criteria 

  • 3.8 or higher GPA
  • ACT score of 30 or higher, or SAT score of 1360 or higher
  • Top 10% of high school class
  • High school leadership activities
  • Application essay
  • Commitment to full-time enrollment 

*Students must maintain a 3.8 GPA each semester and meet other requirements to stay eligible for the scholarship. 

Joining the Program  

First, apply to JJC. Once that is complete, please fill out the application below. If you have any questions, please email honors@jjc.edu . 

Apply to Crawford Honors College

Crawford Honors College FAQ

  • What is the Crawford Honors College?

    The Crawford Honors College (CHC) is a distinguished community of scholars renowned for their academic excellence and leadership achievements. The CHC is tailored for those seeking a challenging academic experience, enriched with opportunities for advanced research, community engagement, and personal growth and development. This prestigious opportunity is truly intended for academically exceptional students who are seeking a rigorous educational experience.

  • Can I still apply if I do not meet all admission criteria?

    Students are encouraged to apply to the Crawford Honors College even if they may slightly miss some of our admission criteria. Please note that we are unable to guarantee admission to students who do not meet all criteria.

  • How long will it take for my application to be reviewed?

    Applications will receive a receipt of application letter within five business days of application submission. Students can expect to receive a decision letter within 10 to 15 business days following their receipt of application. These communications will be sent directly to the email associated with your application.

  • What should I do if I am missing an ACT score, SAT score, or class rank?

    Please complete the rest of the application to the best of your ability and leave an "NA" in the columns where you are missing information. Please note that you may experience an extended processing time or receive a request for additional materials from our CHC admissions staff.
     

  • I am a student who has completed some level of college credit. What GPA should I submit?

    We ask that all applicants use their most recent cumulative GPA.

  • Are there scholarships for students who fall below a 3.8 GPA?

    Crawford Honors College students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher to receive a full scholarship. Honors college students with a GPA that falls below a 3.8 but higher than a 3.64 are eligible for a partial scholarship.
     

  • Can I combine my CHC scholarship with other scholarships?

    Yes, students are encouraged to still apply for FAFSA as well as JJC scholarships, in addition to their Crawford Honors College status.
     

  • What does the full-tuition scholarship cover?

    The full-tuition scholarship covers tuition, fees and books for up to four semesters at JJC.

  • I have been accepted! What should I do next?

    Please review your acceptance checklist and contact the Crawford Honors College team at Honors@jjc.edu within 10 business days of receiving your acceptance letter. You will then be asked to schedule an advising session with one of our Honors Faculty Advisors.

  • Do I qualify for the Crawford Honors College at JJC?

    Incoming first-year students must meet the following admissions criteria:

    • 3.8 GPA or higher
    • Top 10% of high school class
    • Preferred ACT score of 30+ (SAT 1360+)
    • High school leadership involvement
    • Application essay
    • Commitment to full-time enrollment
    • Less than 25 credit hours of transferable coursework (AP, dual credit, etc.)
    • Pursuit of an associate's degree from JJC with intention to transfer to four-year institution upon graduation

    Please note: Our admissions process is flexible, considering all aspects of your academic and personal achievements.

    Current JJC students must meet the following admissions criteria:

    • 3.8 GPA or higher
    • Demonstrated leadership involvement
    • Application essay
    • Commitment to full-time enrollment
    • Less than 25 credit hours toward degree completion
    • Pursuit of an associate's degree from JJC with intention to transfer to four-year institution upon graduation

     

  • How large are honors courses?

    Students in the Crawford Honors College will benefit from honors courses being limited to 15 students.

  • What other benefits do Crawford Honors College students receive?

    In addition to the tuition scholarship, students will take advantage of small class sizes, interdisciplinary and advanced course offerings, study abroad and research opportunities, priority registration, individualized honors advising, and much more!