Special distinction is awarded at graduation to students who demonstrate high scholarship in completing an associate degree. Honors will be granted if a student has attained a cumulative grade point average calculated on the basis of all college work (Missouri State University-West Plains and transfer combined). The following designations indicate a consistently high level of academic achievement throughout a student’s entire academic career and will be acknowledged in the academic transcript and at commencement:
- Summa Cum Laude: a cumulative GPA of 4.000
- Magna Cum Laude: a cumulative GPA of 3.700-3.999
- Cum Laude: a cumulative GPA of 3.400-3.699
With Honors from the Missouri State University-West Plains Honors Program: Any student enrolled in the Honors Program who completes the requirements of the Associate of Arts degree in General Studies is awarded that degree "With Honors from the Missouri State University-West Plains Honors Program."