VSU's academic programs include the “Bridges to Baccalaureate” program for students transferring from 2-year colleges who want to major in the sciences, the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program for students planning to pursue doctoral degrees. Honors scholarships are also available to entering freshmen, including the Presidential and Provost Scholarships. In 2006, VSU inaugurated the Low Income Families With Talented Students financial aid program, the first of its kind. LIFTS promises to meet 100% of a qualifying student’s financial need by providing 75% of a student’s need through scholarships and grants and limiting debt through student loans to 25% of VSU’s in-state cost of attendance over 4-years.