Honors Colleges

One way to gain the benefits of a small college while attending a large university is through an honors program. Many public and some private universities offer honors programs that provide valuable perks such as:

• Preferential class registration

• Special honors courses

• Enhanced academic advising

• Enrichment opportunities and community-building events

Honors classes attract top professors who enjoy teaching bright, motivated students. Most programs don’t require students to take only honors courses. Instead, students typically take one or two honors classes each semester alongside their regular coursework. These classes are usually smaller and allow for deeper exploration of the subject. Some programs also require students to complete a senior project to receive an honors designation on their transcript. Many schools offer separate honors housing. While it's usually not required, it’s a nice option for those who want a more tight-knit residential community.

Examples of Strong Honors Programs

• University of Arizona and Arizona State University both offer honors programs ideal for creating smaller communities within universities of 30,000+ students.

• ASU’s Barrett Honors College is a living-learning community with classrooms, advising centers, a computer lab, and residence halls. Students must apply to ASU first, then submit a separate (but free) Barrett application.

• Barrett advisors help connect students with research, internships, and study abroad opportunities.

Honors Programs with Financial Perks

Some honors programs also offer financial incentives.

• Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College gives a renewable $5,000 scholarship to all first-year honors students and provides grants for studying abroad.

• The program features more than 200 honors courses annually and strong outcomes in graduate and professional school placements.

Public Honors Colleges

While many large public universities have internal honors tracks, some states go further and offer standalone public honors colleges.

• St. Mary’s College of Maryland is the state’s public honors college. With only about 2,000 students, it provides a private-school-style education—small classes, close faculty interaction—at a public price.

Private Universities and Honors Options

Honors programs aren’t limited to public schools.

• Northeastern University in Boston offers honors sections, interdisciplinary seminars, and cultural excursions like trips to the theater or symphony.

• Honors students can live in dedicated housing with other freshmen and benefit from unique learning and social experiences.

Applying to Honors Programs

Some schools will invite applicants with top grades and test scores. Some do have an additional honors-specific application, so it’s important to check the requirements at each college of interest. Looking for more examples? College Raptor maintains a comprehensive list of honors programs across the country.

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