One of the questions we hear most often from students and parents is whether or not they should apply to honors programs or honors colleges. This blog will cover some of the benefits to joining these programs, but the programs and colleges vary widely across the country. We encourage students to explore the specific programming at their colleges of interest, but here is a breakdown of some of the benefits of these academic programs:
Compilation of Potential Benefits Offered by Honors Programs and Honors Colleges
Additional scholarship opportunities
Priority registration
Better housing options
Smaller class sizes
More interdisciplinary studies and courses
Exclusive opportunities for internships, study abroad, independent research and projects, additional funding, and additional advisors for professional/career/academics
Smaller and more engaged community
Honors courses typically replace required coursework, so it isn’t extra time or work in school
In-state tuition for out-of-state students
Potential Downsides to Honors Programs and Colleges
There is often an additional application, typically with a due date prior to admission decision.
Sometimes there may be an extra fee for participation in retreats and special events exclusive to honors participants.
Most honors programs/colleges require students to maintain a certain GPA to remain in good standing.
Some Examples
Counts toward the themed inquiry cluster requirement
Students in every major can participate
Focus on three main areas of study: human science, social science, and natural science
Courses also count toward other GE requirements
Students can apply or be invited
Honors forum, an opportunity for student voices to be heard
Honors capstone requirement (often in addition to the thesis/capstone requirements of each specific major)
Seminar-style courses focused on discussion and the exchange of ideas instead of lecture
Limited to 20-25 students each academic year
Special honors lounge access for participating students
Participation in Honors Conferences across the USA
Students have an opportunity to teach their own course to other honors students during interterm
All 400+ majors across all four ASU campuses are eligible
Provides additional opportunities within each major to enhance the undergraduate experience
Exclusive opportunities and resources for Honors students
Honors residential community (multidisciplinary residence halls as first-year students)
Additional $1000 fee per semester
Additional scholarship opportunities (most with a Feb. 1 deadline)
Honors courses replace other requirements, so no additional course work required
Students can participate in special projects, research, internships, and study abroad experiences
Students must first apply to ASU, then complete the separate Barrett honors application (no fee)
The application looks at academics, letters of recommendation, essays, and activities/awards
Students can submit a creative supplement with their application.
In-state tuition for out-of-state students
~600 honors courses offered each year
Ability to design your own major through the Baccalaureus Artium et Scientiae (BARSC) degree
Special campus housing
Small classes (average is 16 students)
Special honors advisor, in addition to the general major advisor assigned to students
Internship opportunities to fulfill honors credit requirements
National fellowships available for external recognition
Service-learning opportunities to enhance the academic experience
Funding for undergraduate research across disciplines
Honors applications are submitted through the admission office, and requires an early application, additional letters of recommendation, a resume, and several essay responses
Additional fee of $575 per semester
Access to honors college departmental scholarships
As you can see, there are a lot of similarities between honors programs and colleges. While we only provided a few examples, we encourage all students to explore these unique opportunities at their schools of interest.
On a personal level, my participation in the honors program at Chapman University truly made my undergraduate experience unforgettable. I had the opportunity to obtain funding to attend and present at international, national, and regional conferences. Additionally, I found the honors courses to be particularly unique and engaging, and the other program participants encouraged me to strive to always improve and grow. I was challenged academically, and the higher expectations created space for me to think outside of the box and engage on a deeper level in each of my courses.
Good luck (but I know you won't need it),
Jessica Chermak, LPC, CEP
Independent College Counselor
Co-Founder of Virtual College Counselors
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