So…What Is an Honors College, Anyway?
Many students have never heard of honors colleges. I am a big fan of these opportunities, especially if a student is considering attending a large public university. Are honors colleges only for "genius" students? What are the benefits? Is being an honors college student worth the extra work?
Learn how honors colleges work, their benefits, admission requirements, and whether they could be an option to consider for your college education.
Honors College Defined
An honors college is a smaller, specialized college within a larger university. Students admitted to the honors college typically receive:
Smaller, discussion-based classes
Priority registration for courses
Access to honors-only housing or lounges
Dedicated academic advising
Special research, leadership, or study-abroad opportunities
Honors colleges often operate as a "college within a college," offering a close-knit academic community within a large university. They provide a small-college feel with access to the abundant resources of a large university.
Honors colleges are not separate universities. Instead, they offer enhanced academic opportunities while students pursue their regular majors.
Key Features of an Honors College
While each honors college is different, most share several common benefits:
1. Smaller, Discussion-Based Classes
Honors courses enroll fewer students, encouraging deeper discussion, collaboration, and direct engagement with professors. For example, an Introduction to Marketing course for a business major might have 200-400 students enrolled, whereas an honors version of this course might have 25-50 students.
Often, the coursework is not more challenging, but is more interesting and engaging.
Typically, students are expected to complete a specified number of honors courses, both within the major and to fulfill general education requirements.
2. Advanced or Enriched Coursework
Classes may explore topics in greater depth, emphasize interdisciplinary learning, or allow more flexibility in assignments and projects.
Some offer the opportunity to enroll in seminar-style courses that can count for general education credits. These special courses are not available to non-honors college students.
3. Priority Registration
Many honors students can register for classes earlier, making it easier to get required courses and preferred schedules. This is a huge benefit, particularly earlier on in college.
4. Close Faculty Mentorship
Honors students often develop strong relationships with faculty through seminars, research projects, and advising. For honors colleges that require a capstone project or thesis, the student will work with at least one or two faculty members from the student’s major. Often, these professors can serve as references for employment and as recommenders for graduate school programs.
5. Research, Leadership, and Experiential Learning
Honors colleges frequently offer special funding or support for undergraduate research, internships, service-learning, and study abroad
6. Honors Housing and Community
Some universities provide honors-only residence halls or living-learning communities that foster connection among students. Some have resident faculty members who serve as advisors.
How Does a Student Apply to an Honors College?
Admission processes vary by school, but can include:
Invitation at admission based on academic achievement
Separate application requiring essays or short responses, either during the college application process or shortly thereafter.
Applying after the first term in college or, for some places, even later (usually no later than the end of the sophomore year of college
Criteria for admission may include GPA, class rigor, standardized test scores (if considered), leadership, and letters of recommendation. Each university has different requirements for evaluating applicants to Honors Colleges.
Is an Honors College a Separate Degree?
No. Honors college students earn the same degree as other students at the university. However, their transcripts or diplomas may note honors college participation or honors graduation.
Many honors colleges require:
Completion of a certain number of honors courses
A minimum GPA to remain in the program
A senior thesis, capstone project, or portfolio
Benefits of an Honors College
An honors college can offer:
A small-college academic experience within a large university
Strong preparation for graduate school or competitive careers
Access to exclusive scholarships, advising, networking, and other enhanced educational opportunities
A community of motivated, intellectually curious peers
Is an Honors College Right for Every Student?
Honors colleges are not for everyone. They often require additional coursework, projects, or expectations beyond the standard degree path.
Students who thrive in honors colleges typically:
Enjoy academic challenge
Value discussion-based learning
Are self-motivated and organized
Is an Honors College Worth It?
An honors college can be an excellent fit for students who enjoy academic challenge, smaller classes, and close faculty interaction. It may be especially appealing to students preparing for graduate school or competitive careers.
Understanding what honors colleges offer can help students decide whether this academic opportunity aligns with their goals and learning style.
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