Prospective Students

For Scholars Who Want More

Why Honors?

The Honors College brings together high-achieving undergraduate students and top faculty for transformative learning experiences. If you’re ready to explore big ideas and shape what comes next, this is the place to begin. Your Story. Your Honors.

Ready to Apply?

Before deciding if the Honors College is right for you, please review the honors program admission requirements.

New Freshman Students Current & Transfer Students

Going into the conference, I didn’t know I would be one of the few undergraduates there. It was nerve-racking, but it was also really exciting to be conducting this level of research at this age.

—Sydney Buford, apparel merchandizing and product development

Fellowships and Scholarships

The University of Arkansas Honors College offers funding to support your academic journey, including fellowships and scholarships for incoming freshmen. These opportunities help make transformative experiences more accessible—so you can focus on achieving your goals.

Path Program

The Path Program supports exceptional Arkansas high school students from underrepresented backgrounds —first-generation college students, those with significant financial need, or from less-represented areas of the state.

AP and IB Credit

We honor the work you have done in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses prior to your arrival on campus. These courses prepare you very well for the rigors of college coursework and give you the flexibility to pick up a second major or several minors as part of your degree program.

Check with your college’s honors director to see which credits count toward your degree.

The U of A catalog includes charts showing how AP and IB credits count toward courses.

I came in with a lot of AP credits, which allows me to take a history course on U.S. political parties in the morning and a business intelligence class focused on statistics, modeling and data mining in the afternoon. It’s great to learn at such a high level on such disparate topics.

—Nick Foster, supply chain management and information systems

Course Equivalency Guide Honors Programs

National Merit Scholars

The Honors College proudly welcomes National Merit Finalists and offers a vibrant academic home for high-achieving students. By listing the U of A as your first-choice institution with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, you’ll be named a National Merit Scholar—and open the door to exceptional opportunities. National Merit Scholars are strong candidates for Honors College Fellowships, as well as competitive research and study abroad grants. Those awarded a fellowship will receive the prestigious Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship, valued at $48,000 over four years.

Hank Herzfeld

The smaller class sizes in Honors College courses and the opportunity to read and discuss the coursework and write about it in long form has already been valuable to me. I’m sure it will continue to be an asset as I [enter law school].

—Hank Herzfeld, history and political science

Leen Samman

The Honors College is here to support us. It’s a huge resource for our future, so we should use it.

—Leen Samman, biology and psychology

Anthony Azzun

The research strategies I learned at U of A play a foundational role in my work every day as I try to unravel the complexities of the immune system and how it can become dysregulated, and I am excited for the trajectory of my career enabled through the Honors College.

—Anthony Azzun, biochemistry

Housing

If you’re an incoming freshman enrolled in the Honors College, be sure and check out Hotz Honors Hall. Hotz has been extensively renovated and updated and offers amenities like a fireplace, ping pong table, pool table, workout room, music room, study areas and a small theater.

Hotz Honors Hall Details

At Hotz, you’re surrounded by smart, driven peers, with easy access to honors staff and the Futures Hub for support with study abroad, internships, career development and more. And for the price, it’s one of the best residence halls on campus.

—Matthew Manuel, accounting

Pro Tip: Want priority housing? Apply to the Honors College by Dec. 15, and submit your housing contract as soon as possible—spaces fill quickly!

Honors Housing Highlights

Community
Meet your new best friends — and find plenty of study buddies and pep rally pals.
Amenities
Curl up by the fire, bake cookies, or play ping pong in the Hotz commons. Don’t miss the gym, music room, theater, and study spots throughout the hall.
Rooms
Two-person rooms foster community, and updated spa-style bathrooms offer added privacy.
Events
The Honors College hosts welcome events from pizza nights to movie marathons.

Get to Know Us

Here at the University of Arkansas Honors College, our goal is to build a diverse, transformative community of students and faculty that prepares graduates who excel professionally, flourish personally and lead globally. As the flagship university, we are proud to serve the State of Arkansas by training the future leaders of Arkansas, the nation, and beyond.

Meet the Dean

The Honors College builds a diverse, transformative community that prepares students to lead, thrive, and serve Arkansas and beyond.

Honors College Convocation

Convocation lets high school juniors and seniors explore honors courses, study abroad grants, research, and advising opportunities.

Discovery Day

This event helps high school juniors explore the Honors College and campus, meet faculty and staff, and learn about honors courses, study abroad, research, and advising.

Visit Us

Planning a visit to the University of Arkansas? Be sure to schedule a campus tour through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and request to attend the Honors College presentation, offered most weekdays in Gearhart Hall. You can also explore online through 1:1 virtual chats and our YouTube presentation by clicking the play button on the photo.