Benefits at a Glance

A core element of the Honors College’s mission is to provide students with a sense of connection and belonging typically found in a small college, while also granting access to the libraries, laboratories and other exceptional resources of a top-tier research university. We cultivate this community through a variety of co-curricular events and programs, ranging from purely social gatherings to more intellectually engaging. Together, our ceremonies, academic courses and co-curricular programs foster a lifelong sense of identity in our students, united by shared values, intellectual curiosity and drive to change our world for the better.

The Honors College is committed to creating an environment that fosters both intellectual growth and a strong sense of community, with dedicated spaces designed just for Honors students. As a first-year student, you’ll have the opportunity to live in one of the Honors residence halls — Broun or Matthews — where you’ll be surrounded by peers who share your academic drive. If interested in living in either of the Honors residence halls, you should follow the University Housing application process concurrently with the Honors application process.

Honors courses, taught by faculty from across the university, span a wide range of disciplines and emphasize active learning. With smaller class sizes, these courses create dynamic environments for exploration, creativity and meaningful discussion. Courses are designed to intellectually inspire, not intimidate. You can expect deeper engagement, more initiative and an environment to stretch your thinking. If you enjoy asking questions, debating ideas, challenging assumptions and finding creative solutions to real-world problems, the Honors College offers a space where your curiosity and passion can thrive — and where your education becomes an adventure.

Honors students have the unique opportunity to enroll in graduate-level courses within their field, provided they meet the necessary prerequisites. Many upper-level students describe these experiences as some of the most intellectually rewarding of their time at Auburn. If you’re considering graduate school, this early access can give you a valuable head start on your master’s degree and strengthen your applications to competitive programs. Even if grad school isn’t your goal, taking a graduate course offers an exciting academic challenge and a chance to push your thinking to the next level.

Signature Impact Experiences come in many forms — from independent projects like an Honors Thesis to collaborative opportunities such as intensive Honors Seminars or Study & Travel programs. Each experience offers an immersive learning experience that challenges you to deepen your understanding of a subject, sharpen your individual skills and grow intellectually and professionally in ways that go beyond the traditional classroom.

Travel opens your senses, sparks creativity, shifts perspectives and builds personal resourcefulness. To complement your holistic Honors education, the Honors College offers several Study & Travel courses each year. These short-term programs are perfect for students with busy schedules or extensive commitments, allowing you to experience global learning without spending a full semester or year abroad. Each course begins with a semester-long deep dive into the history and culture of your destination, guided by a faculty expert. Once the semester ends, you’ll pack your bags — and your newfound knowledge — for an unforgettable 10- to 14-day journey. This flexible format makes it easier than ever to fit meaningful travel into your academic experience.

Undergraduate research is all about learning by doing. It gives you the chance to tackle complex problems, explore innovative solutions, understand multifaceted processes, and communicate your ideas with impact. Research experience can also be a powerful launchpad for your future career. The Honors College offers multiple pathways to get involved — whether you’re just curious and want to explore research through a one-credit course, or you’re ready to pursue a more in-depth project that leads to graduation distinctions like University Honors Research Scholar or Honors Research Scholar. We also offer competitive research grants to support your work, and our staff are here to connect you with meaningful research opportunities both on and off campus.

The Honors College is home to the National Prestigious Scholarships (NPS) program, which supports students from all majors across the university in applying for highly competitive national and international awards — such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Truman and Goldwater scholarships. These awards go far beyond financial support; they open doors to transformative experiences, global networks and lifelong opportunities. Our dedicated NPS staff are here to introduce you to these possibilities, guiding you through the application process and connecting you with a supportive network of Auburn alumni who earned these scholarships and are eager to help you succeed.

As an Honors student, you will receive an additional Honors academic advisor. This relationship begins at Camp War Eagle orientation and continues through graduation. Our advising team is here to support you in selecting a graduation distinction and creating a plan for academic success. They can also help connect you to additional opportunities, like a concurrent degree or Honors minor, to help you best achieve your academic and professional goals. Members of the Honors College also enjoy priority course registration after their initial semester in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our frequently asked questions below. To view simply click the question.

The Honors College offers you a distinctive experience with a focus on academic excellence. The college is designed to provide the many advantages of a small college, set amidst the opportunities available at a large research university.

  • Classes are taught in small sections, designed to provide dialogue and interaction between students and faculty.

  • After the initial summer registration, members will receive priority registration in order to facilitate your enrollment in the Honors courses needed to complete the program.

  • Honors students may apply to live in one of the Honors residence halls in The Quad or in The Village. The areas provide a living environment that is conducive to study and helps promote the Honors College as a community of scholars.

  • The Honors Student Center in the basement of Broun Residence Hall and the Honors Study Room in RBD Library offers study areas and access to computers.

  • As an Honors student, you are provided assistance in applying for prestigious scholarships and are eligible for Honors scholarships, which are based on academic excellence, progress in the Honors curriculum, and involvement in Honors, the university, and the community.

Entering freshmen and currently enrolled students at Auburn University, who demonstrate the potential for academic excellence, are eligible to apply for admission. Students may be enrolled in any College or School of the University that has undergraduate programs. For detailed information on requirement for both incoming and current students please visit our admissions page.

Students who do not qualify to apply to the Honors College prior to their first semester can apply to the Honors College as current Auburn University students. Students who earn a 3.4 GPA at Auburn University may complete a current student application that can be obtained at the Honors College office.

Yes, transfer students who have a 3.4 unadjusted GPA may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Transfer students wishing to join the college should contact our office.

Yes, current Auburn students who have a 3.4 unadjusted GPA may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Current Auburn students wishing to join the college should contact our office.

Every student in the Honors College pays a $250/semester fee. The fee provides funds for the college to continue offering exceptional learning experiences, additional faculty, smaller class sizes, and an expanded slate of upper-division research, internship, and service-learning courses for students.

Participation in the Honors College exposes you to a wider range of intellectual and academic experiences, it will give you the opportunity to form lasting friendships with other students committed to academic excellence, and it promotes more rewarding interaction between yourself and your teachers. As a result of these special college experiences, you’ll have a distinct advantage in future pursuits, whether you go on to graduate or professional school, or go directly into your chosen profession.

Many Honors students would agree that Honors courses are not more difficult – just different. The small seminar settings allow for active involvement in discussions, papers, projects and/or presentations.

Living with other students who are members of the Honors College will deepen your experience and help you develop close friendships with Honors College students. Honors housing are located in Matthews Hall (Village) and Broun Hall (Upper Quad). First-year Honors students requesting to live in these halls must have a Honors roommate. The roommate may be one of your choosing or you may elect to have a roommate assigned to you. Honors College members who want to live with a student who is not a member of Honors College will not be assigned to Honors housing.

While you are not required to live in Honors housing, all first-year Honors students are eligible to apply to live in one of the Honors residence halls.

No, in order to live with a roommate who is not a member of the Honors College, you should request a non-Honors residence hall.

The Honors College plans various social events throughout the year. Activities range from food and fellowship events to speaking engagements with Auburn University administrators. Feel free to visit our events section to read about upcoming and past events.

In addition to your academic advisor in your major, the Honors College offers additional advising support and guidance on the Honors curriculum.

The Honors College does not award Honors credits based on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Dual Enrollment credits or ACT/SAT scores. However, you may earn Auburn University course credits based on the above scores.

The Honors Curriculum has been developed to provide Honors students an opportunity for broad enriching educational experiences based in large part on Auburn’s Core Curriculum. Honors students may choose between 24 or 30 hours of Honors coursework, depending on designation, to replace regular University classes. Honors students may choose from Honors Core Courses, Honors Departmental Courses, Honors Seminars, Honors Research Seminars, Graduate-level courses, Honors Study and Travel, or Honors Contract courses to fulfill the Honors Curriculum requirements.

In order to remain a member in good standing, first year students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 unadjusted GPA, second year students and higher must maintain a cumulative 3.2 unadjusted GPA. Also, all students must consistently make satisfactory progress in completing the required Honors courses.

To graduate from the Honors College, students must complete their Honors College curriculum. Review the full list of designations and graduation requirements. 

Undergraduate Research at Auburn University promotes opportunities for undergraduates to engage in mentored research and creative scholarship. As future leaders and community-involved citizens, students must be able to apply creative solutions to complicated social issues, understand multi-facted physical processes, and communicate effectively. Auburn University and the Honors College believe that undergraduate research and scholarly activity are way to develop these important skills and enrich the Auburn educational experience.

How to get involved:

  • Research the faculty in the students’ discipline.

  • Ask (in person or via e-mail) if the chosen professor needs any help with their research.

  • Meet with the chosen professor to determine responsibilities and expectations.

  • Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research online or contact Whitney Comer for more information.

In addition to the various Honors College Study & Travel courses, which can be found here, the Honors College supports the Auburn Abroad Office. Auburn Abroad offers five types of travel options: AU faculty-led programs, AU exchange programs, programs through other universities, provider company programs, and direct enrollment programs.