Prospective Students

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.