Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Honors College funds a number of grants and scholarships for our students. 

Honors College Research Grants

The Honors College is excited to support our students’ research endeavors by providing funding for students’ independent research projects through our Research Support and Conference Travel Grants. Students conducting research in any field are welcome to apply. See below for general guidelines.

Auburn Honors Research Support Grant

The Auburn Honors Research Support Grant typically provides between $500 and $1500 to assist with the costs of conducting research. Examples of eligible costs include laboratory supplies or travel to conduct experiments or perform field research. These grants may not be used as stipends for honors students, but they may be paired with an Auburn University Undergraduate Research Fellowship or other stipends.

Who’s Eligible?

You are eligible for an Honors Research Support Grant if:

  • You are an Auburn Honors College student in good standing.
  • You are working on a research project with an Auburn University faculty member.
  • Your research support grant will be utilized between May 1, 2026-April 30, 2027.
  • First preference will be given to applicants who are pursuing one of two research-intensive graduation distinctions: University Honors Research Scholar and Honors Research Scholar.

What Your Grant Includes

If you receive an Honors Research Support Grant, you will receive money for materials or other activities directly related to your project. Your grant also comes with these guidelines:

  • If awarded a grant, you will be required to present your research at the annual Honors College Exhibition in April each year, as well as the Undergraduate Research Symposium.  
  • Grant funding will be awarded to your Faculty Sponsor’s department. Any equipment you purchase belongs to Auburn University and stays with the department.  
  • The Honors Research Support Grant may not be used as your stipend or wages.  
  • Funding does not cover conference travel, but students receiving the grant are eligible to apply also for an Honors Research Travel Grant.  

Timeline

  • February 13, 2026 - Application deadline for 2026-2027 funding.
  • February 20, 2026 – Deadline for Faculty sponsor submission.
  • March 20, 2026 – Notifications of funding will be set out.
  • May 1, 2026 – Awarded funds will be sent to Faculty sponsor.

Proposal Requirements

In consultation with your faculty sponsor, your proposal should include the following:     
  • A Project Description:  
    • Include Background & Significance (What you are doing and Why)  
    • Project Objectives (What you hope to accomplish/your goals for the work)  
    • Methods, Approach or Process (How you are going to do the work; specific to your discipline)  
    • References (Background reading and research, articles, books, films, performances, items of inspiration for your project.)  
    • Quality over Quantity! Don’t worry about the exact length of your Project Description; focus on clearly and concisely describing the proposed work.  
  • A detailed budget that includes any other funding sources you are applying for or have already been awarded. 
  • Please note: Portions of your application information may be used in a press release. 

Selection

The Honors College will evaluate all proposals to determine funding allocations. Applicants will be notified by March 20, 2026 regarding funding.

Grants will be granted based on factors such as the student’s anticipated graduation date, commitment to the Honors College, and project needs. The Honors College cannot guarantee that all applicants will be granted an Honors College Research Support Grant. Grant amounts generally range between $500 to $1500.

To have a valid and complete submission, both students and faculty must complete their sections of the application. Students should contact their research faculty sponsor prior to starting the student application and then work with their faculty sponsor to complete all sections. Students will also need to provide their Faculty sponsor with a link to the Faculty Endorsement section of this application. Any applications missing completed faculty endorsements will be disqualified from funding.

Checklist

  • Be sure you complete these steps before submitting your Honors Research Support Grant proposal.
  • Read all instructions
  • Find a Faculty Sponsor early (aim for a month ahead)
  • Work closely with them as you draft your proposal
  • Give them plenty of time for feedback and final approval
  • Submit your application
  • Make sure your Faculty Sponsor completes their part within seven days

We look forward to reviewing your submission!

Apply for the Honors Research Support Grant

 

Honors College Conference Travel Grant

The Honors College conference travel grants are designed to provide funding to Honors College students who are presenting at regional, national or international academic conferences to present research. Honors College students applying for this grant may be awarded up to $500 to support the travel costs associated with presenting at a conference. These costs may include registration fees, economy airfare, train fares, personal vehicle mileage cost, hotel expenses or poster printing fees.

Who’s Eligible?

  • Applicants must be current Honors students in good standing at the time of application, and at the time of presenting at the conference.
  • Conference Travel Grant applications must be submitted 3 weeks prior to the conference start date. Applications submitted after that date must be submitted with a justification for the delay and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Applications submitted after the conference has ended will not be considered.
  • Conferences must apply to a student’s academic interests and be a professional academic conference. Unprofessional conferences or events of a social nature will not be considered.
  • To be eligible for a full grant of up to $500, applicants must have submitted a proposal that has been accepted for presentation at a professional educational conference. Applicants must attach their notification of acceptance to present at the conference with their Travel Grant application or have a valid reason as to why this cannot be provided at that time.
  • Under no circumstances will students be reimbursed for meals above the State and domestic per diem rate.
  • Please be aware the Honors College has limited funds and may not be able to fund all requests. We encourage students to seek additional support from other sources; however, the Honors College is only able to reimburse expenses paid for by the student. We are unable to reimburse departments for expenses incurred on a student's behalf.
  • Requests for funding may be denied or withdrawn by the Honors College if any of the above conditions are not satisfied, or if the applicant’s standing in the Honors College comes into question.

Timeline

Applications must be submitted at least three weeks in advance of your conference and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note: This grant may be provided through direct payment of a conference registration fee or direct reimbursement to a student after that student submits a travel voucher to the Honors College. 

 Apply for the Honors Research Conference Grant 


 

For more information on both grants contact Dr. Whitney Comer.

Scholarships

Students interested in applying for an Honors College fee waiver must contact Suzanne Hunter prior to the 15th day of class.