As you research colleges and balance your list with reach, possible, and match colleges, you may want to consider honors programs. Some colleges that fall into your “match” category may have a great honors program that could move that university to the top of your list. 

Here are 5 excellent honors programs to explore:

1. Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College - Think about the advantage of having the close relationships and small classes of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a top-tier public research university. You’ll have the unique opportunity to be mentored by a member of the Society of Distinguished Alumni. Additionally, you will have access to exclusive funding for research and signature honors study abroad trips, as well as special honors courses. Two honors residence halls in a prime campus location will help you foster a close community among your fellow students.

2. College of Charleston Honors College - The Honors Living and Learning Community at the College of Charleston is the heart of the program, with Honors classrooms, Honors faculty and staff offices, and shared spaces for studying, activities, and events. As an honors student, you’ll work closely with an Honors College Faculty Advisor, attend small classes of 18 or fewer students, and take advantage of a robust First-Year Experience, including a year-long service project in the Charleston community. Students interested in research can join faculty-led research starting in freshman year and half of all honors students have presented their research at a professional conference by the time they graduate.

3. University of South Carolina Honors College - For students eyeing a career in research, USC’s Honors College might be a top contender. In the last seven years, they’ve produced more Goldwater Scholars than every Ivy League school except Harvard. As an Honors College student, you’ll take advantage of all the typical honors college perks as well as have access to a national fellowships team to help you identify and apply to national competitions or fellowships. If you can’t find a major that works for you, you can create your own. Dog lovers will find the Honors College therapy dogs, George and Louie, irresistible and comforting. 

4. Arizona State University Barrett Honors College - If you’re looking for extensive guidance in your college career, you may want to check out ASU’s Barrett Honors College. It offers students three tiers of advising: you’ll have a major advisor, an honors advisor, and at least one professor mentor in your major. If you’re pre-health or pre-law, you’ll have yet another advisor. You may want to live in the honors community and take advantage of the resort-style pool to study and relax between classes. There’s free one-on-one math and writing tutoring available exclusively for honors students. Adventurers will bond with fellow honors students on Barrett trips offered during breaks, including to national parks and great American cities.

5. University of Oregon Clark Honors College - Another great honors program for students interested in research, Clark Honors College has its own undergraduate research journal and a paid mentored research program that funds students’ work as research assistants. The honors college sponsors study abroad programs with courses pre-approved to count toward honors requirements. Aspiring lawyers might be interested in the 3+3 law degree path that lets you shave off a full year. Clark students who meet certain criteria are guaranteed admission to the law school. With an average of 15 students per class, Clark students form strong bonds with peers and faculty.

For motivated students, honors colleges can provide a wealth of opportunities and resources that help you stand out to employers and graduate schools. As you begin to research, here are 20 questions you may want to ask when choosing an honors program.

Bonus: 2 Programs for Students Who Want to Design Their Own Education

1. University of Redlands Johnston Center for Integrative Studies - Students seeking an individualized degree may thrive at the Johnston Center. Working with their academic advisor, students map out a plan for their major in their sophomore year that brings together classes from multiple departments, experiential learning, and cross-cultural experiences. 

2. Western Washington University Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies - A small college within the university, Fairhaven offers students the ability to design their own major for the Bachelor of Arts degree. The college attracts a diverse community of deep thinkers pursuing their passions with faculty advisor support and an abundance of experiential learning opportunities.