Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Penn State's Honors College

Penn State University offers a unique educational experience through its Schreyer Honors College (SHC), designed to cultivate the talents of exceptional students across all academic disciplines. Consistently ranked among the nation’s top public honors colleges, the SHC combines the resources of a major research university with the close-knit community and personalized attention of a small liberal arts college. For over two decades, Penn State's honors program has provided a comprehensive and enriching environment for high-achieving students.

A Personalized Academic Journey

The Schreyer Honors College provides the best of a small college liberal arts experience within a major research university, with hundreds of student organizations and activities from which to choose.

Engaging Coursework and Faculty Interaction

Each year, the SHC offers more than 200 honors courses, capped at 25 students, and taught by select faculty. These smaller class sizes foster a more intimate and engaging learning environment, encouraging active participation and in-depth discussions. Instead of multiple-choice tests, you will have structured writing assignments and in-class discussions. You will read different material, with more opportunities to write and receive feedback. Your classes will be filled with other honors students: active thinkers, dedicated students, and involved leaders. Scholars can satisfy honors credit requirements through independent research, upper-level or graduate courses (depending on their standing), and “honors options” for regular courses. This flexibility allows students to tailor their honors experience to their specific academic interests and goals.

Honors Advising: A Key to Success

The connection between honors students and their advisers is essential to ensure our scholars thrive. Honors advisers play a crucial role in guiding students through their academic journey. These advisors assist students in optimizing their course selections, utilizing academic resources, and ensuring they are in the best major for their academic and career aspirations. Furthermore, advisors provide invaluable support as students prepare for their honors thesis, a capstone project that showcases their research and analytical skills.

Enhanced Opportunities and Resources

As a student in the Schreyer Honors College, you will be empowered to make the most of your college years.

Priority Course Registration and Academic Perks

Honors students enjoy several privileges that enhance their academic experience. Priority course registration allows them to secure their desired classes, ensuring they stay on track with their academic plans. Access to honors study lounges provides dedicated spaces for focused study and collaboration. Elevated library access, with faculty-equivalent borrowing privileges, expands their research capabilities.

Honors Housing and Community Building

Honors housing is available at select campuses, fostering a strong sense of community among honors students through special resident events. These living-learning communities provide opportunities for intellectual exchange and social interaction outside the classroom.

Recognition of Achievement

The honors notation on the transcript and honors recognition at Commencement serve as official acknowledgements of students' hard work and academic excellence. These distinctions can be valuable assets when applying for graduate school or seeking employment.

Diverse Communities of Inspired Leaders

Penn State honors students lead in a range of civic and leadership activities, building valuable connections with peers and mentors. Through community service, career coaching, literacy workshops, and social events, they engage actively in their communities. Their dedication to advocacy fuels their involvement in student organizations that address issues facing marginalized groups and expand career opportunities. Additionally, access to career resources and alumni mentors further promotes diverse perspectives and understanding.

Financial Support for Academic Success

Joining honors programs at Penn State often comes with financial support, easing the burden of expenses for students tackling challenging honors courses and commitments. The Schreyer Honors College is truly unique. Our position within Penn State means that we can give our students access to the amazing resources of a major research institution while providing the support and community of a small liberal arts college.

International Travel Grants

The Schreyer Honors College offers international travel grants to support students' global experiences, including study abroad programs, research projects, internships, and service activities. Funding levels vary based on destination and program duration. Scholars who are studying abroad for the entire Spring 2026 semester and applying for funding through Schreyer Honors College must complete the Schreyer Global Experience Pre-Departure Program. The program must be completed prior to the grant application review, which happens 30 days before the departure date of the experience. This 6-week, asynchronous program will prepare you to engage globally with confidence, curiosity and respect. Through short videos, readings, and self-reflection, you will build core skills in cultural awareness, intercultural communication, global competencies, and cultural humility. Additional need-based funding may be available for Schreyer Scholars.

Campus-Specific Honors Programs

Campus-specific honors programs provide unique academic and extracurricular enrichment tailored to each location. As part of the Penn State admissions process, students are automatically considered for these campus-based honors programs, each with its own selection criteria, ensuring a personalized fit for their academic journey. Penn State offers honors programs at Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Behrend, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango and York. As an example, The Campus Honors Program at Penn State Fayette provides academically talented and self-motivated students with special learning experiences that challenge them to discover the full potential of a university education. The campus designates funding to provide courses, trips, events, research opportunities, and other exclusive support for Honors Program members. Benefits of Honors Program membership include: Unique and intellectually stimulating honors courses, Working closely with honors professors, Opportunities for undergraduate research and presentations, Free or subsidized travel and cultural events, and International travel opportunities.

Alumni Network

Graduating with honors from Penn State opens up a world of opportunity. Scholar Ambassadors represent the college, especially as part of admissions events. The Schreyer Honors College is widely and consistently recognized as one of the top undergraduate programs in the United States. A vibrant learning experience led by captivating instructors. Scholars benefit from one of the largest alumni engagement programs on campus, which helps them expand their professional networks and excel in competitive fields.

Admission to the Schreyer Honors College

To gain entry, new Penn State students must submit a supplemental application for the Schreyer Honors College alongside their Penn State application. Current students with outstanding academic records may also be considered for admission with approval from their academic department.

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