Honors students join a small, supportive learning community that offers individualized attention and unique opportunities. The Honors curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, persuasive communication, and interdisciplinary learning—skills that help students succeed in college and beyond. Unlike high school honors courses, the Honors College is not about taking harder classes or earning extra credit. Instead, it focuses on deep understanding and meaningful exploration across disciplines. Seminar-style courses use primary texts to encourage discussion, analysis, and reflection on big life questions rather than teaching to a test.

Yes. Even if a student has earned college credits through concurrent enrollment, AP, or IB courses, they will still be part of the Freshman Pathway if they are entering the U as a first-time freshman. The Upper Division Pathway is designed for transfer students and current upper-division students who have completed 60 or more college credits, at least 40 of which were earned outside of high school. Students in the Freshman Pathway can still complete an Honors degree on a timeline shorter than four years, depending on prior credits, major, and course planning.

The Honors College has two times the rate of double majors, compared to non-Honors students at the U. Students do not need to complete the Honors curriculum twice to when they are pursuing two majors; the same Honors requirements apply to both.

No. Being in the Honors College does not require a student to take every class in its Honors version. Some majors may have specific Honors requirements, but generally, if a course is offered as an Honors option, it is not mandatory. Honors students can work with their advisors to plan which Honors courses to take and ensure they complete the required 9 credits of Honors electives.

Honors students enjoy exclusive benefits such as dedicated Honors housing, scholarships, smaller classes, early course registration, learning communities, and specialized study abroad programs through Honors Outbound. Each student also completes an Honors Thesis in their area of interest, gaining valuable research experience under the mentorship of a faculty member. These benefits, in conjunction with the Honors curriculum, provide students with a well-rounded, holistic college experience. Honors experiences enrich students’ education and prepare them to make a meaningful impact after graduation. In addition to the opportunities and skill-building, Honors students graduate with the highest undergraduate degree a student can earn at the University of Utah.  Honors graduates consistently earn strong placements in graduate programs, medical schools, and professional careers.

Students admitted in the Freshman pathway will complete 24 Honors credits through the Honors core, electives, and project.

• Honors Core (12 credits): Includes Ideas That Matter 1010 & 1020 (1.5 credits each), two Intellectual Traditions courses (6 credits), and one Honors Seminar (3 credits).
• Honors Electives (9 credits): Earned through Honors courses within the major, Honors Contracts, additional seminars, internships, or other approved experiences.
• Honors Project/Thesis (3 credits): Completed during the final year at the U, this research or creative project is the culmination of the student’s Honors degree.

When Honors students plan ahead and work closely with their advisors, the Honors curriculum does not extend their graduation timeline. The 24 Honors credits are included within the 120 credits required to graduate from the University of Utah. During the first-year Ideas That Matter course, Honors students create a college plan that maps out both Honors and major requirements. Because many Honors courses also fulfill general education, bachelor’s degree, or major requirements, it is typical for Honors students to complete the curriculum without adding extra time.

Honors students are required to take HONOR 1010 – Ideas That Matter (1.5 credits) during their first semester. This course is the first half of the year-long Ideas That Matter learning community; students then complete HONOR 1020 (1.5 credits) in the spring semester. It is also recommended that first-year Honors students take an additional 3-credit Honors course to experience a full-length Honors class. Intellectual Traditions courses are a great option.

Honors students typically take one Honors class per semester as part of their full schedule of four to six courses.

As of the Fall 2025 semester, there are 2,377 students in the Honors College. Honors students make up about 10% of the undergraduate population at the University of Utah. Honors students come from across Utah, the U.S., and around the world, representing a wide variety of backgrounds.

No. Living on campus is not required for first-year University of Utah students. However, if an Honors student chooses to live on-campus their first year, they are required to live in Honors housing. These options include the Katharine B. Garff Honors Tower at Kahlert Village and Trailhead residence hall.

The Honors College fee is $325 per semester, as proposed and approved by the Honors Student Advisory Committee. This fee supports Honors programs, courses, and opportunities. Visit our website for more details on what the fee covers and how it compares to other institutions. If the fee presents a financial barrier to a student, please contact [email protected]

In addition to any merit scholarships awarded at the time of admission, Honors students can apply for Honors College scholarships through the University of Utah’s AcademicWorks portal. Applications open in February for awards in the following academic year. Visit our website for more information on available Honors scholarships.