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Honors

Understanding the Honors College Fee: What It Supports and Why It Matters

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At the University of Utah Honors College, our mission is to offer an enriched academic experience that goes beyond the standard curriculum—one that supports your intellectual, personal, and professional growth from day one through graduation. To help make this possible, students enrolled in Honors pay a program fee each semester.

We understand that cost matters, and we want to be transparent about what this fee supports and why it’s a worthwhile investment in your Honors experience.

What Does the Honors Fee Support?

Your fee funds a wide range of experiences, resources, and opportunities designed exclusively for Honors students. These include:

 Learning Communities from First Year to Graduation

  • First-Year Experience: All new Honors students begin their journey in Ideas That Matter, a small, discussion-based course paired with co-curricular events—like last year’s author visit or the upcoming Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) celebration.
  • Beyond the First Year: Learning communities continue to foster a sense of belonging through events like the Honors Spring Showcase, the Honors Student Welcome Event, and ongoing programming throughout the year.
  • Supports department programs campus-wide in providing added mentoring, attention, and opportunities for Honors students within their majors.

 Honors Student Advisory Committee (HSAC)

Your fee helps fund HSAC, the student voice in Honors governance. HSAC organizes:

  • Peer-focused events, such as finals week study snacks
  • Special-interest gatherings, like lunch discussions with high-profile speakers (e.g., Dr. Monica Gandhi meeting with students pursuing health careers)
  • Student input into the hiring and evaluation of faculty in the Honors College

 Leadership and Mentorship Opportunities for Honors students

Your investment supports:

  • The Peer Mentor and Peer Learning Assistant programs
  • Undergraduate Teaching Assistant roles
  • Additional leadership roles embedded in Honors programs

 Support for Creative and Professional Development

Funds from the Honors fee help:

  • Provide small scholarships
  • Support conference travel for professional and career development
  • Fuel research and creative projects in partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Research

 Course Enhancements

Your fee ensures Honors courses are rich in content by funding:

  • Guest speakers and workshops
  • Books, journals, and other course materials

 Honors Graduation Celebration

Each spring, we honor your achievements with a dedicated Honors graduation celebration for students and their families.

 Campus Partnerships and Mentorship

Fee funds also support:

  • Honors graduate assistants who mentor students within their college or department
  • Paid internships with campus and community partners tailored to Honors students

Why Are These Costs Separate from Tuition?

Regular tuition and university fees cover the foundational aspects of an undergraduate education—but they aren’t designed to include the intensive programming and personal support the Honors College provides.

To keep the Honors experience robust and equitable:

  • The University contributes, investing in your success through faculty time, classroom space, and—starting Fall 2025—merit-based scholarships for all incoming Honors students.
  • Program fees cover the rest, helping us provide a consistent, high-quality Honors experience without relying solely on donor or university funds.

How Do We Compare?

You may wonder how the U of U Honors College stacks up. Here’s the good news:

The University of Utah Honors College fee is $325 per semester (Fall and Spring)- the lowest among comparable regional institutions, including Arizona State University, Oregon State University, and the University of Arizona.

We’re proud of our ability to deliver exceptional value, and we’re committed to keeping our fees low while ensuring every dollar supports students directly.

A Thoughtful Investment in You

Every aspect of the Honors College is designed to deepen your education, build your network, and expand your future opportunities. The Honors fee is one part of making that happen—an investment in experiences that distinguish you as a student, scholar, and emerging leader.

Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact us or drop by the Honors advising office to learn more about what your fee makes possible.