Elon’s prestigious Honors Program offers intellectually demanding and dynamic courses that focus on writing and critical-thinking skills. Throughout the four-year sequence, you will learn how to conduct sophisticated academic research in preparation for a project of professional quality that culminates in a published volume in Elon’s Belk Library. To learn more about the Honors Program visit the program website.
As an Honors Program participant you will be challenged to take advantage of all the best features of an Elon education:
- Consider academic issues from multiple perspectives when you take Honors courses team-taught by professors from different fields.
- Work alongside a faculty mentor to complete an Honors thesis using your original academic research.
- Participate in a community of intellectually engaged colleagues with an Honors Program peer-mentor or by living in one of two Living Learning Communities.
- Apply to study in Turkey over Winter Term during your first year; the university funds 75 percent of the cost.
Who should apply?
Students who have taken a demanding high school curriculum, have an excellent GPA and rank in the top of their class should apply. Each year, 60 students are selected as Honors Program participants based on their high school records, essays, teacher recommendations and a faculty interview. Honors Program students may pursue any four-year undergraduate degree at Elon.
Program Benefits
Scholarships
Honors Program students receive a $13,500 scholarship renewable annually based on academic performance and participation in the program. This is in addition to a Presidential Scholarship of $10,000, bringing total scholarship funding to $23,500 each year, or $94,000 over four years. Each year, one student in the Honors Program is selected as the William R. Kenan, Jr. Honors Fellow and receives a full tuition scholarship renewable annually.
Honors students who plan to attend medical school may also apply for Jane Macon Baird Pre-medical Scholarships that provide an additional $4,000 per year. These scholarships are renewable annually, provided students meet the criteria for the scholarship. A special essay is required for consideration for the Baird Scholarships.
Elon Experiences and Research Grants
All Honors Program students receive a $1,000 Global Study grant for a university-approved study abroad or Study USA experience and a $1,000 grant to support thesis research.
Housing and Mentoring Opportunities
Special residential communities are available to Honors Program students in Colonnades or in Elon’s William R. Kenan Jr. Honors Pavilion in the Academic Village. Each new Honors Fellow is paired with a current Fellow who serves as a mentor.
Colloquia
Honors students attend selected cultural events on campus and participate in lively debates with their peers following the programs.