student at work in the lab

Honors College

Expanding Intellectual Horizons

 

The University of Delaware Honors College provides opportunities for academically talented and motivated students to take advantage of the resources of a major research institution while maintaining the feel and attention of a much smaller university.  

 

As a student in the UD Honors College, you will be leading class discussions, conducting innovative research, writing papers worthy of publication and tackling some of the most challenging topics in your major and beyond. 

 

Honors students studying in the Redding Hall lounge. Photographed for an admissions viewbook. - (Evan Krape / University of Delaware)

Apply to the Honors College

 

To be considered for the Honors College, complete the Common or Coalition application and submit all application materials by Dec. 1. 

On the UD application, simply click the box indicating your interest in the UD Honors College—no additional essay is required. Honors College decisions are released after the admissions decision, by mid-March.

Honors Admitted Student Profile*

 

3.99-4.41 GPA

1310-1450 SAT

28-33 ACT

 
*One-year average, mid-50% of admitted students. SAT and GPA ranges are based on self-reported data at the time of publication. ACT ranges are derived from SAT equivalences in the same band.

The Many Benefits of the UD Honors College

 

Open to all majors

Small honors courses

Living-learning community for freshmen

✓ Close connections with faculty

 Opportunity for research funding 

 Register first for classes

Residential peer mentors

Honors advisement for complex combinations of majors and degrees

 Engaged honors alumni network

 

The UD Honors Experience

An audience of several hundred students, family and friends joined UD faculty, staff and administrators on Friday May 29th, 2015 to recognize 47 students receiving the honors degree with distinction and 212 students receiving the honors degree.

Challenge

  • Small, rigorous honors classes with challenging curricula, active learning and faculty engagement

  • Preparation for competitive graduate programs and support for students in their pursuit of Rhodes, Truman, Marshall, Fulbright and Goldwater scholarships

  • Recognition of honors coursework through the general honors award, the honors degree and the honors degree with distinction

Enrichment

  • Excursions to local labs, businesses, theater and music performances, service learning and volunteer opportunities

  • Study abroad options specifically for honors students

  • Honors Enrichment Awards to fund internships, research projects and unique student experiences

Undergraduate students from the Honors program and the College of Earth, Ocean, and the Environment (CEOE) on a trip down to Lewes, DE to learn about the Mid-Atlantic Environment, ocean ecology, seining,  marine biology and the wind turbine. For individual IDs, see large group photos (CEOE_Honors_Lewes_Trip _003 / 004)
The Harrington Turf is packed with students, with Louis Redding Hall in the background.

Community

  • Honors living learning community with residential peer mentors who plan community events and serve as academic resources

  • Honors community programming: ice cream on the porch, pizza with professors, and more

  • Join other honors students, faculty, staff and alumni for discussions, panels, networking and mentorship

In Brilliant Company

Hannah Slesinski is a junior wildlife ecology and conservation major and Agriculture Ambassador from New Jersey who spent her summer interning with the Delaware Forest Service, gaining experience identifying invasive insect species that might make their way into Delaware’s forests.
049_eduardo_nombera-bueno
Eduardo Nombera Bueno, a senior honors chemical engineering and materials science and engineering double major, explores how trees might provide sustainable alternatives to plastics. This research helped him become one of 15 UD students and alumni to earn a 2023 National Science Foundation graduate research fellowship.
  CAS - Summer Research - Jenna Tomasch - FASH-A-LETES - 07.19.22
A sophomore fashion design and product innovation major from New Jersey, Jenna Tomash relies on her volleyball experience for her research exploring new adaptive athleticwear. Jenna’s work identifies comfortable sportswear as essential for improving the performances of college and professional athletes.

Honors College Scholarships: Distinguished Scholars

 

Distinguished Scholar Awards are invitation only for select students admitted to the UD Honors College. Students who show potential to be leaders and have a high degree of intellectual curiosity are invited to campus to participate in interviews for UD’s top scholarships. 

 

Eugene du Pont Scholars

This is the premier scholarship offered by UD. Eugene du Pont Scholars receive a yearly scholarship that covers full tuition, standard on-campus room and board, and comprehensive health and student center fees. Students may also use the funds towards UD study abroad. They also receive $500 each fall and spring semester to be used toward textbooks and a one-time grant of $2,500 to be used toward an approved enrichment activity.

 

Marichu C. Valencia Scholars

Valencia Scholars receive a scholarship of $32,000 for non-residents, $15,000 for Delaware residents, for four years of study; and a one-time grant of $5,000 to be used toward an approved enrichment activity.

 

1743 Scholars

1743 Scholars receive a scholarship of $26,000 for non-residents, $12,500 for Delaware residents, for four years of study.

LEARN MORE

 

Honors admission decisions are made by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

If you have any questions, email admissions@udel.edu.