Honors Program Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to the Honors Program?

All students are welcome to apply for admission to the Honors Program. Students may apply to the Honors Program at the time of their application to the University by marking the appropriate box on the application form. You may also choose to apply after your admission to the University. Contact the Honors Program at jw504@evansville.edu or 812-488-2612 for instructions to access the online application.

What is the deadline to apply?

There is no specific deadline to apply for admission; however, since space in the Honors Program is limited, it is advisable to submit applications as early as possible. If you did not apply as an incoming student, you may apply to the Honors Program as a current student. Current students who hold a strong UE GPA and have a good letter of recommendation from a professor or academic advisor are often admitted.

What are the admission criteria for the Honors Program?

All students are welcome to apply for admission to the Honors Program. However, students who possess the following are more likely to gain admission.

  • High school unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above and a minimum SAT of 1350 or a minimum ACT of 29
  • Transfer applicants - cumulative college GPA of 3.5 or above

Students may apply to the Honors Program at the time of their application to the University by marking the appropriate box on the application form. You may also choose to apply after your admission to the University. Applications are reviewed regularly by the Honors Program faculty committee. Admission decisions are based primarily on high school GPA (or college GPA for transfer students), curriculum, SAT or ACT scores, and writing sample. Honors admission decisions are mailed within seven days following an application review.

What are the requirements to complete the Honors Program?

To complete the program, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 by graduation.

Students must also complete 15 credit hours of honors course work, earn 4 honors participation points per semester, and complete an honors project.

What are the opportunities and benefits of being in the Honors Program?

There are many!

  • Scholarship – Students admitted to the Honors Program as an incoming freshman receive an Honors Scholarship, in addition to other financial aid awards. This scholarship is renewable each year provided students stay in good standing and continue progression towards meeting Honors Program requirements.
  • Distinction – Honors students are recognized as among the very best students on campus, representing approximately the top ten percent of the student body in terms of talent and achievement.
  • Networking – Honors students are exposed to an enriched learning environment that provides special opportunities to interact with UE faculty and guest lecturers and scholars visiting campus.
  • Priority registration – Beginning the second semester of enrollment, honors students may register immediately after seniors, giving them a wider array of open courses from which to choose.
  • Research and travel funding – Honors Program students have the opportunity to apply for research and travel funding through the Honors Program Undergraduate Research Grants and Honors Program Travel Awards.
  • Honors living and learning community – Honors students have the option to live in Powell Hall, which is primarily designated for honors students (space is limited).
  • Leadership experience – Students may serve on the Honors Activity Board (HAB) which helps plan honors activities.
  • Social activities – Honors students can participate in social activities such as the annual Nerd Wars trivia competition and Honors-sponsored trips. They may also engage in volunteer opportunities through HACER, the Honors Program community service initiative.
  • Advantage after graduation – Graduate schools, law schools, and employers of all kinds recognize UE honors students for their outstanding accomplishments; they have a distinct advantage when applying for graduate school fellowships and for employment.
How many students are in the program?

Currently there are approximately 200 students in the Program. Typically there are 60-70 incoming freshman students each year.

What happens if I apply and don’t get admitted?

Try again. Current students may apply for admission to the Honors Program. For admission, the Honors Program faculty committee considers current college GPA, course work, writing sample and a recommendation letter from an academic advisor or faculty member.

I have more questions, whom should I contact?
  • Director of the Honors Program, Dr. John Stamm; 800-423-8633, ext. 2671, or 812-488-2671
  • Program Assistant for the Honors Program, Jayme Williams; 800-423-8633, ext. 2612, or 812-488-2612