Honors College Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Honors College? 

Designed for high-achieving and exceptionally motivated undergraduates, the Honors College at North Carolina A&T offers student-centered learning experiences that promote intellectual growth, cultural appreciation, professional focus, leadership development and civic participation. Honors also serves the entire University by enhancing the intellectual life of the campus, helping students prepare for graduate school and serving as a locus for curricular experimentation. 

• How do I know if the Honors College is a good fit for me? 

As a participant in the Honors College, you will have special opportunities to grow and develop through contact with a community of Honors staff, students, and faculty. Participation in the Honors College will prepare you to become successful as a professional, as a scholar, and as a global citizen.  

• Do all students admitted to the Honors College receive a scholarship? 

Unfortunately, no. Please note that admission to the Honors College does not imply automatic consideration or awarding of merit scholarships. 

• Can students change their degree program while in the Honors College? 

Yes, students can change their degree program while in the Honors College. The Honors College is open to all academic disciplines, and students may pursue any major.  

• What percentage of Honors students stay in the program and graduate with post-graduation outcomes? 

The Honors College has a 98% first year retention rate, and 92% have confirmed post-graduation plans with full-time employment, graduation, or professional school.

• Where can I find the Honors College application? 

If you are interested in applying for the Honors College, you should first apply to N.C. A&T and then submit the First-Year Honors application through the Honors College Portal. 

Note: Applicants are not required to be admitted to NC A&T to apply to the Honors College, BUT must have at least applied to the university. 

If you are an incoming transfer student or currently enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University, you should submit the Current-Transfer Honors application through the Honors College Portal. Transfer students should apply to N.C. A&T prior to applying to the Honors College. 

• When does the honors application typically open and close? 

The Honors College application for incoming freshmen opens August 15. The priority deadline is November 15 for scholarship consideration and December 1 for the final deadline. For current NC A&T students and transfer students, applications open on March 1, with a May 1 final deadline. 

• How are students selected for admission to the Honors College each year? 

Applicants will be reviewed holistically to include a completed application, essays, transcript evaluation, extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, and an interview (if applicable).  

• When are students notified of their acceptance to the Honors College? 

Students are notified on a rolling basis beginning around the end of February through late April based upon space availability.  

• I have a 4.0 GPA, extra-curricular activities, and other achievements. However, I was still not admitted to the Honors College. What could be the possible reason I was not admitted? 

Due to the highly competitive nature of our program, we receive applications from many exceptional students, far exceeding the number of spaces available. Our review process is holistic, meaning we evaluate multiple aspects of each applicant, including academic achievements, leadership, service, and other unique qualities and experiences. 

• Am I able to appeal not being admitted to the Honors College? 

• What are the requirements to remain active in the Honors College? 

In order to be eligible each year and graduate with Honors distinction, students must maintain a 3.50 cumulative grade point average, enroll in and successfully complete at a minimum 6 credit hours of honors courses annually, and make satisfactory progress toward completing the Honors College curriculum. 

• What happens if my GPA drops? 

Students in the Honors College are required to maintain a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA each semester. If a student falls below the required 3.50 cumulative GPA, they will have a one-semester probationary period to get back in good standings. If a student falls below a 3.50 for two consecutive semesters, they will be suspended and will relinquish all privileges from the program. Students may seek re-admittance once the cumulative 3.50 cumulative GPA is again established and should be prepared to demonstrate readiness to meet and maintain curricular and co-curricular requirements. 

• Do honors students take different classes?  

Yes, honors students typically take specially designated Honors courses that are smaller, more discussion-based, and designed to encourage deeper critical thinking and engagement. These might include Honors sections of general education courses, interdisciplinary seminars, or special topics classes taught by experienced faculty. 

• What courses are required to graduate successfully from the Honors College? 

To graduate from the Honors College, students must complete a specific set of curricular and co-curricular requirements. These often include a minimum number of Honors credit hours, participation in enrichment experiences such as research, leadership, or service, and sometimes a senior thesis or capstone project—depending on the program. Requirements may vary slightly based on the student’s major and scholarship program, so academic advising and planning are key.

• Who is the Honors Student Advisory Board? 

The Honors Student Advisory Board (HSAB) is the active student voice of the Honors College. The purpose of the HSAB is to enhance the educational experience of every member of the honors student body by providing engaging programming and promoting academic, social and cultural growth. Honors Student Advisory Board members have the opportunity to influence the direction of the Honors College while experiencing self-enrichment through planning events, sharing ideas, and serving the community. 

• How do students become eligible for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships? 

Endorsed scholarships and fellowships require candidates to first apply in the campus competition to gain nomination or endorsement before they can apply in the national competition. Campus application deadlines for this endorsement may be anywhere from four weeks to four or more months before the national deadline. Non-endorsed programs do not require this campus vetting process, and applicants should also allot at least four weeks before the national deadlines. 

• What is the Honors College Research Affinity Group, and what activities are available in this group? 

The Research Affinity Group in the Honors College consists of highly motivated Honors College students interested in doing research. Students in this group are exposed to various activities, including monthly meetings with faculty about how to get started with research, a monthly technical research speaker series, research site visitations, honors symposium, service-learning volunteer opportunities with organizations, and submissions to the Honors College Journal of Teaching and Research.  

• Are honors students required to complete or attend certain activities? 

Yes, students are required to complete curricular and co-curricular requirements. This is monitored through our Student Engagement Platform, Suitable.

• How do I apply to live in the residence hall with students in the Honors College? 

As a first-year student, once you are admitted and accept your enrollment into the Honors College, you are automatically added to the list for the Honors College Living Learning Community. Students are still required to complete the housing application and pay the non-refundable application fee. 

• Is housing guaranteed for Honors College students? 

Housing assignments are determined by the Office of Housing and Residence Life based on university student classification and space availability. Please note that on-campus housing is not guaranteed for any student beyond the first year.

• How many scholarships are awarded each year? 

Currently, the Honors College awards 55 full-ride scholarships (20 Cheatham-White, 20 Dowdy, and 15 February One) 

• Are all honors scholarships the same? 

No, all honors scholarships are not the same. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, selection process, and benefits.  In the Honors College, we offer several distinguished scholarship programs—the Cheatham-White, Dowdy, and February One Scholars—each designed to support high-achieving students with unique opportunities for academic, personal, and professional growth. However, the expectations and experience are the same for each.  

• What costs do the honors scholarships cover? 

All honors scholarship programs cover tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Some also cover additional costs. 

• If a student receives an honors scholarship, should they still pay the enrollment fee? 

Yes, scholarship recipients are still responsible for paying the enrollment fee. 

• Can Honors students apply for honors scholarships after their first year? 

No, the honors scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen only. 

• Are honors scholarships stacked with outside awards received or does it reduce the funding based on outside scholarships? 

It depends on the scholarship program. Some will stack with federal and state grants, however external scholarships are not stacked with the honors scholarship.