Frequently Asked Questions

There is a minimal cost associated with participation in the Honors College. The cost is $40/semester for freshmen and $20/semester for sophomores, juniors and seniors. These funds pay for student activities and programming. Waivers are available for students based on financial need. To request a fee waiver, you may email honors@acu.edu and include your case for having the charges waived.

The Honors Fellow Scholarship is one of ACU’s highest honors offered through the Office of Admissions. To be considered, you must be: 

1) a Presidential Scholar; 

2) admitted to the Honors College; and 

3) score greater than 33 on the ACT or 1450 on the SAT. 

The Honors College does not provide additional scholarships but has travel grants available for study abroad and conferences.

The Honors Fellowship is a scholarship offered to undergraduate ACU Honors students interested in helping lead and serve as a student ambassador for the College.

Honors Ambassadors serve as student panelists, activity facilitators, event coordinators, guest speakers, tour guides, student liaisons, outreach event participants, and more. Ambassadors develop leadership, presentation and project management skills for their own educational and professional development.

Travel grants are small financial awards to reduce expenses for an ACU study abroad experience, ACU Honors International Internship or other ACU-sponsored learning experiences that require travel.

All ACU Honors students will have priority placement in our newest residence hall, Wessel Hall, living alongside other Honors Students and Faculty-in-Residence as part of our Honors Living Learning Community. The Honors College offices and classrooms are located in Zellner Hall. It features an Honors student lounge with a computer and printer, TV, Xbox, board games, and refreshments.

Yes, the Honors College experience allows incoming students to transfer college credits you earned during high school.

Yes! The Honors College accepts applicants transferring from other colleges and universities. High-achieving students who have completed high school and at least one semester of college are encouraged to apply to the Honors College. Applications for the Fall semester are due July 1, and applications for the spring semester are due December 1. Apply here.

Consideration is based on the following:

• GPA (3.5 minimum required)
• Evidence of high aptitude and motivation, including academic accomplishments and extracurricular experiences.
• Faculty recommendation (from current institution)

For incoming first-year students, schedules are built the summer before arrival. All Honors first-year students are placed in a Cornerstone Honors section and possibly an Honors section of a required course (usually BIBL 101- Jesus: His Life and Teachings ). In subsequent semesters, you’ll work with an Honors College academic advisor to ensure you are building Honors credits and working toward Honors graduation requirements.

Yes! Honors students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research with faculty from your department or through the Office of Undergraduate Research. You may also choose the Honors Scholar track and complete an Honors Project Thesis, entailing significant research and creativity related to your academic discipline.

The Honors College is home to the Office of Major Scholarships, which serves all of campus. OMS identifies and assists students who apply for a major scholarship or fellowship opportunities, such as a Fulbright, Marshall or Rhodes Scholarship.

We employ a comprehensive evaluation process, considering both academic and personal aspects. This includes an assessment of transcripts, extracurricular activities, community service involvement, personal motivation, leadership qualities, recommendation letters, and essays. 

While test scores are not mandatory for admission to the Honors College, we strongly advise applicants to submit them. Our evaluation process considers multiple factors, including academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community service involvement, personal motivation, leadership qualities, and essays. If applicants choose to provide test scores, we will consider them alongside these criteria.

High-achieving current students who have completed 12 hours at ACU are encouraged to apply to the Honors College. Applications for the Fall semester are due July 1, and applications for the spring semester are due December 1. Appy here.

Consideration is based on the following:

• GPA (3.5 minimum required)
• Evidence of high aptitude and motivation, including academic accomplishments and extracurricular experiences.
• Faculty recommendation

To be considered for the Honors College, all prospective students must fill out the Honors application in addition to their regular application to ACU. The Honors application comprises the following components:

• Essay Questions – You will be required to respond to two specific essay prompts.
• Activities and Distinctions – This section calls for evidence of exceptional aptitude and motivation, showcasing your academic achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities.
• Academic References – You must provide recommendations from individuals familiar with your academic performance. Suitable recommenders include your guidance counselor, principal, and current and former teachers.

Upon submitting their application to ACU, any student aspiring to join the Honors College must complete the supplemental honors application, which comprises two mandatory essays. 

Each essay should not exceed 400 words.

Essay 1

This year, the Honors College introduces exciting new tracks, allowing students to tailor their Honors experience according to their preferences:

DESIGN THINKING & INNOVATION

Gain the tools and knowledge to become an innovative problem solver by learning the principles of design thinking, no matter what your major is.

GLOBAL SERVICE & LEADERSHIP

See the world and face its challenges from an international perspective while growing as a Christian servant leader through travel, research, and study. 

SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Imagine a more just society, employing skills from multiple fields to bring about social change and sustainable environmental solutions.

SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH

Delve into topics of your own interest more deeply to gain new insights, develop new perspectives, and make new discoveries.

Considering your strengths, skills, and experiences, discuss how you believe they align with one of the four tracks. Why does this particular track resonate with you? How do you envision the Honors College track of your choice supporting your personal and career growth? 

Essay 2

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” ― Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC 

According to Frederick Buechner, finding the place where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep need is crucial. Share what you believe is your deep gladness and identify a specific global issue or hunger that you feel called to address. How do you anticipate the Honors College enabling you to explore and engage with this intersection?

Below are important dates and deadlines for Honors College admissions for first-year students:

October 2, 2023 Application Opens

November 1, 2023 Early Application Deadline

December 15, 2023 Early Application Decision Date

March 1, 2024 Regular Application Deadline

April 1, 2024 Regular Application Decision Date

May 15, 2024 Confirmation Deadline

Applications received after March 1 may be considered if space permits. However, we cannot guarantee that these applications will receive consideration.