FAQS
Below you'll find questions from real students, like yourself. Do you have a concern that's not addressed? Please e-mail honors@unlv.nevada.edu. Other students might share your question and we'll consider posting a response to benefit prospective Honors College students.
Q: What is an Honors College?
A: Honors Colleges provide enhanced learning opportunities for academically talented students whose high school achievements earn them spots in highly selective private colleges. Think of a state university Honors College as a private school embedded within the university. It provides the advantages of a private, highly personalized education with the academic richness typically found only at multipurpose universities.
But there's one key difference.
An Honors College education is a fraction of the cost associated with private institutions, which can have tuition costs of $30,000 or more.
Q: Is the Honors College for me?
A: If you think you could be admitted, we encourage you to apply. Time and again, students tell us how much they value their Honors College education. We also hear from transfer students who say they wish they had made the Honors College their first stop at UNLV.
Not sure about participating? Once you're enrolled, you can change your mind and return to general education coursework. Reach for excellence in your personal growth and apply today. There are many benefits to an Honors College education.
Q: What kind of education will I get?
A: You'll receive an education that promotes critical thinking, sharpens your writing skills, and expands the way that you consider both academic and everyday topics. At the successful completion of your Honors College education, you'll have the skills to be an active thinker and a "citizen of the world."
Q: I am a good student and think I can get into top colleges and universities. Why would I attend UNLV?
A: People often have very little awareness of the difference the Honors College offers. Because of the tremendous growth in Nevada and at UNLV, the university has been able to hire many faculty, some of the best new young graduates in the country — whereas other universities have remained stagnant.
The Honors College draws on UNLV's best faculty for its courses. With the college's own core curriculum, highly accomplished peer students, select faculty, special residential facilities, close advisement and other features typically afforded at small liberal arts colleges, Honors College students have rich, academically stimulating opportunities. Honors College graduates successfully compete with students from top-rated universities to attend the best professional and graduate programs.
Q: Will Honors College classes be harder?
A: The simple answer: no.
Honors College classes are generally not more difficult than nonhonors classes. Keep in mind that courses in the Honors College are not the same as high school honors courses. Consider courses in subjects like calculus, Shakespeare and English composition. Honors or not, they're conceptually the same.
Q: So, Honors classes just have more work?
A: No doubt, some courses are more challenging than others, but not because they're labeled "Honors." Bright, committed Honors students are capable of excelling in any university courses, including Honors courses.
Some UNLV classes require more written work than others, but the difference is not drawn along Honors and nonhonors lines. Honors classes are smaller and more interactive as a result of the instructor's ability to engage students on a personal level. The quality of your peers' engagement will also lend to unique class dynamics. One thing you won't find in Honors classes is "busy work."
Q: How many Honors College students are there?
A: There are about 700 students enrolled in the UNLV Honors College.
Q: Will participating in the Honors College negatively affect my grades?
A: Your grades will reflect your interests, commitment level and self-discipline. Typically, Honors College students earn fine grades, which lead to their future professional success.
The mix of small classes, personal attention from professors and support from peers is likely to contribute to your good grades. Research shows that among students eligible to participate in an Honors College, those who elect to participate typically receive better grades than their peers who opted for general education coursework.
Q: What are the special residential arrangements for Honors College students?
A: Honors College students live in UNLV's newest and most modern on-campus residence halls. The Dayton residential complex is home to many Honors students. Access to meeting rooms, study lounges, an outstanding exercise facility, and a laundry room with Internet connectivity are just a few of the amenities.
Choose a west room on an upper floor that overlooks the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. It's the same view tourists enjoy from their hotel rooms. For students who prefer the tranquility of a courtyard view, it's just steps away, in rooms facing east. No matter what you see when you look out the window, you'll be secure and enjoy the benefit of dining in the newly remodeled Dining Commons, just a short walk from Dayton.
Q: Is Honors College tuition more than UNLV tuition?
A: No, tuition scales are the same; however, as an Honors College student, you have added opportunities to earn merit and nationally competitive scholarships.
Q: Will it take me five years to graduate?
A: While students often determine their own pace, the Honors College curriculum is designed for four-year completion.
Q. I have heard that some students identified as "good students" from top high schools have not been admitted to the college. Is that true?
A: The college is very selective and does not accept every applicant. Because of increased competition for what is still a relatively small number of spaces for new freshmen, the college is becoming even more selective and carefully reviews applications for admission. Each year, the number of applicants grows, and a smaller percentage is accepted. Learn more about admission to the Honors College.