Congratulations And Welcome to Our Community

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We Are… Shaping the World

Join the next generation of leaders in the Schreyer Honors College. Achieve academic excellence with integrity. Build a global perspective. Lead and engage with the community around you. Take advantage of incredible opportunities at one of the world's premier public research institutions.

Welcome to the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State.

300 incoming first-year students

40% of Scholars Study Abroad in 50+ countries

15,000+ Penn State Alumni have graduated with honors

300+ honors courses offered annually

Small Honors College, Large University Why Schreyer?

Schreyer Honors College Scholars Medals

Get Involved

Take leadership roles in the Penn State community through one of many Scholar-led organizations.

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$7.4 Million Awarded

More than $7.4 million is awarded to Scholars in grants and scholarships each year for travel, internships, research, and service.

Priority Registration

Scholars are able to schedule classes first — well before course registration begins for most Penn State students.

Schreyer Scholars chatting during Founders Day

Our Community

Live among motivated students who are committed to making the most of their undergraduate experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.

Live, Learn & Lead
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Start Here, Go Anywhere

Graduating with honors from Penn State opens up a world of opportunity — from top-tier graduate schools and leadership positions in commerce and industry to some of the most esteemed public service organizations.

Where Our Graduates Go

700,000+ Alumni

Penn State's living alumni base is one of the largest in the world.

$5,000 Academic Excellence Scholarship

All first-year Scholars receive an Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) of $5,000 per year.

Scholar Alumnus speaking to current Scholars

Engaged Scholar Alumni

Scholars have opportunities to develop relationships with some of the University's most accomplished graduates.

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Academic Excellence with Integrity

The Schreyer Honors College provides the best of a small-college experience within a major research university that is home to some of the nation’s top-ranked academic programs.

Honors Requirements

Scholars are held to high academic standards, including maintaining a minimum 3.40 semesterly and cumulative GPA, completing at least 35 total honors credits and submitting an honors thesis.

View All Requirements

Honors Courses

More than 300 courses, taught by leading faculty, span the academic spectrum. Honors classes typically enroll no more than 25 students. Some honors courses are enriched versions of regular Penn State offerings while others are unique to the honors curriculum.

Learn About Honors Courses

Honors Thesis

The thesis distinguishes a Schreyer Scholar’s career and accomplishments at Penn State. It is a substantial, scholarly work that defines a Scholar’s academic achievement.

Explore the Thesis

Building A Global Perspective

Learn about the world and supplement your education by seeing it for yourself. In a typical year, forty percent of Scholars study abroad during their time at Penn State. Join them via one of Penn State's 200+ global experiences or by engaging in one of the Schreyer Honors College's signature programs. Engage in online and onsite programming with Scholars and faculty on issues and topics that speak to our shared global experiences.

Study Abroad

Typically, 40 percent of Scholars study abroad across more than 50 countries during their time at Penn State.

Explore the World

Travel Grants

Our travel grant program provides funding for Scholars pursuing an international experience. Generally, the Schreyer Honors College provides funding for more than 300 grants annually, totaling more than $150,000.

Fund Your Travel

Signature Programs

The Schreyer Honors College offers a variety of Signature Travel Programs in addition to the hundreds of programs offered through Penn State. These special programs provide the enrichment of an honors course alongside an international experience.

Browse Signature Programs

Creating Opportunities For Leadership & Civic Engagement

The Schreyer Honors College places an emphasis on what happens outside of the classroom as well as on what happens in it. Scholars are encouraged to impact their communities and shape the world around them. Make the most of your time here — discover new interests, volunteer, learn, create, and lead.

Clubs & Organizations

There are more than 1,000 student organizations at Penn State including professional honors societies, fraternities and sororities, student government, Archery Club, Ballroom Dance Team, Japanese Friendship Association, and many more. You'll find Scholars active and involved with many.

Community Involvement & Service

From THON, Penn State's 46-hour dance marathon to fight against pediatric cancer, to Global Water Brigades and Habitat for Humanity, Scholars volunteer and serve locally, nationally, and around the world.

Athletics

Scholars can be found competing on Penn State’s NCAA teams as well as on more than a dozen intramural and club teams, including tennis, volleyball, and cross-country.

Performing Arts

Scholars can be found on stage as members of performing arts groups such as the Penn State Thespians, the Orchesis Dance Company, the Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra, Essence of Joy, and the Glee Club.

Career Development

Our Scholars prepare for their futures and build their networks through sessions with employers and alumni, mentoring programs, and activities designed to cultivate their leadership abilities.

Special Events

Scholars are afforded special opportunities to meet dignitaries, corporate leaders, distinguished faculty, and other campus visitors.

Making a Difference Meet Our Scholars & Scholar Alumni

Schreyer Scholar Michael Mitole

Michael Mitole '23 Finance Analyst and Changemaker

Meet Michael
Schreyer Scholar Sydney Gibbard

Sydney Gibbard '23 STEM Curriculum Creator

Meet Sydney
Schreyer Scholar Sebastien Kraft

Sebastien Kraft '22 Filmmaker

Meet Sebastien
Schreyer Scholar Cassidy Prince

Cassidy Prince '21 Microbiology Researcher

Meet Cassidy
Schreyer Scholar Wezi Mkandawire

Wezi Mkandawire '23 Engineer & Musician

Meet Wezi
Schreyer Scholar Vancie Peacock

Vancie Peacock '24 Biology Researcher and Sustainability Advocate

Meet Vancie
Schreyer Scholar Austin Thomas

Austin Thomas '21 Entrepreneur

Meet Austin
Schreyer Scholar Nora Van Horn

Nora Van Horn '22 Liberal Arts Major and Environmental Sustainability Advocate

Meet Nora
Schreyer Scholar Rafay Nasir

Rafay Nasir '21 Medical Researcher

Meet Rafay
Schreyer Scholar Kriston Ramdass

Kriston Ramdass '21 Aerospace Engineer

Meet Kriston
Schreyer Scholar Himani Vommi

Himani Vommi '22 Cybersecurity Analyst

Meet Himani
Scholar Assistants Scholar Ambassadors

Join the Pride Next Steps

Accept Your Offers

Ready to become a Schreyer Scholar and a Nittany Lion? If you haven't done so already, accept both your Penn State and Schreyer Honors College offers!

Accept Schreyer Offer Accept Penn State Offer

Learn About the Honors Community

Explore our community of motivated students who are committed to making the most of their undergraduate experiences — both inside and outside of the classroom.

Learn More

Complete Housing & Food Contract

After accepting your Penn State and Schreyer Honors College offers, you must complete your Housing & Food Service contract by May 15 to guarantee on-campus housing for the fall semester.

Complete Your Contract Explore Honors Housing

Get Oriented

Schedule your New Student Orientation (NSO) at Penn State and make plans to attend Schreyer Honors Orientation (SHO TIME) right before fall classes begin.

NSO SHO TIME