Helping your student apply to colleges and decide where to go to college can involve complicated choices and high stakes. Our Parents Guide blog series is here to help you guide your student to make the right decisions throughout the college application and decision processes.
UNH's new Hamel Honors & Scholars College is welcoming its inaugural class this fall. If you are the parent of a high-achieving student who wants to challenge themselves in college, this post is for you. Read on to learn more about the benefits of attending the Honors College at UNH and why it might be the right fit for your student.
UNH students collaborating in an honors course
What is the UNH Hamel Honors & Scholars College?
The UNH Hamel Honors & Scholars College will welcome its inaugural class in the fall of 2024. At the Honors College, your student will meet a community of like-minded and academically-motivated students who want to take their educational opportunities to the next level.
UNH Hamel Scholars retreat in Portsmouth
Why is being in the Honors College worth it for my student?
The Honors College offers students the flexibility to shape their own educational paths while engaging in hands-on learning among a community of dedicated faculty and high-achieving peers.
A few of the unique opportunities for Honors College students include:
- The ability to take upper-level courses to fulfill Discovery requirements through the Discovery Flex Option
- Small, discussion-based seminars taught by UNH's most esteemed faculty
- The ability to meet honors peers and discover nature through the Honors Outdoor Orientation Trips (HOOT)
- The opportunity to complete an honors thesis project with one-on-one guidance from a faculty mentor
How can my student be admitted to the Honors College?
Admitted and current UNH students are automatically considered for the Honors College. Successful candidates will be invited to join the Honors College at the time they are admitted to the university. No separate application is required. Admission to the Honors College is both holistic and highly competitive. For Fall 2024, the Honors College acceptance rate was 9.6%. You can learn more about the Honors College admissions process here.
UNH student receiving degree at the commencement ceremony
How will graduating from the Hamel Honors & Scholars College impact my student?
After graduating, your student will be able to take with them the many skills gained through the Honors College, including independence, one-on-one faculty mentorship, a head start on career, graduate school goals and so much more. In fact, 96% of UNH Honors students are employed or furthering their education after graduation. Students who successfully complete honors requirements will have the designation added to their UNH diploma and transcript.
What scholarships or awards will my honors student be eligible for?
Students who are admitted into the Hamel Honors & Scholars College usually receive merit-based scholarships above and beyond additional UNH awards. Once Honors College students reach their sophomore year, they are invited to apply each spring for one of 40-60 scholarships for continuing students. In 2023-2024, UNH Honors awarded $881,783 in scholarships to 133 students. The minimum annual merit award for honors students is $9k.
learn more about the Honors College
request information about UNH HOnors
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How to Visit Campus
Are you ready to plan your UNH campus visit and tour our campus? Prospective students have told us they love visiting UNH over the summer. You can grab an ice cream at the Campus Creamery, enjoy the beautiful weather and—the best part—see everything UNH has to offer with your own eyes. visit our campus
