Where Curiosity Meets Courageous Action
You bring the vision, curiosity, and drive to make a difference. We bring the mentorship, funding, and community to help you turn that ambition into action.
Welcome to University Honors at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Honors education on Rocky Top is not about standing apart or collecting accolades. It is about joining a community where ambitious students from every background are seen, supported, and challenged to solve real problems.
“We measure the true strength of University Honors not simply by test scores, but by the courage, empathy, and collaborative spirit our scholars bring to their communities. When you believe in students unconditionally and back them with dedicated faculty, coaching and resources, there is no ceiling to what they can achieve.”
|
Chancellor’s Honors Program (CHP) For the Creative Problem-Solver Learn how to tackle society’s most complex issues through our innovative 18-credit minor rooted in human-centered design thinking. Work in cross-disciplinary teams, test bold prototypes, and turn ideas into tangible community solutions. |
Haslam Leadership Scholars (HALS) Join an intimate, fully funded cohort of emerging leaders committed to civic, organizational, and community transformation across Tennessee and beyond. Pair deep leadership study with executive mentorship, funded international immersion, and paid internships. |
College and Departmental Honors For the Focused Innovator Combine interdisciplinary honors learning with advanced research in your specific discipline, from engineering grand challenges and business leadership to nursing and pre-health pathways. |
Distinct Investments in Your Future
- Admissions & Tennessee Guaranteed Pathway: Automatic admission for Tennessee high school seniors with at least a 34 ACT and a 4.5 GPA when applying by the November deadline.
- Stackable Financial Support: Dedicated honors funding ($500 in year one, $1,000 annually in subsequent years) that stacks directly on top of institutional merit scholarships awarded through One Stop Student Services.
- Experiential Fellowship Grants: Direct project and travel funding through our Summit Fellows, Catalyst Fellows, and fully funded Global Fellows programs.
- Pre-Graduate Pipelines: Direct admission and reserved seats into premier health professional programs via our Health Fellows pathway.
Living, Learning, and Thriving Together
- A Modern Home in 2027: In 2027, first-year Honors students will move to UT’s newest residence hall, Torchbearer Hall, and will be able to connect with faculty and coaches daily in the exclusive Honors Lounge in the all-new Student Success Center.
- Honors Coaching as a Foundation: Every Honors scholar is paired with a professional coach to navigate transitions, explore undergraduate research, and map a path toward post-graduate goals.
Proven Outcomes & National Standing
♦ #8 National Ranking among honors colleges and programs in 2026.
♦ 99.0% First-Year Retention Rate (vs. 93.1% campus-wide).
♦ 80.4% Four-Year Graduation Rate (vs. 71.4% campus-wide).
♦ 90.0% Six-Year Graduation Rate (vs. 76.6% campus-wide).
♦ $65,021 to $73,917 Average Starting Salaries for honors alumni entering the workforce.
Getting Started
High School Students → Review Application Dates & Deadlines
Transfer Students → Learn More about University Honors
Prospective Families → Schedule a Meeting or Information Session