Opening Doors to Tennessee’s Brightest Talent
At UT, student success starts with people. We see students as emerging scholars, creative thinkers, and community leaders who bring bold ambitions to Rocky Top. Our role is to recognize your hard work, clear pathways to opportunity, and help you build what comes next.
In the Chancellor’s Honors Program, you will find more than a strong academic experience. You will join a community of peers, faculty, mentors, and coaches who challenge your thinking, invest in your growth, and help turn your goals into meaningful experiences.
“When a student works with that level of discipline and focus, our responsibility as university leaders is simple: honor their hard work, clear away confusion, and make sure they know their home is right here on Rocky Top. We are ready to invest in everything you hope to become.”
— Dr. Amber Williams, Senior Vice Provost for Student Success & Chief Honors Officer
What is the Chancellor’s Honors Program?
Chancellor’s Honors Program Benefits
Joining the Chancellor’s Honors Program is about more than earning a title on your transcript. You become part of a community of faculty, mentors, coaches, and peers who expect a lot from you and support you along the way.
- An interdisciplinary honors minor built for real-world problem solving: Through a human-centered, design-thinking curriculum, you will strengthen the creativity, innovation, leadership, and collaborative skills needed to tackle complex challenges and make a meaningful impact.
- A selective community that challenges and elevates you: Join a small cohort of UT’s most academically accomplished students, where close faculty engagement and ambitious peers create an environment that pushes you to think bigger, work harder, and grow further.
- Funded experiences beyond the classroom: Through Summit, Catalyst, Global, Haslam 50, Baker Founders, and Health Fellows, you can pursue research, internships, global study, leadership experiences, and targeted pathways that connect your learning to real work.
- Modern spaces built for connection: Beginning in Fall 2027, honors scholars will live in Torchbearer Hall and use the new Student Success Center, including a dedicated Honors Lounge and collaborative spaces for study, conversation, and support. Human-centered design-thinking curriculum that strengthens innovation, creativity, and leadership.
- Leadership and engagement opportunities with lasting impact: Take on meaningful ways to lead, serve, and contribute on campus and beyond while building the confidence, experience, and relationships that support your growth.
- Dedicated Honors faculty who know and invest in you: Learn alongside faculty who challenge your ideas, mentor your ambitions, and provide personal guidance throughout your honors experience.
- Priority registration that puts your academic goals first: Receive early access to course registration, helping you build the schedule you need to make steady progress toward your degree and explore the opportunities that matter most to you.
- Personalized Honors coaching for your next steps: Work with specialized coaches to clarify your goals, build on your strengths, navigate key decisions, and prepare for long-term academic, professional, and personal success.
- Access to high-impact opportunities that expand what is possible: Connect with research, fellowships, and other transformative experiences that deepen your learning, strengthen your résumé, and help you shape a path uniquely your own.
Stackable Funding: University Scholarships and Honors Awards
Big ideas need real support. That is why we provide funding that helps you explore your interests, pursue hands-on learning, and focus on the work that excites you.
- First-Year Investment: Every Chancellor’s Honors scholar receives a $500 award during the first year to help you get started, explore your interests, and build momentum on campus.
- Subsequent-Year Growth: After your first year, your award increases to $1,000 annually to support bigger goals, deeper learning, and new academic opportunities.
Your Chancellor’s Honors awards, stipends, and fellowships stack on top of your general university scholarships, allowing your institutional merit aid and honors funding can work together to help you pursue bigger goals with less financial stress.
When you apply to UTK, you are automatically considered for university-level institutional awards based on your academic achievements, including your GPA and ACT or SAT scores. For detailed eligibility requirements, award tiers, and confirmation deadlines, visit One Stop Student Services at onestop.utk.edu.
Chancellor’s Honors Program Requirements
Chancellor’s Honors students are expected to make timely progress toward honors graduation while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. As part of the program, each scholar completes a capstone in the senior year that brings together their honors learning and academic interests. Students who are not meeting program expectations may be required to complete additional academic coaching and support. Students who successfully complete the program receive special graduation recognition.
How to Apply
Guaranteed Honors Admission: Recognizing Your Drive
If you are a Tennessee high school senior with an exceptional academic record, there is a clear path to the Chancellor’s Honors Program at Rocky Top.
Tennessee high school seniors who earn a 34 or higher on the ACT and maintain a 4.0 GPA are guaranteed admission to the Chancellor’s Honors Program. To secure your place, submit both your undergraduate application to the University of Tennessee and your Chancellor’s Honors application by the applicable November deadlines. Completing both applications on time allows our team to begin preparing your academic pathway, mentorship connections, and support before you arrive on campus.
The Application Process
University Honors uses a holistic review process to consider every application. Whether you qualify for guaranteed admission or are applying through holistic review, follow these steps:
- Apply to UT. Submit your undergraduate admission application by the university’s early action deadline.
- Complete the Chancellor’s Honors application. Eligible students will receive an email invitation to submit the Chancellor’s Honors Program application and required supplemental materials. The application is also eligible
- Submit all materials by the deadline. All students must complete both applications by the November deadline to be considered for the Chancellor’s Honors Program.