Our nationally recognized and widely respected Honors Program offers academically talented and highly motivated students special educational and social opportunities designed to enrich their academic experience.
“I feel that the Illinois State University Honors Program has really enhanced my overall experience at Illinois State University. It has made my college experience more challenging and (at the same time) rewarding.” - Alex
Praised as one of only two state university Honors Programs in Illinois that provide students with "an Ivy League education" and featured in a recent New York Times article, our program enrolls students whose high school records equal those of undergraduates at some of the most selective colleges and universities in the nation.
Special academic work leading to a student being designated as a Departmental Honors Scholar is available in all academic departments or schools in the University. Honors students have the opportunity to live and learn in a unique environment, the Honors House, where residents value diversity and commitment to education.
Learn more about the Honors Program
We know you'll be having so much fun it will be difficult to leave even for semester break, so why would you want to leave for a whole semester or year? Because of the outstanding opportunity to participate in National Student Exchange and the Study Abroad programs!
Even though we'll miss you, there are plenty of reasons to consider these programs.
The study abroad and National Student Exchange programs offer you the opportunity to experience other cultures and different learning environments. You may participate for a summer, a semester or even an academic year and earn full credit at Illinois State. There are participating institutions in 16 countries, 48 of the 50 states, and in Quam, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C..
