Honors College: Where Ambition Meets Opportunity

At North Dakota State University, the Honors College is where you find your horizon and shape what’s possible.

It’s a community of bold thinkers who ask big questions, push boundaries and make a real impact. Here, curiosity meets purpose and new ideas take form, shaping the future in ways that matter.

Video Recording: Online Info Session for Fall 2026

Watch the recording of our Nov. 20 Zoom informational session about the Honors College.

Watch recording

Why choose NDSU’s Honors College?

A Place for Bold Ideas

The Honors College at NDSU invites you to think boldly, collaborate generously and see possibilities everywhere.

An Abundance Mindset

The NDSU Honors College is driven by an abundance mindset. You’ll learn through small, discussion-based courses, interdisciplinary inquiry and direct mentorship that turn ideas into impact while exploring emerging technologies such as AI, sustainability, policy, the arts, sciences and more.

Support That Fuels Your Future

Honors College students are eligible for up to $25,000 per year toward tuition, fees, housing and meals — for up to four years. This support helps you focus on discovery rather than finances.

Find Your Herd

During your first two years, you’ll live in the newly renovated Pavek Hall alongside peers to spark collaboration, innovation and community. Honors students experience a purposeful living-learning environment built for connection.

Think Boldly. Lead Confidently. Impact Globally.

The NDSU Honors College empowers you to go beyond traditional learning to create, lead and drive change that connects classroom knowledge with global perspectives.

Here, learning isn’t limited to lectures; it’s an experience designed to prepare you to lead with confidence and contribute meaningfully to the world.

What makes the Honors experience distinctive?

Early Move-In and Community Building

Start each semester with an early move-in experience that includes workshops and activities to help you build connections and hit the ground running.

Human Potential Studio

Collaborate in a dedicated space designed for creativity, innovation, and teamwork — exclusive to Honors College students.

Faculty and Community Fellows

Continue working alongside experts and leaders who mentor you through collaborative opportunities and help you shape your next bold step.

Structured Pathway with Flexibility

Complete 18 to 20 Honors credits that count toward general education requirements. Years one and two offer intentional, structured experiences while years three and four provide flexibility so students from any major can pursue their passions.

E-Portfolios from Day One

Begin building your digital portfolio in your first year and carry it forward throughout your time at NDSU, showcasing your growth and achievements.

Immersive Learning

Step outside the classroom during Immersion Weeks to learn from local startups, national organizations and global nonprofits — connecting theory with action.

Honors Research and Creative Activities

Earn credit by creating, not just completing. Develop projects, research ideas, or ventures that make an impact in your community or field.

This is Your Moment to Shape What’s Next

Apply today and claim your place in a community that believes in your potential. Once admitted, students who meet the requirements (3.98+ GPA or 3.0+ GPA & 30+ ACT [1370+ SAT]) will be invited to apply through the scholarship application, which opens Nov. 1.

  1. Apply to North Dakota State University
  2. Submit the scholarship application and supplemental Honors College application by the priority deadline of Dec. 1, 2025.

FAQ

Incoming first-year students who meet one of the following:

GPA of 3.98 to 4.00

OR

GPA of 3.0 or higher plus

  • ACT score of 30 or higher, or
  • SAT score of 1,370 or higher

Apply today! The application for the Honors College opened Nov. 1 and the priority submission deadline is Dec. 1.

The application process is competitive, and space is limited. Up to 30 students will be selected to participate in the Honors College, pending eligibility criteria are met.

Every major is welcome — and that’s the power of the Honors College. We’re intentionally multidisciplinary because big ideas don’t happen in silos. When engineers, artists, scientists and entrepreneurs come together, innovation thrives. Your unique perspective adds to a community where diversity of thought sparks collaboration and turns bold ideas into reality.

The NDSU Honors College Scholarship helps ensure affordability by covering up to $25,000 toward tuition, fees, housing, and meal plan costs. Any other scholarships or grants you receive will be applied first. If those awards don’t add up to $25,000, NDSU will make up the difference — so you can focus on learning, not worrying about costs.

Honors College students are required to live on campus in Pavek Hall for their first two years at NDSU. Honors College students will have the ability to select another Honors College student as their roommate, if desired.

18 to 20 credits that will also count towards general education requirements or major-specific capstone projects.