Deadline extended! The last day to apply is now May 1, 2025.
Note: Decisions will be released on a rolling basis throughout the month.
How to apply to the honors program:
- Write a 1-2 page essay about a book you've read that has had some sort of impact on you.
- Submit a video for consideration *
* Your essay is needed at the time of registration.
Is honors for straight-A students who fill their time with studying? Maybe that’s true for some — but most students in Augustana’s first-year honors program are just people who enjoy animated discussions, good questions, interesting problems and the drive to make a difference.
If this sounds like you, you'll be glad to know your community is here.
Have questions about the program? Email Kassidy Belcher and Rob Williams at honors@augustana.edu.
Why honors at Augustana?
- Roughly 60 adventurous honors students to study with
- Two standout honors classes, taught by a total of six faculty
- HONORS 101: Words that Changed the World
- HONORS 102: What Changed Minds?
- Incredible support as you make the transition to college
- Out-of-class engagement, from meetings with community leaders and breakfast at the president's house (Note: She has cute dogs), to chances to translate your academic studies into community engagement
- A bold foundation for your majors (you'll probably have two), regardless of your field(s)
- Completion of two graduation requirements in one year — similar to the First-Year Inquiry course (FYI) required of all first-year students — plus engagement beyond the class
Application deadlines
- Apply by Feb. 1, receive a decision by Feb. 15.
- Apply by March 1, receive a decision by March 15.
- Apply by April 1, receive a decision by April 15.
What do current and former students have to say?
"My writing skills grew exponentially during my time in the honors program. The professors truly cared about my personal and academic growth!"
"Honors got me into shape for college, thanks to Dr. Sarah McDowell. Not only did I get good at doing research and writing papers, but I got a full, in-depth course about huge topics like how to live my life. I heavily recommend the experience!"
"The honors program exposed me to higher levels of thinking that most freshman or undergraduate students may get to experience. As a first-year student, I got to read high-level theories from Foucault in the queer theories class for FYH. Through this experience, I gained a broader perspective of how human sexuality and gender affect everyone."
"As part of Augustana's First-Year Honors Program, I did research, made connections, and went on field trips to get hands-on experience with the material we had covered in class. Through the program, I met great mentors and made so many memories!"
About Austin E. Knowlton
A lifelong resident of Ohio, Austin E. “Dutch” Knowlton was a successful businessman, avid sportsman and philanthropist. He established the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation. One of the primary purposes of the foundation is to advance higher education. Augustana College is one institution to benefit from the generosity of this philanthropist.