At the Honors College at Rutgers–New Brunswick, you'll be inspired by real-world challenges to create groundbreaking ideas within a community of peers who share that sense of purpose. You'll be empowered through rigorous academics, personalized mentorship, and resources to bring your vision to life. And here, you'll be connected like never before—to Honors students across New Brunswick and to a network of industry leaders, researchers, and changemakers ready to help you make your mark. Inspired. Empowered. Connected.
Honors students come from across the nation and around the world to access experiential learning, deep community engagement, and an interdisciplinary curriculum at a large research university in the heart of New Jersey. See what they have to say about the Honors College experience.
“Through the Honors College’s interdisciplinary curriculum, I have explored interests outside my Supply Chain Management major, from walking pilgrimages in Ireland to learning Korean. This cross-cultural education has provided me with unique perspectives that have proved to be vital within my business school coursework.”
– Smruthi S. ('25, RBS/HC)
“One of my Honors College highlights has been serving as a lead ambassador and connecting with prospective students and their families. The Honors College is a supportive, diverse, and welcoming community that encourages and inspires me to fulfill my highest potential.”
– Matthew E. ('26, SAS/HC)
"The Honors College has allowed me to meet incredible people and gain unique experiences. With the support of our deans, I have gained tangible research experience at the intersection of medicine and computer science. I've also met lifelong friends whom I look forward to growing with!"
– Ali A. ('26, SAS/HC)
Honors College students are among the highest achieving students admitted into the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers Business School–New Brunswick, Mason Gross School of the Arts, and Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy.
Admission to the Honors College is competitive and is based on a comprehensive review of the student’s application, including academic strength and performance, extracurricular activities, and the overall competitiveness of the applicant pool. To be considered for the Honors College, students must apply by December 1 by answering the “honors consideration” question on the application. This means you must check the box indicating interest in Rutgers Honors and respond to the essay prompt.
All admitted students will receive their Honors invitation in mid-March 2026.
Admission to the Honors College is competitive. Approximately 10% of the incoming class receives offers to the Honors College based on a comprehensive review of the student's application, including academic strength and performance, extracurricular activities, and overall competitiveness of the applicant pool.
As a Rutgers–New Brunswick honors student, you will have access to dedicated honors housing, individualized advising, tailored community engagement, opportunities to pursue leadership, research, and other professional development experiences, and to apply for study abroad and research funding.
Honors housing will be available across Rutgers–New Brunswick’s campuses, but you are not required to live in Honors housing. Honors students can choose to live in Honors housing with fellow Honors students, live in alternative on-campus residences, or live off-campus and commute. Our location at 5 Seminary Place, on our College Avenue campus, serves as headquarters for Honors College faculty and staff, with dedicated space for studying and ongoing events. Programming will occur in all Honors residential spaces and will be open to the entire Honors community.