5 KU Honors students working on a kayak building project.

High-achieving students

With a commitment to changing our world for the better, KU prepares today’s scholars to lead extraordinary lives. Expect opportunities to thrive and latitude to rise.


Your Opportunities

University Honors Program

Foster your talents and fuel your curiosity in the University Honors Program, where you’ll learn from renowned faculty, with top scholars, in small, discussion-based courses.

Students talking in common area

Merit-based scholarships

Most renewable freshman scholarships from KU are based on GPA, with up to $40,000 served to in-state students and $67,000 to out-of-state students. Depending on your performance in high school classes, you could be eligible for significant awards and cost savings.

Student and professor in the field on an autumn day

Grants, fellowships, and enrichment programs

Depending on your major or grades, you may be eligible for entrance into one or more KU enrichment programs — many of which offer tuition assistance and research opportunities. Here are a few:

Students with a dancing robot



More to know before applying

  • You may be assured admission to KU

    Students who meet certain requirements are assured admission into KU’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (the College). Other schools and programs outside of the College may have additional requirements to gain admission.

  • How to apply to the University Honors Program

    The priority deadline to apply to the honors program is Dec. 1. You can do so as part of your KU admissions application, or you can apply separately.

  • Other programs in your major

    Considering a particular major or area of study? Many KU schools and departments offer their own honors programs and performance-based enrichment opportunities. Contact the school or department you’re exploring to learn more.

Get started

Ready to apply? We only require GPA — not SAT or ACT scores — for general admission and institutional scholarships. If you want more information, join our mailing list or contact your admissions rep.