University Scholars

The University Scholars Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree.

Students in the University Scholars Program can declare any major. Students complete the curriculum for their chosen major but they also take honors courses. These courses are generally smaller in class size. They typically complement the coursework in the students’ chosen major(s) and/or satisfy core curriculum requirements.

Students apply for the University Scholars Program because they are looking for an academic challenge beyond the typical undergraduate curriculum. Honors courses allow students to learn alongside other high-achieving students with the personal guidance of professors.

Students in Xavier’s University Scholars Program also benefit from priority housing selection in their first year with access to Buenger Hall, early course registration, travel stipends and access to private honors study lounges.

Students who complete the curriculum requirements for Xavier’s University Scholars Program graduate with honors as a University Scholar.

Here are the three major requirements for Xavier’s University Scholars Program:

1. Scholars must complete any six courses with the Honors (HONR) attribute; these courses are expected to overlap largely with a student's core requirements and/or a student's major
2. At least one of these six courses must be HONR 300 (a multidisciplinary "Connections" course taught by two faculty from different departments) any time after their first year;
3. Scholars must maintain a cumulative 3.000 grade point average during their freshman year and a 3.200 cumulative grade point average thereafter. Note: only Honors courses with a C or above meet a Scholars requirement.

Any incoming student is eligible to apply, although Xavier’s University Scholars Program is very selective. Students accepted into the program generally rank in the top 15 percent of their high school class. Applicants need to complete an application form, which includes a brief essay. An interview may also be requested.

Before accessing honors and scholarship applications, students must submit an application for admission to Xavier, either through the Common Application or the Xavier application. Upon submission of an application for admission students will receive an email with log-in credentials that will allow you to access scholarship applications, honors applications and your personal application status page.

When are applications due for University Scholar Programs?

Applications for Xavier’s University Scholar Program can be completed any time after submitting an application for admission to Xavier, but no later than June 15.

The University Scholars Program allows Xavier students from every college and major to be challenged with greater academic depth and rigor through a sequence of classes they choose to complement their major and core requirements. Scholars take six Honors courses over four years, five of which are chosen wholly by the student (to maximize a student's interests and schedule flexibility); the sixth course, HONR 300, is taken in the second, third, or fourth year and is a multi-disciplinary exploration taught by two faculty from different departments that addresses big ideas that highlight connections between fields. Honors sections of courses highlight smaller enrollments and take advantage of interaction between Honors peers. They emphasize learning across the university and engagement with the world.

Acceptance into the University Scholars Program comes with many benefits, the most substantial of which may be the recently added $2000 travel grant available for use toward any Xavier-run or Xavier-affiliated international education program. More details may be found here. Additionally, University Scholars are given the option for priority housing selection their first year, early registration each semester, and access to the Honors Lounge, with its kitchen and study facilities in Alter Hall. 

Minimum requirements for a student to graduate with Honors as a University Scholar include:

1. Scholars must complete any six courses with the Honors (HONR) attribute; these courses are expected to overlap largely with a student's core requirements and/or a student's major;
2. At least one of the six courses must be HONR 300 (a multidisciplinary "Connections" course taught by two faculty from different departments) any time after their first year;
3. Scholars must maintain a cumulative 3.000 grade point average during their freshman year and a 3.200 cumulative grade point average thereafter. Note: only Honors courses with a C or above meet a Scholars requirement. Students whose grade point averages fall below these figures will be placed on probation within the Program and given a semester in which to bring up their grades.