UD Honors College ranked No. 11 nationally

The University of Delaware Honors College has been ranked No. 11 among the nation's best honors colleges, according to a national ranking released by College Transitions, a higher education research and advising organization that evaluates honors programs across the country.

The ranking places UD's Honors College among a select group of programs recognized for academic rigor, faculty mentorship, student engagement and undergraduate research opportunities within large public universities.

"The recognition that this ranking confers reflects the high quality of the UD Honors College - the engaged and committed students, the dedicated faculty who teach and mentor in the program and the caring staff who foster an incredible community that lasts well beyond commencement," President Laura Carlson said.

Interim Provost William Farquhar said the Honors College is increasingly attractive to students seeking a more challenging academic experience, helping to raise the profile of the entire University. Applications to the Honors College are up about 23% over the past two years.

"Interest from prospective honors students continues to grow because they know they'll be encouraged every day to reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom," Farquhar said.

College Transitions evaluates honors colleges using criteria that include curriculum design, experiential learning, faculty involvement, residential community, selectivity and post-graduate outcomes.

The UD Honors College integrates the resources of a major research university with the structure of a smaller academic community. Students enroll in discussion-based seminars capped at small numbers, work closely with faculty mentors and pursue research, creative scholarship and interdisciplinary coursework beginning as early undergraduates.