Academics

Schreyer Honors College lauded for quality as one of top public programs

Penn State Schreyer Honors College students from the spring 2014 graduating class -- the largest in history, with 465 Scholars -- celebrated at the Nittany Lion shrine. Credit: Schreyer Honors College / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Receiving five out of five “mortarboards,” Penn State's Schreyer Honors College has been recognized for the high quality of its programs in a recent evaluation of public honors colleges by Public University Press.

“A Review of Fifty Public University Honors Programs,” published in October, uses a mortarboard rating system (similar to a star rating system) in which honors programs received up to five mortarboards to indicate their performance.

“The ranking reflects the exceptional academic work and leadership we see put forth by our Scholars each day, as well as the continued support of the University to enhance honors education at Penn State,” said Schreyer Honors College Dean Christian M. M. Brady.

“We are also very fortunate to have incredible faculty support in creating vibrant, learning experiences that engage our Scholars and create unprecedented opportunities to lead, learn and have an impact on the greater good," he added. "Our faculty work hand-in-hand with Scholars as they pursue original research and encourage them to take this, and their commitment to excellence, out in to the world to lead and help others."

The Schreyer Honors College is one of only seven programs to receive full marks, out of the 50 colleges evaluated. The other six are, in alphabetical order: Arizona State, Barrett Honors College; University of Kansas Honors Program; University of Michigan LSA Honors Program; University of South Carolina Honors College; UT Austin, Plan II Honors Program; and University of Virginia, Echols Scholars Program.

Public University Press decided to first evaluate programs in 2012 using a numerical ranking system. For its 2014 edition, the methodology weighs relevant data at each school for honors students, including such factors as graduation rates and requirements, class sizes, course ranges and types, residence halls, and other benefits (for example, merit scholarships).

Penn State established the University Scholars Program in 1980. In 1997, the program was expanded and renamed in honor of philanthropists William and Joan Schreyer, who came forward with a landmark $30 million gift. Their commitment transformed the program into an honors college that helped to redefine honors education throughout the nations’ public universities. Today, the college offers more than 250 courses across the University curriculum. In spring 2014, Schreyer graduated its largest class since its founding, with 465 Honors Scholars receiving their degrees.

Last Updated November 20, 2014

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