The Case for The Public University – Honors College

For college bound families evaluating schools it is useful to consider the case for the public university Honors College that is asserted by The New York Times – Frank Bruni. Bruni is well known for his best selling book – Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania, 2015 […]
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For college bound families evaluating schools it is useful to consider the case for the public university Honors College that is asserted by The New York Times – Frank Bruni. Bruni is well known for his best selling book – Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania, 2015 and his keen insights into the college admissions process.

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Bruni claims that “There are a few reasons not to applaud these honors tracks. Some universities lavish disproportionate energy on them, eager for bragging rights and trying to draw students whose profiles may bolster the university’s stature and rankings, and they use financial aid money that could go to needier cases for honors college recruits.”

Bruni highlights the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. He makes the case that there is a way to combine an intimate academic environment with a state school’s sweep and socioeconomic diversity.  He mentions several others and suggests that students and their families compare Honors Programs to other private elite institutions.

While more students are considering public university honor colleges as both an affordable and excellent path towards college completion, it is not always easy to see these highlighted within college rankings.  If you are considering the Honors path be sure to check out a website Public University Honors and use it as a practical starting point for families looking for information on leading honors programs.

In the mean time, please share your comments about your experience with Honors Programs?