For over 50 years the Honors Program has given men of talent the opportunity to pursue an education in an environment tailored to the way men learn best.
The Honors Program is meant for the student who gives evidence of intellectual curiosity, independence of thought, excitement in learning, appreciation of knowledge—for the young man who sparks the enthusiasm of fellow students and challenges the best in his teachers. With its small classes and excellent faculty, Hampden-Sydney provides a first- rate learning environment for such active, engaged students. The program is designed to provide the strongest academic students at the College with opportunities for enriched classroom experiences and independent research pursuits; to enhance students’ liberal arts education by providing interdisciplinary experiences; and to create and sustain a community of like- minded young scholars.
Benefits of being an Honors Scholar
Hampden-Sydney Honors Scholars receive special designations during convocation and graduation. It is not a scholarship program, but Honors Scholars are eligible for additional benefits:
- housing option for a small number of upperclassman Honors Scholars who wish to live together in a special academic environment
- engagement in scholarly training, research, and activity beyond those done by the typical Hampden-Sydney student
- eligibility for the the Harrison Scholarship, a scholarship for exemplary students who have excelled while at the College. Candidates are identified after their freshman year at Hampden-Sydney, based on their grades. Harrison Scholars are entitled to the same benefits, and bound by the same requirements, as other Honors Scholars. The merit scholarship is $5,000 a year for the junior and senior years, added to existing scholarship aid.