UT San Antonio Honors College Discover your full potential in The University of Texas at San Antonio Honors College. Rooted in experiential learning, our classes and programs are hands-on and project-based. Turn every experience into a skill-building, career development and personal growth opportunity. From creating a maker space in an elementary school, to training for a marathon, to living off the grid in Costa Rica, to designing a vaccine tracker app...no matter what your major is or what you want to become, the honors experience will prepare you to chart your path and change the world.
“The UT San Antonio Honors College is a hub for curious and committed students to transform their futures. Our team accompanies students and their families from the moment they apply to the moment they graduate.
Gina Amatangelo Interim Vice Provost for Honors Education Distinguished Teaching Professor, Public Administration
We coach students to create an individualized roadmap to achieve their personal and professional goals. Through transformative experiences, the Honors College helps students build courage, skills and connections to accelerate upward mobility and help them emerge as global citizens who will flourish in their careers. Our small class sizes and living-learning community offer students a sense of home away from home where they can each be their authentic selves.”
WANT MORE INFO ABOUT THE COLLEGE?
Visit honors.utsa.edu
Honors College By the Numbers
3,100+ 360
60
undergraduate students
residential beds
35+
1,100+ $1.5M
endowed scholarships
signature classes
students awarded scholarships
in scholarships funded by the Honors College
UT San Antonio The University of Texas at San Antonio is redefining higher education. With a focus on student success, research excellence and comprehensive patient care, our university is a model for public universities of the future. We empower career-ready graduates and health professionals by delivering degrees, licenses and certifications with lasting impact, while also fueling economic growth for our region, state and nation. We are the third-largest public research university in Texas and offer the most comprehensive range of educational opportunities available in the state. CAMPUS TOURS
are available through the Welcome Center. Schedule a tour today at (210) 458-5145. Ask about Honors Collegespecific tours!
Why Honors College Join Our Honors Family The Honors College is home to the most intellectually curious and committed students across all majors at UT San Antonio. Whether you are quirky, compassionate, generous, shy, outgoing, focused, wicked smart or a combination, we know you’ll find your fit within our close-knit honors family. We focus on creating a small elite college experience at a fraction of the price.
Say Hi! Contact the Honors College at (210) 458-4106 or email honorsadmissions@utsa.edu.
Honors Residential College Universities across the country have found that students living on campus have greater academic success. As a first-year student in the UT San Antonio Honors College, you will live and study with other honors students in a supportive community designed to help you succeed. Visit honors. utsa.edu to learn about our residential housing requirement.
The Benefits Are Endless Priority registration, dedicated academic counseling, peer coaching, access to awards and scholarships (including dedicated national scholarship and fellowship preparation), small classes with UT San Antonio’s most outstanding faculty, research, publishing and presentation opportunities, camaraderie with an immediate group of friends...the list goes on!
Experiential Learning Chart your honors path by tailoring what you want to accomplish and how you want to accomplish it. Whether through courses or independently designed activities, honors experiences will take you where you want to go.
Experiences include: Internships Research Independent study with faculty members Study abroad Service learning Community projects Research Match Program And more!
The Honors Experience Experience-Based Learning Because our curriculum is experience-based, it can be highly customized to fit each student’s individual goals. Most of our experiences can be completed either through an honors course or non-curricular experiences. This allows students the flexibility of graduating with honors without adding significant additional coursework or delaying graduation.
Students graduating from the Honors College must complete: Honors 101:
Experiences:
Under mentorship from faculty, staff, and peers, students chart out their Honors path at UT San Antonio and the experiences that will prepare them in life, work and study upon graduation
6 experiences chosen from the following options:
Civic Ethos:
Service Professional Development/ Internship Intellectual Achievement/Research
An introductory course to service, democratic ideals and civic engagement
Cultural Exploration/Study Abroad
Honors Topics in World Cultures:
Skill Development
A deep-dive into a cultural tradition and heritage
Honors Composition II: Persuasive communication and critical thinking
Engaged Living Double Major First-Year Seminar Independent/Graduate-Level Study Interdisciplinary Honors Seminar Honors College courses Honors student consultants
Benefits As a UT San Antonio Honors College student, you have access to: Priority registration Scholarships Competitive opportunities funding Residential honors experience Network with top students and employers in region and beyond Priority consideration for programs like Citymester and Legislative Fellows Experiential courses that encourage practical skills beyond your major Individualized mentorship Honors funded study abroad opportunities Guided career coaching
Honors Academic Counseling Honors College students have access to phenomenal resources, including our Honors Academic Counselors and peer coaches, who guide them through the honors curriculum and beyond. Honors students are also assigned a major-specific academic advisor for their degree and graduation requirements.
Experiential Learning Lab The Honors College Experiential Learning Lab is a space where students are counseled and coached to advance through the Honors curriculum and achieve beyond their expectations. Students can learn about internships, research opportunities, certifications and other experiences that count towards the Honors College curriculum and that help them become career ready and competitive.
Honors College Special Programs Archer Fellowship The Bill Archer Fellowship Program brings highly motivated and accomplished students to Washington, D.C. to participate in varied internships and take part in classes focusing on policy, economics, and persuasion. UT San Antonio Archer Fellows intern in our nation’s capital, working with organizations such as the United Nations, offices within the White House, on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies and non-profit organizations.
Citymester The UT San Antonio Citymester Program is a summer of internship, service, and seminar courses where the City of San Antonio is our classroom. Students work with nonprofits, businesses or other agencies based on their career goals. Students engage in a micro-internship, service project, and leadership development during this program.
Legislative Fellows Considering a future in politics or public policy? The Legislative Fellows Program provides an opportunity for students to gain hands-on policy experience and cultivate their leadership skills while interning at the Texas Capitol during the biennial legislative session.
Texas Leadership Scholars The Texas Leaderships Scholars program at UT San Antonio is designed for ambitious, high-achieving students who are committed to making a meaningful impact. The program supports scholars with leadership development, mentorship, networking, and scholarship funding. Scholars also gain access to transformative opportunities,including undergraduate research, study abroad experiences, and other high-impact learning opportunities that prepare them for future success.
Terry Scholars® Terry Scholars at UT San Antonio is a program designed for students with a distinguished record of leadership and a deep rooted desire to enrich the general welfare of their community. These multi-talented future leaders receive a scholarship to cover the cost of learning and living at UT San Antonio.
Top Scholars The UT San Antonio Top Scholar program is a comprehensive merit scholar program for academically driven students who want to develop into exceptional servant leaders. UT San Antonio Top Scholars receive a comprehensive, last-dollar scholarship and specialized programming.
Scholarship Support Housed in the Honors College, the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards helps UT San Antonio students prepare for and apply to prestigious national scholarships that allow them to pursue amazing academic and career opportunities worldwide. -- honors.utsa.edu/onca
Honors students have earned national recognition, including: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship: $139,000 to fund Ph.D. programs
Richard Lujan ‘28 Cyber Security Major, Citymester, summer 2026
“The Citymester program offered by the Honors College really brought everything together and included weekly site visits across San Antonio, which connected me to city leaders. Thanks to UT San Antonio, I’ve gained the confidence, discipline and sense of purpose to lead with integrity.”
DoD SMART Scholarship: up to $40,000 in undergraduate tuition Truman Scholarship: $30,000 awarded to future leaders in public service Goldwater Scholarship: up to $15,000 awarded to leading undergraduate researchers Fulbright Student Program: One year of funding to travel abroad following graduation
Fun Fact From 2005-2026, UT San Antonio students won over $1.2 million in nationally competitive awards.
Margarita Solis ‘26 Public Health Major, Archer Fellow, spring 2026
“Being part of the Honors College has been one of the most transformative aspects of my college experience. It has challenged me to grow both personally and professionally while opening doors to opportunities I never imagined possible.”
Top Scholar Program The UT San Antonio Top Scholar program is a premier scholar program, well-known and highly regarded across the state for developing award winning, academically talented and exceptional servant leaders. We search the state for highly motivated students and provide experiences that empower and fuel their passions in a supportive community.
Benefits: Four-year scholarship that includes funding for tuition, fees, and room and board Support for a funded global experience Priority registration, one-on-one advising, smaller classes
How to Apply STEP 1 Submit an application to UT San Antonio for admission.
Live in Honors Residential College
STEP 2
Access to internship and research opportunities
Activate your myUTSA ID sent to you via email. Processing times vary and are dependent on the admissions process, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Exclusive interaction with university and community leaders
Competitive Candidates: Applicants who have the best chance of being invited to an on-campus interview will be first-time college students who have: 1440+ on the new SAT* 32+ on the ACT* Class rank in the top five percent of their graduating class Record of community volunteerism and leadership in school Texas residency * Please check the Top Scholar website for updates regarding test score requirements.
HONORS.UTSA.EDU/TOPSCHOLARS
STEP 3 Submit the Top Scholar program application via the UT San Antonio Scholarship Hub at onestop.utsa.edu/hub by December 1.
Scholar Spotlight
‘‘
The defining factor of the Top Scholar program is people who care deeply. This community has a unique curiosity, passion for change, and culture of uplifting one another that has changed my life and many others.
Through UT San Antonio’s Top Scholar program, Archer Fellowship and Citymester programs I have lived in Washington DC for a semester, working in both the U.S. Senate and House, completed four internships at NASA, studied abroad in Costa Rica, explored the community and local government, and even cofounded a sustainable soap making club! Many places can teach technical skills. But the depth of my experience at the crossroads of engineering, research, policy, and civic engagement would only have been possible as a UT San Antonio Top Scholar.
Patrick Hughes ‘27 San Antonio, TX Mechanical Engineering
Terry Scholars® Funded by the Terry Foundation®, this competitive scholarship program is designed to help high achieving, motivated and community minded students develop themselves in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Community. A select group of high school seniors are selected each year based on demonstrated leadership potential, academic strength and financial need.
Benefits: Receive full funding for up to eight semesters (amount varies based on financial need) Receive additional funding (up to $5,000) to support a study abroad experience Live in Honors Residential College Be part of a community that participates in regular service projects
Competitive Candidates: Applicants who have the best chance of being invited to interview with the Terry Foundation® will be first-time college students who: Graduate of a Texas high school A U.S. citizen or permanent resident Are a Texas resident Rank in top 25% of a Texas high school Demonstrate financial need Have a completed FAFSA on file with UT San Antonio Demonstrate a strong record of community volunteerism and leadership
HONORS.UTSA.EDU/TERRYSCHOLARS
How to Apply STEP 1 Submit an application to UT San Antonio for admission
STEP 2 Activate your myUTSA ID sent to you via email. Processing times vary and are dependent on the admissions process, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
STEP 3 Submit the Terry Scholars program application via the UT San Antonio Scholarship Hub at onestop.utsa.edu/hub by December 1.
Scholar Spotlight
‘‘
Being part of the Honors College and the Terry Scholar community has been one of the greatest gifts of my time at UT San Antonio. These programs didn’t just support my education, they transformed the way I see myself and the world.
Through an Honors experiential learning course, I had the chance to observe podcast recordings on-site and even pitch my own podcast idea, a moment that taught me to trust my voice and believe in the stories I want to tell. That experience showed me not only how to market the ideas I care about, but also how to market myself. I’m proud to be a Roadrunner, proud to be a Terry Scholar, and proud of the legacy I’m creating through every experience, every challenge, and every community I’ve been lucky enough to be part of.
Natalie Le ‘27
Houston, TX Double-major in Marketing and Cybersecurity
Texas Leadership Scholars Program The Texas Leadership Scholars program at UT San Antonio is for committed, motivated and high achieving students who want to maximize every part of their collegiate journey. Scholars are guided and coached to and through internships, undergraduate research, leadership development, global experiences and volunteerism within the Honors College. This scholarship is jointly funded by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and UT San Antonio.
Benefits: Receive funding for up to eight semesters Supplemental advising and mentoring Access to professional, academic, and personal development opportunities Live in the Honors Residential College
Competitive Candidates: Applicants who have the best chance of being selected by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board are first-time in college students who: Graduated in the Top 10% of their class Graduated from an accredited Texas high school Demonstrate Texas Grant eligibility Have evidence of leadership and service within their community
How to Apply STEP 1 Obtain and complete THECB TLS application and recommendation from a high school staff member (couselor, teacher, principal, etc.).
STEP 2 Submit an application to UT San Antonio for admission
STEP 3 Activate your myUTSA ID sent to you via email. Processing times vary and are dependent on the admissions process, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
STEP 4 Submit the supplemental TLS program application via the UT San Antonio Scholarship Hub at onestop.utsa.edu/hub HONORS.UTSA.EDU/TLS
Scholar Spotlight
‘‘
Being a Texas Leadership Scholar has opened doors I never imagined possible. It has given me an education that challenges me, opportunities that continue to shape my future, and friends who will continue to support me and be part of my community.
I found the support, encouragement, and sense of belonging I needed to grow becoming a Texas Leadership Scholar. I secured an internship with Family Violence Prevention Services, where I gained experience working with children and women in need of legal help. This program pushed me to believe in myself in ways I’ve never succeeded before. I can go forward knowing I’m supported by the honors community that continues to guide me.
Alina Garcia ‘28 Alamo, TX Politics and Law
Academic Profile & Accolades All Majors Welcome
Top Majors Biology Mechanical Engineering Computer Science
The Honors College provides a unique educational experience for intellectually curious students with a commitment to excellence. Students from all colleges and all majors thrive as they journey through The Honors Experience.
Cyber Security Psychology Neuroscience Kinesiology Electrical Engineering Biomedical Engineering Architecture Finance Biochemistry
Home Colleges 22% Sciences 20% Engineering 15%
AI, Cyber, Computing
14%
Health, Community & Policy
11%
Liberal & Fine Arts
10% Business 1%
Education & Human Development
7%
University College
Student Snapshots Dylan Moran ‘25 Named Amgen Scholar, Goldwater Scholar and National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellow Undergraduate researcher in photocatalysis alongside Professor Oleg Larionov Studying organic chemistry in a PhD program at UC Berkeley
Jorge Vanegas ‘27 Goldwater Scholar – one of 450 in US Completed summer research experiences at Standford, TU-Darmstadt (Germany), and Yale Independently studying the use of capsaicin nanoparticles to treat chronic pain
Alana Schwartz ‘25 Participated in study abroad walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain Participated in Honors Trailblazing the National Parks program Taught English in Spain after graduation through Fulbright Student Program
Honors Admission Process Honors College Admission Admission to the Honors College is offered to a select number of highly motivated and successful students who wish to take charge of their education and achieve their highest potential at UT San Antonio. The first step is to apply to UT San Antonio. Visit future.utsa.edu/ apply on how to apply to UT San Antonio.
First Year Students Automatic admission to the Honors College will be granted to all incoming UT San Antonio first year students awarded a Distinguished Presidential Scholarship (DPS). Incoming first year students admitted after the DPS deadline (Jan. 15) will be admitted to the Honors College based on a holistic review process and space availability. Those accepted into Honors will be sent an invitation to join via email. The acceptance form included in the invitation must be submitted to officially become a member of the Honors College. Once we receive your acceptance, our Honors team will work with you to secure a spot in Guadalupe Hall, the home of our residential college, and help you prepare for your new journey at UT San Antonio.
Scholarships Incoming and current honors students who meet certain academic requirements enjoy access to more than 30 different scholarships open only to Honors College students. Amounts range from $500 to $4,500 per year. Not including the scholarships provided to Terry Scholars and Top Scholars, funding available to support UT San Antonio Honors College students exceeds $500,000. In addition, students may apply for grants ranging from $150 to $1,500 to defray the cost of educational travel, professional development, research, service or other experiential learning opportunities. For more information, visit honors.utsa.edu/scholarships.
Transfer Automatic admission to the Honors College will be granted to all incoming transfer students awarded a Distinguished Transfer Scholarship (DTS). Incoming transfers admitted after the DTS deadline will be reviewed holistically for admission. Those accepted into Honors will be sent an invitation to join via email. The acceptance form in the invitation must be submitted to officially become a member of the college. Visit onestop.utsa.edu/scholarships to find out if you’re eligible for the Distinguished Scholarships.
HONORS COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
honors.utsa.edu/ admissions/process
honors.utsa.edu One UTSA Circle San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 458-4160
Please note that information, dates and deadlines are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit future.utsa.edu.
2026-2027 Brochure ESMC26-9