High-Achieving Students

Honors at Nebraska

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We know you have the potential to be a world-changer, and we want to help you get there. With three prestigious, tight-knit Honors communities, we have the resources and opportunities you need to stretch your strengths and build your future at Nebraska.

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University Honors

The University Honors Program provides high-ability students in any of our 100+ programs the opportunity to make the most of their college experience through challenging coursework and a customizable education.

As a University Honors student, you will:

  • Live in Honors housing and join a community of motivated student leaders on campus.
  • Work 1-to-1 with faculty on unique coursework and undergraduate research projects.
  • Gain eligibility for Honors-specific scholarships.
  • Collaborate with student mentors.
  • Engage in unique experiential learning opportunities.
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The Raikes School

The Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management is a leader in interdisciplinary education and innovation. Each year, the Raikes School selects a cohort of 35-40 high-achieving students who demonstrate a passion for computing, business and engineering.

As a Raikes student, you will:

  • Join a living-learning community in the Kauffman Center, home of the Raikes School.
  • Engage in project-oriented curriculum and real-world application.
  • Collaborate with industry and community partners.
  • Leverage design and model thinking to develop human-centered solutions.
  • Build leadership, project management, analytical and communication skills.
  • Experience the camaraderie of a small, prestigious college with Nebraska's Big Ten resources.

All Raikes students are also part of the University Honors Program and have all the rights and responsibilities of University Honors Program students.

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Nebraska Business Honors Academy

The Nebraska Business Honors Academy is a four-year, cohort-based, enhanced business leadership program for high-ability students who have the potential and desire to become the next generation of business leaders. Each year, the Academy selects a cohort of 40-45 students who complete courses together through an action-based learning style.

In the Academy, you will:

  • Join a community of supportive, motivated peers.
  • Develop critical thinking, technical and communication skills.
  • Collaborate to create solutions to real-world business problems.
  • Form social and intellectual bonds with other business students.
  • Prepare yourself for the ever-changing business world.

All Academy students are also part of the University Honors Program and have all the rights and responsibilities of University Honors Program students.

Application Deadlines

Students must apply to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln prior to accessing the University Honors Program, Raikes School and Nebraska Business Honors Academy application in MyRED.

Apply to Nebraska

University Honors Program

  • First-Year Priority Deadline: November 15
    First-Year Final Deadline: March 7
    First-year applications after November 15 will be reviewed on a space-available basis until March 7.
  • Fall Transfer Final Deadline: December 10
    Spring Transfer Final Deadline: May 10

The Raikes School

  • Application Deadline: November 15
    Applications will be accepted after November 15 if space is available.

Nebraska Business Honors Academy

  • Application Deadline: November 15
    Applications will be accepted after November 15 if space is available.

Stretch Your Strengths at Nebraska

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Learn by Doing

With an average 31.5 ACT (1430 SAT), incoming Honors students from the past three years have included 94 National Merit Finalists, 38 National Hispanic Scholar Finalists and 19 perfect scorers. In the University Honors academic community, you'll collaborate with some of the best scholars from around the world.

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Build a Foundation for Your Career

In University Honors, you'll learn by doing and build a foundation for your career. From day one, you'll have the chance to work with professors and other Honors students to engage in unique hands-on learning experiences and develop career skills like leadership and effective communication.

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Expand Your Network

Representing about 10% of total enrollment, Nebraska's Honors programs are home to a tight-knit community of scholars within the larger University, striking a unique balance of an intimate academic experience and a university that has all the resources you need to excel. You'll have access to a vibrant campus culture, unmatched student life programs and the growing city of Lincoln.

  • Live and learn with a community of students who are highly motivated and enjoy intellectual challenges.
  • Earn Honors credit for civic engagement, leadership and service experiences.
  • Join an Honors recognized student organization (RSO) to build relationships with fellow Honors students and take on a leadership role.
  • Study abroad in Husker Global Dialogues, an Honors experiential course.
  • Engage in effective dialogue and grow your success networks through Cooper Conversations.

We're Here to Help

If you have questions about any of the Honors programs, contact honors@unl.edu or 402-472-8204.

Move Your Future Forward

We can’t wait for you to join the Husker community—take your next step to Nebraska today.