Honors

Eligibility

To apply to Oakton's Honors Program, you need at least one of the following:

• For current college students: a 3.5 GPA* across at least 12 credits, at Oakton, or any college.
• For recent high school graduates: a 3.5 GPA, or an ACT score of 25 or better, or an SAT score of 1200 or better.
• Or, a GED score of 300 or better.

*If you are a current Oakton student with a 3.25 GPA, you can still apply and be considered with an instructor recommendation. 

If your GPA is slightly lower and you would still like to apply, please reach out to the Honors Coordinator. If you already have an associate or bachelor’s degree, you may also be admitted.

Apply to the Honors Program

Additional Opportunities

In the Honors Program, you will have access to a variety of unique and rewarding opportunities:
What it is

Any Honors class that you complete will appear as “Honors” on your final transcript. Additionally, you can earn having the Honors Scholar Designation recorded on your final transcript, which is one of the highest academic honors granted by the college. When you transfer, apply to other schools, or apply for scholarships, the Honors Scholar Designation sets you apart from other students with high GPAs, and it is taken as a mark of serious academic achievement.

How to earn it

To earn the Honors Scholar Designation, you must maintain a minimum 3.25 GPA and complete at least 18 credit hours of Honors classes. This includes at least one Honors Learning Community or Core Seminar, and no more than two classes (usually six credits) earned through Honors Contracts. After the Honors Program has verified your course record, the Honors Scholar Designation is added to your transcript.

Honors Contracts offer you the opportunity to earn Honors credit for classes that are not currently being offered as dedicated Honors sections. You’ll work one-on-one with your professor outside of regular class time on an Honors project designed by you and your professor. Classes completed with an Honors Contract will appear as “Honors” on your final transcript.

Email your professor before registering or talk with them in the first weeks of the semester to see if completing an Honors Contract will be right for you and the class.

The Honors Program hosts an ongoing calendar of dynamic speakers and events. This also includes informal workshops dedicated to helping you succeed at Oakton, seek scholarship opportunities, and transfer to the school of your choice. Additionally, you will be able to join the Honors Student Organization (HSO) and participate in HSO events and activities.
Franklin Ocaña II
“Through the Honors Program, I learned a lot about myself and worldly cultural literature. I deepened my faith but also my perspective. I read some powerful books for class and I even bought one of them for my sister.”

“I took honors classes because I wanted to challenge myself academically and be an example for students who weren’t sure about these spaces in higher education. Like me, you can do it.”

Franklin Ocaña II

Read more of Franklin's story

What's Next?

We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.

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