Founded in 1980 as the University Scholars Program, it was expanded and renamed in 1997 in response to a $30 million gift by William and Joan Schreyer.Incoming student application requirements include excellent high school grades, strong extracurricular activities, and positive teacher references.Current Penn State students with strong academic and volunteer credentials can apply to the Honors College as sophomores or juniors.Academically, honors students have the benefit of early registration for classes, allowing for competitive placement.Students are offered over 220 honors classes, which are typically smaller and taught by more senior faculty than comparable courses.
Main entrance of Atherton Hall, the location of the administrative offices of the Schreyer Honors College, as seen from College Av., at
Penn State University
, University Park,
Pennsylvania
.