I’ve looked U Texas 40 Acres and Clemsons National Scholars, is there I list of similar programs?
I like the focus on the honors classes, summer programs and other opportunities.
Google Public University Honors for extensive info.
Are you talking about college life or programs for HS students?
You need to look at individual colleges to see what their version of an Honors program is. Some have Honors “colleges” which may/may not be as comprehensive. Look at which classes are offered and at which level. Some have (junky) survey classes all Honors students take, others many in many subjects freshmen can start with and continue through senior year in their major. many variables.
I got an Honors degree from UW-Madison, as did son. Mine was comprehensive, his in the major. Improved features since my day- advances in computer access makes a difference, btw. Still excellent. One of many ways to do things.
Excellent honors colleges include UMichigan LSA, Penn State Schreyer, USC Columbia Honors.
There is a helpful book you can find on Amazon. Inside Honors: Ratings and Reviews of Sixty Public University Honors Programs by John Willingham.
I think Clemson National Scholars is a competitive scholarship program and is distinct from their honors college. If you are also interested in scholarship programs similar to Clemson National scholars, here is a link:
http://competitivefulltuition.yolasite.com
University of Georgia Foundation Fellowship and Bernard Ramsey Honors Scholarships will probably interest you a lot based on the others (TX and Clemson) you mentioned.
Definitely need to consider the overall caliber of the school. When the overall student body and level of courses is high it means a better fit and so many more high caliber courses outside those designated for Honors. It means not needing to be separated from the rest of the student body to find intellectual students to be with- UW does not have honors dorms. Good thing as I still remember preferring a different living environment than my friends who shared a major and honors. Students in many flagship honors programs will be of elite private U caliber and (finally) meet others who are way ahead of them in ability. btw- being globally gifted is great but there will always be those who are better in any one area. Not making the Putnam team while still being an A student in honors math classes…
Exclusivity is good but having a larger group of honors able students is better. UW-Madison now allows any admitted student to apply for the Honors Program. Obviously most do not. But- those who may not have met HS gpa criteria in some places can choose to do the work- some will have lower grades because they were bored in HS and did not always do the work to get the A.
It is nice to get merit money but some of the best places do not offer that much. Couple of reasons include not needing to to entice top students and not having the money- it goes for need based aid. Want to be special or less special because so many are peers?