Learn to Make a Difference in the World
Average size of an honors course
Faculty teaching Honors courses
Entering first-year students
Average combined SAT score
Community of Scholars
Commonwealth Honors College students benefit from a tight-knit community, close ties with faculty, small honors classes, value-added honors advising, and access to special programs, merit scholarships, and research grants.
Small Classes, Big Ideas
Commonwealth Honors College students reach beyond the boundaries of their academic majors and our advanced scholarship tracks provide them with opportunities to contribute original knowledge to their fields of study.
Campus Full of Opportunities
Commonwealth Honors College students have access to the extensive resources of UMass Amherst — a large research university with roughly 100 majors and wide-ranging opportunities for student engagement.
Close Ties to Faculty
Micheal Orlando shares how having close ties to faculty has shaped his academic journey.
Featured Events
In the News
Amherst Hidden Gems
Discover Amherst’s hidden gems! Check out underrated local spots and small businesses that deserve more love—perfect for newcomers and longtime locals alike.
When a Mural Becomes a Window: Orbital Flux at the Honors College
A new mural by John Simpson fills the Honors College with living energy, inviting students to explore consciousness, connection, and what they see.
When an Entire Campus Comes Alive: What I Learned at My First Japanese Festival
Studying abroad in Tokyo, Piper explores Japan’s student-run School Festival—food stalls, club performances, and a powerful sense of community.
