Honors Programs

It’s an Honor!

At Carroll Community College, our honors programs are designed for students who crave more—more challenge, more connection, more opportunity.

Whether you’re aiming to transfer to a 4-year college, prepare for a competitive career, or simply want to push your potential, you’ll discover a vibrant community of motivated students and exceptional faculty who value curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

With three distinct honors pathways to choose from, you can tailor an experience that best suits you. If you’re ready to rise above the ordinary, we’re ready for you!

Why Choose Honors Programs at Carroll?

Personal Growth

Gain knowledge, experience, recognition, and most importantly, self-discovery in a supportive, caring environment filled with peers and educators who want you to succeed.

Scholarships & Tuition Support

STEM Scholars & Pappalardo Honors receive a $3,000 scholarship. Carroll Lynx Scholars receive a tuition refund for their honors classes up to 12 credits.

College Life

Enjoy off-campus trips to places like Irvine Nature Center, D.C. museums, and others; teambuilding retreats; wellness activities; free lunches; and more.

Making Connections

Learn with other high-achieving students and create lasting friendships. Network with professionals in your field at student conferences, industry panels, and other events.

Transfer Agreements

Carroll has honors agreements with many 4-year institutions—including Towson University, UMBC, and others—ensuring your hard work is recognized and rewarded.

Who Should Apply?

Carroll’s honors programs are built for students who are ready to go above and beyond, both in and out of the classroom. If you’re ready to challenge yourself, take initiative, and make the most of your college experience, you belong in Carroll’s honors community!

Here’s what we look for in a strong candidate:

• Solid Academic Foundation
  A minimum 3.0 GPA shows us that you’re prepared to take on more rigorous college-level work and thrive in an academically challenging environment.
• Track Record of Challenging Yourself
  We value students who have pursued honors, AP, dual enrollment, or other advanced coursework in high school.
• Active Involvement
  Whether it’s through clubs, sports, community service, a part-time job, or leadership roles, we look for students who are engaged, responsible, and well-rounded.
• Commitment to the Program
  Honors students must be willing to fully participate in the program they join, including coursework, capstone projects, co-curricular events, and regular communication with faculty mentors. It’s a commitment—but one that pays off in big ways.

Choosing the Right Track

Carroll has three prestigious honors programs to choose from:

Pappalardo Honors Program

Pappalardo Honors Program

For high-achieving, first-year non-STEM students, the Pappalardo Honors Program offers enriched learning and a strong, supportive academic community.

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STEM Scholars

STEM Scholars

STEM Scholars supports motivated students in STEM with hands-on research, career prep, and transfer readiness after earning their Associate’s degree.

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Carroll Lynx Scholars

Carroll Lynx Scholars

Lynx Scholars is for curious, independent learners—be they part-time, full-time, or dual enrollment students—who want to explore topics in-depth.

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How to Apply

1. Visit the application page:

2. Select one of the following:

• Pappalardo Honors Program
• STEM Scholars Program (only visible if selecting a STEM-approved major)
• Carroll Lynx Scholars Program

3. You will need to submit the following materials:

• Unofficial high school transcript and, if applicable, college transcript
• Recommendation letter(s) from a teacher, school counselor, and/or college faculty
• Short written responses or a brief essay demonstrating your interests
• List of co-curricular and leadership activities including clubs, volunteering, jobs, and athletics

Admissions decisions consider your academic record, course load, leadership, and involvement.

Transfer Information

Carroll Community College maintains transfer articulation agreements with all Maryland public colleges and universities, as well as other 4-year schools throughout the Maryland/Pennsylvania area, including Towson University, UMBC, and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. For more information, review our transfer agreements by school.

Honors students may expect their advisor to work closely with them to assist in transferring to any of the above institutions or to the many other colleges and universities students may wish to attend.