Purdue's Honors College would consolidate a university honors program and five separate honors programs currently operating in different academic departments. A committee of trustees gave their approval to the plan on Monday. If approved by the full board, the Honors College would enroll more than 2000 students starting in the Fall of 2013.
"It has so many payoffs for students, not only for recruiting purposes, but for their experience here and give them a wider diversity in terms of experience in working on the research side or leadership skills," said board president Keith Krach responding to questions about whether the college is worth the investment.
Purdue administrators said the school's at a competitive disadvantage because current honors programs are at capacity and don't offer dedicated scholarships. IU-Bloomington has had an Honors College since 2000.