I think it’s difficult to make blanket statements regarding Honors Colleges. My son is looking at 3 different Honors programs, and while they all have certain similarities such as housing, priority registration , additional guidance and tutoring opportunities, but they also have differences as well. All of them also have the opportunity to apply after admission as late as sophomore year. They do not require all Honors classes as some people assume. They do give their students the opportunity to intergrate into the regular student population . I personally think that they provide a great alternative to students who can’t afford expensive privates or Ivies. It seems like a great option for many students , but certainly not for everyone . Does that make them elitist? I don’t know. It’s all about personal perception .