Hillsdale College has announced it will award a posthumous honorary degree to Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA who was fatally shot on September 10. The college's president, Larry P. Arnn, made the announcement during Kirk's funeral service held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Key Takeaways
- Hillsdale College will grant a posthumous honorary degree to the late Charlie Kirk.
- The announcement was made by College President Larry P. Arnn during Kirk's public funeral service.
- Prior to his death, Kirk had completed approximately 30 of Hillsdale's online courses.
- The college also highlighted a close personal relationship between Kirk and President Arnn.
Announcement at Funeral Service
During the funeral service for the 31-year-old conservative activist, Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn revealed the institution's plan to honor him. The decision was shared publicly for the first time at the event.
"Erika doesn’t know this yet, we are giving Charlie and Erika the greatest respect a college can give. An honorary degree," Arnn stated, referring to Kirk's wife. This declaration formally links Kirk to the Michigan-based institution in an official academic capacity.
Kirk's Connection to Hillsdale College
While Charlie Kirk was not previously known to be an alumnus of Hillsdale, the college confirmed his significant engagement with its educational programs. A spokesperson for the institution provided details on his participation.
"Charlie took some 30 of our online courses," Hillsdale's Associate Vice President of Media and Public Relations told Fox Business. This extensive participation in the college's online curriculum underscores his long-standing interest in the subjects offered by the institution.
Hillsdale's Online Program
Launched in 2011, Hillsdale College's online courses are offered free of charge and focus on subjects such as history, politics, philosophy, and economics. According to the college, more than 4.2 million people have enrolled in these courses, which are designed to extend the college's mission to a broader audience.
A Close Relationship with the College President
Beyond his coursework, Kirk reportedly maintained a close personal relationship with President Arnn. Their interactions often revolved around Kirk's academic interests and his pursuit of knowledge through the college's offerings.
"After Charlie had taken one of our online courses, passed the examination, received his certificate, photographed himself with it, and texted it to me. Before his death, he did that many times. The prevailing subject was always something he wanted to know," Arnn said, according to a report.
This personal connection highlights Kirk's enthusiasm for the material and his direct engagement with the college's leadership, which likely influenced the decision to grant the posthumous honor.
A Review of Kirk's Academic Path
Charlie Kirk's formal educational journey was a topic he addressed during his career. He graduated from Wheeling High School and later attended Harper College, a community college in Illinois, but did not complete a degree there.
He later enrolled as a part-time student at The King's College in New York City, where he took online classes. However, he did not graduate, a fact he was open about. The posthumous degree from Hillsdale marks the first time he will be academically credentialed by a four-year institution.
About Hillsdale College
- Founded: 1844 in Hillsdale, Michigan.
- Identity: Describes itself as a "small, Christian, classical liberal arts college."
- Mission: To provide an education necessary to "preserve the civil and religious liberties of America."
- Tuition: While its online courses are free, the estimated total cost for the 2025-2026 academic year is approximately $48,210 for full-time on-campus students.
College Establishes Official Tribute
In addition to the honorary degree, Hillsdale College has created a memorial page on its official website to honor Kirk's memory. The page features a video message from President Arnn and a written tribute.
"Hillsdale College mourns the loss of our dear friend, Charlie Kirk," the message reads. "His deep and abiding faith, thirst for knowledge, and moral and intellectual courage were the hallmarks of his life and work. We are blessed to have known him—and we pray for his dear wife and children."
This public acknowledgment from a prominent conservative academic institution solidifies Kirk's legacy within the movement he helped to shape. The honorary degree serves as a formal recognition of his contributions and his commitment to the principles championed by the college.
