HOBY vs RYLA: Which Program Is Right for You?
Both are short leadership seminars you're typically nominated into — HOBY through your school as a sophomore, RYLA through a local Rotary club. Neither will carry an application alone; both are excellent first leadership lines that lead to alumni service roles.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of HOBY State Leadership Seminar and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. A blank row is a fact we do not hold — not a zero, and not a no.
| HOBY | RYLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $225 | $100 |
| Application deadline | ||
| Grade eligibility | Grade 10 | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person | In person |
| Location | Multiple, Various, USA | Multiple, Various, International |
| Program dates | ||
| Application destination | hoby.org | rotary.org |
| Organizer | Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership | Rotary International |
HOBY State Leadership Seminar
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, HOBY or RYLA?
HOBY: $225. RYLA: $100. Confirm each figure on the program's official page before budgeting.
Can I apply to both HOBY and RYLA?
The application destinations are evaluated independently. HOBY: hoby.org. RYLA: rotary.org. Review each provider's current instructions before assuming either application is open or compatible with the other.
Which is better for college applications, HOBY or RYLA?
We do not rank enrichment programs by admissions value. Use the comparison to assess whether each program's documented constraints fit your situation, and check the details that decide it for you on each program's official page.
What grades can apply to HOBY and RYLA?
HOBY: Grade 10. RYLA: Grades 9–12. Eligibility can change between cycles, so confirm it on each program's official page before applying.
