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Honors Institute

Designed for high-achieving students, the Honors Institute at La Roche University cultivates academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and scholarly achievement. Through challenging coursework, faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and a close-knit community of peers, the program provides exceptional educational experiences that prepare students for rewarding careers and lives of purpose.

Benefits

  • Small, discussion-based classes designed and taught by outstanding La Roche faculty
  • Research and creative opportunities connected to coursework
  • Special recognition at graduation
  • Honors designation on transcripts and diplomas
  • Networking opportunities
  • A supportive community of fellow Honors students
  • A book stipend each semester while maintaining GPA requirements
  • A renewable $1,000 Honors scholarship for up to four years

The Honors Experience

Excellence Through Classroom Experiences

Honors Institute courses challenge students through engaging readings, discussions, projects, and co-curricular experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom. Small class sizes and close interaction with accomplished faculty encourage intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and academic achievement while broadening students’ perspectives.

Enhancing College Life

The Honors Institute creates a community where students learn, grow, and support one another throughout their college experience. Honors students participate in social, cultural, and educational activities that take advantage of the many opportunities available throughout the Pittsburgh region, enriching both their academic experience and their understanding of the world around them.

Growing Within the Honors Institute

As students progress through the program, they build knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills through increasingly challenging academic experiences. The Honors Institute culminates in an in-depth research or creative project that allows students to explore a topic related to their academic interests and future goals.

Preparing for Your Future

Whether pursuing graduate school or beginning a career, Honors Institute students graduate with the knowledge, experience, and relationships that prepare them for future success. The program encourages students to challenge themselves, gain meaningful experiences, and develop the skills employers and graduate schools value most.

Supporting the La Roche Mission

Consistent with La Roche University’s Catholic heritage and the mission of the Sisters of Divine Providence, the Honors Institute promotes academic excellence, thoughtful inquiry, and lives of purpose. Through faculty mentorship, collaboration with fellow Honors students, and exploration of contemporary issues, students are encouraged to become ethical leaders committed to making a positive difference in their professions and communities.

Admission Requirements

Qualified candidates for the Honors Institute meet the following criteria:

  • A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in a college preparatory high school program and one of the following:
    • SAT score of 1170 or higher (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math), or
    • ACT composite score of 24 or higher
  • Test-optional applicants: A minimum GPA of 3.75. Applicants will be evaluated based on their overall GPA and the academic rigor of their high school coursework.

For More Information

Email: honorsinstitute@laroche.edu

Phone: 412-536-1272 or 800-838-4572

9000 Babcock Boulevard | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237 | 412-367-9300 | © 2026 La Roche University