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About FHC
Forging Bright Futures
In 1986, the University of Pittsburgh established an honors college to meet the special academic and co-curricular needs of students who sought to elevate their undergraduate experiences. Now, as the David C. Frederick Honors College, our students on both the Pittsburgh and Greensburg campuses have additional opportunities, incentives, and recognition for high academic attainment, and they use their time and talents to give back as global citizens and leaders.
Leading Scholarly Pursuit
Nicola Foote has served as the dean of the David C. Frederick Honors College since July 1, 2021, a role she takes great pride in. As a scholar herself, Dean Foote seeks to make the Frederick Honors College an inclusive and welcoming space for all students as they pursue academic success.
Ranked Among the Best
Ranked Among the Best
FHC was ranked no. 11 on College Transitions' Best Honors Colleges list in 2025 and no. 13 on Road2Colleges's Best Honors Colleges list in 2026.
Championing Research
Championing Research
Frederick Honors College provided more than 170 funded research experiences – Over $400,000 was allocated to student research funding in the 2024-25 academic year.
Producing Top Scholars
Producing Top Scholars
Pitt was named a 2024-25 Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. students, and in 2025-2026 produced 11 Fulbright student wins.
Changing the Landscape
Changing the Landscape
Alex Firestine, a former Chancellor's Scholar and FHC alum, was named Pitt's first ever Luce Scholar after completing his term as Pitt's inaugural Mitchell winner.
Commanding National Scholarships
Commanding National Scholarships
Pitt students and alumni were awarded 64 national scholarships in the 2025-26 academic year, including two Goldwaters, 20 Gilmans and one Boren Scholar.
Breaking Records
Breaking Records
FHC received a record number of over 10,000 applications for the 2024-25 academic year, over 1,000 applications past the previous record.
Frederick Honors College at Pitt-Greensburg
In fall 2024, the David C. Frederick Honors College expanded to Pitt-Greensburg. Students on the regional campus now have the same access to interdisciplinary research and mentoring resources as those in Pittsburgh.
The Pursuit of Excellence
Honoring a Legacy
In 1979, Alec Stewart was asked to be the first director of the University Honors Program, thus laying the groundwork for what became the David C. Frederick Honors College.
A Lasting Gift
In 2022, David C. Frederick and his wife, Sophie Lynn, made a transformative gift to the University of Pittsburgh, establishing the David C. Frederick Honors College.
Exceptional Faculty
Frederick Honors College faculty members design innovative courses that challenge students to pursue interdisciplinary opportunities in and beyond the classroom.