La Roche University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A small, private institution in Western Pennsylvania, La Roche University provides a skills-driven education to prepare students for success in today’s global economy.
With more than 50 undergraduate majors, La Roche offers competitive programs in both high-demand fields and creative industries, with particular strengths in business, criminal justice, design, education, psychology, and health and medical sciences.
Located just 15 minutes north of downtown Pittsburgh, this residential university provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women who enjoy over 30 student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. La Roche welcomes students of all religions, nationalities, and backgrounds, including students from 16 states, two territories and 37 countries.
Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
Get to know La Roche University
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Dance
- International Student Organization
- Literary magazine
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Student-run film society
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practicums
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Disability Services
- Multicultural Engagement Center
- Health Services
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Veteran Services
- Counseling
College Highlights
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Although professors reserve class time for discussion, experimentation, and interaction, learning at La Roche happens both inside and outside of the classroom. La Roche students hone their career skills by gaining real-life experience through internships, hands-on projects, and industry-connected faculty.
- Accounting students interview with the Big Four accounting firms, as well as smaller firms in the region, starting in their junior year.
- Chemistry and Biology majors perform novel research, gaining practical experience in La Roche’s student-operated laboratories, ChemSOLVE and BioSOLVE.
- Computer Science majors help nonprofit organizations develop their websites, and they provide training and documentation for outside clients.
- Professional Writing and Journalism students practice their writing, editing, and graphic design skills by producing the La Roche Courier, the online student newspaper, and Nuances, a magazine of poetry and fiction.
- Criminal Justice and Criminology students intern for professionals in criminal justice, gaining practical experience in La Roche’s onsite crime scene investigation laboratory.
- Graphic Design students participate in internships, client projects, and professional presentations. Real-world clients of La Roche students have included the mayor of Pittsburgh, Attack Theatre, Global Links, and the Center for Organ Recovery and Education.
STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES
La Roche’s Study Abroad + Study USA program, included in the cost of tuition, allows students to travel the U.S. or study abroad. The program covers the cost of travel, lodging, and most meals. From Alaska and California to Cuba, Europe, and South America, students have experienced new places and other cultures at no additional cost.
Another unique study abroad initiative is the Semester in Rome program, offered for students who want a traditional study abroad experience. Students can spend a semester abroad at the same cost of regular tuition, room and board. Additional costs include airfare and travel insurance.
“At La Roche I developed love and respect for people from other parts of the world. My stereotypes and biases died there, and I became a citizen of the world.” – Bosco Muyango ’00
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The La Roche Honors Institute offers extracurricular activities and independent research opportunities. Designed for highly motivated individuals, the Institute helps students achieve even greater academic success. Honors students at La Roche enjoy:
- Small, unique classes taught by top faculty
- Research and creative opportunities
- Networking opportunities
- Special recognition at graduation as well as an honors designation on diplomas and transcripts
- A book stipend each semester when maintaining GPA requirements
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 13%
Hispanic/Latinx: 5%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 12%
White, non-Hispanic: 61%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 1%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 5%
TALENTED AND ENGAGED FACULTY
With a faculty of award-winning scholars, researchers, and industry-connected professionals, students receive quality instruction with a real-world approach. Individualized attention from faculty is one of La Roche’s best benefits. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can’t help but become personally dedicated to their students’ academic and career goals.
“At La Roche my professors took the content out of the book and brought real-world experience into the classroom. They challenged me to push myself to new levels.” – Peter Biernesser ’16
THE LA ROCHE EXPERIENCE
One highlight of the University’s core curriculum is The La Roche Experience, a required sequence of courses for all traditional freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. This program introduces students to the principles of peace and justice, giving them the skills and perspective to make a positive impact in today’s society. Coursework includes service learning, value-based simulations, spiritual self-exploration, reflective journal exercises, and university-wide seminars that focus on global issues.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Double major
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
“Attending La Roche College was an incredible experience. The professors challenged me to really learn and grow both in my fields of study and in who I am as a person. La Roche prepared and readied me for success in graduate school and in my career.” – Sarah Leslie ’14
STUDENT LIFE
An active student-life allows students to explore new interests, meet new people, and develop leadership skills. Activities serve many interests, with everything from intramural sports, fishing, and skiing, to special events such as the GLOBE International Fashion Show and Spring Carnival. More than 30 student clubs and organizations include:
Academic and professional organizations
- Campus media
- Campus-sponsored activities
- Club sports
- Governing organizations
- Multicultural and international clubs
- Special interest clubs
SERVICE
In addition to clubs and organizations, La Roche offers a variety of service-learning opportunities for students to do more for the outside community and examine social issues. La Roche students, faculty, and staff provide service in a variety of ways, including working with at-risk children and their families, visiting the elderly, participating in neighborhood cleanup and rehabilitation, and taking food, blankets, and other essentials to the homeless.
IN THE CITY
Situated on more than 40 acres, La Roche’s residential campus is conveniently located just 15 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. Students experience the nearby city’s rich culture through world-class performances, renowned museums, exciting nightlife, and professional sporting events.
AROUND CAMPUS
Across from campus is McCandless Crossing, a new town center that provides both entertainment and employment opportunities within walking distance. The development features more than 20 major retailers and restaurants, along with a modern, 12-screen Cinemark movie theater.
Allegheny County’s North Park also is right by campus. With an outdoor swimming pool, lake, ice skating rink, 18-hole golf course, and walking trails spread across more than 3,000 acres, North Park is perfect for exercise, sports, and leisure.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Situated in Pittsburgh’s North Hills, La Roche combines suburban life with big-city amenities. McCandless Crossing, a new town center, is within walking distance from campus. From a movie theater, shops, and restaurants to a pharmacy, bank, and grocery store, McCandless Crossing offers students both entertainment and employment opportunities.
Campus is 15 minutes north of downtown Pittsburgh, exposing students to a variety of cultural, recreational, and career opportunities in a major metropolitan area. Ranked among the 50 Best College Towns in America by Best College Reviews, Pittsburgh is home to many corporate headquarters, medical centers, libraries, and a vibrant cultural district.
ATHLETICS
Home of the Redhawks, La Roche offers 14 varsity sports competing in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference in the NCAA Div. III.
Men’s sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, and soccer
Women’s sports: basketball, bowling, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball.
SPORTS FACILITIES
The Baierl Athletic Complex offers first-class amenities for students to train, compete, and succeed as student-athletes.
The Kerr Fitness & Sports Center features a 1,200-seat gymnasium and home-court to the basketball and volleyball teams. The Center includes an indoor track, a weight room, cardio equipment, and a smoothie bar.
La Roche’s outdoor facilities feature an artificial turf field, home to the lacrosse and soccer teams, as well as the John Arnold Senior Memorial Baseball Field and the La Roche Softball Field.
RESIDENCE LIFE
Campus housing options.
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
La Roche prepares students to become responsible citizens as well as confident, compassionate leaders in an ever-changing world. Ninety-four percent of graduates find employment, go onto graduate school, perform military service, or participate in volunteer initiatives such as AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps within one year of graduating.
“The name of La Roche got my foot in the door. Even more fortunately, the education and training I received got me the position.” – Erin May ’03
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
The Office of Student Academic Support Services provides opportunities for students to move ahead in their careers, even before they graduate. Services include internship- and employment-search assistance; workforce readiness education; professional networking strategies; resume and cover letter development; interview preparation and practice; professional and career fair etiquette; and application support for graduate school.
ALUMNI CIRCLE
Members of La Roche’s Distinguished Alumni Circle include graduates who have achieved outstanding career success. These alumni include company directors, vice presidents, accomplished doctors, teachers, and award-winning writers. One Distinguished Alumna has served as a management consultant, lawyer, board advisor, and an entrepreneur since graduating from La Roche.
Admission
APPLYING TO LA ROCHE
La Roche offers rolling admission, meaning that admissions counselors evaluate applications as they arrive and make decisions shortly after receiving all application materials. Decisions regarding rising high school senior applications begin mid-August. Visit laroche.edu to apply online.
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Academic GPA | Talent/ability (Dance Only)
Important
Application Essay (Nursing Only) | Recommendation(s) (Nursing Only) | Standardized test scores
Considered
Extracurricular activities | Character/personal qualities
Alumni/ae relation (For Scholarship) | Volunteer work | Work experience
TEST SCORES
Optional. Students choosing to apply without SAT/ACT scores must provide a letter of recommendation.
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 460 | 75th Percentile: 570
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 430 | 75th Percentile: 540
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 22
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 16 | 75th Percentile: 23
ACT English
25th Percentile: 15 | 75th Percentile: 22
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $29,470
Fees: $850
Room: $7,770
Board: $4,500
Aid
Tuition at La Roche is nearly 20 percent lower than the average cost of tuition at other private institutions, and 93 percent of La Roche freshmen receive financial aid packages. La Roche also offers merit-based scholarships, which range up to $16,000 to eligible students. These scholarships are based on SAT/ACT scores and GPA.
What Others are Saying
Contact La Roche University
Contact Admissions
www.laroche.edu/admissions
(800) 838-4572
admissions@laroche.edu
Campus Location
9000 Babcock Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5808
(412) 367-9300