About La Roche University
La Roche University serves 786 students on a suburban campus just outside Pittsburgh, focusing heavily on health sciences and professional programs. This Catholic university has built a strong reputation for nursing, occupational therapy, and education programs that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation. With a 97% acceptance rate, La Roche welcomes students who might not have stellar test scores but are serious about their career goals. The average SAT score of 1070 reflects the school's focus on potential rather than perfect academic records.
The financial picture tells an interesting story about value. While tuition runs $33,120, most students pay much less through aid packages that bring the average net price down to $21,972. Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt and earn a median salary of $52,341 within ten years, making the investment reasonable for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,477 per year after aid.
With only 14% of students receiving Pell grants, La Roche primarily serves middle-class families who value small classes and personal attention. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the 73% retention rate shows most students find what they're looking for here.
The financial picture tells an interesting story about value. While tuition runs $33,120, most students pay much less through aid packages that bring the average net price down to $21,972. Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt and earn a median salary of $52,341 within ten years, making the investment reasonable for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,477 per year after aid.
With only 14% of students receiving Pell grants, La Roche primarily serves middle-class families who value small classes and personal attention. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the 73% retention rate shows most students find what they're looking for here.
Academics & Faculty
La Roche University operates as a small Catholic institution where nursing and health sciences programs attract most students. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay small and professors know your name, but the 57% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. La Roche built its reputation around nursing education, with clinical partnerships at Pittsburgh-area hospitals giving students real patient care experience. The school also offers business, education, and liberal arts programs, though these remain smaller than the health science focus. Students get personal attention from faculty, but the lower graduation rate indicates the academic support system doesn't work for everyone who enrolls.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 35.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.7%
- Retention Rate
- 72.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,341
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $63,005 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,995 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $44,021 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Interior Architecture. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,123 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $37,748 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $37,640 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
La Roche University sits on a suburban campus just 15 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, giving students easy access to internships and city life while maintaining a small-college feel. With only 786 students and housing for 490 on campus, about 62% of students live in residence halls, creating a close-knit community where you'll recognize most faces walking to class. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number.
Winters in Pittsburgh are real, with snow that sticks around from December through March, so pack a good coat. Students often head into the city on weekends to catch Pirates or Steelers games, explore neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, or grab food in the Strip District. On campus, the Red Hawks field 14 Division III sports teams with 197 total athletes, and games draw decent crowds given the small size. The Catholic identity shapes some campus traditions and service opportunities, but the 97% acceptance rate means the school welcomes students from many backgrounds who want personal attention in their education.
Winters in Pittsburgh are real, with snow that sticks around from December through March, so pack a good coat. Students often head into the city on weekends to catch Pirates or Steelers games, explore neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, or grab food in the Strip District. On campus, the Red Hawks field 14 Division III sports teams with 197 total athletes, and games draw decent crowds given the small size. The Catholic identity shapes some campus traditions and service opportunities, but the 97% acceptance rate means the school welcomes students from many backgrounds who want personal attention in their education.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 490 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–39°F
- July Avg
- 63°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 19.8"
Student Demographics
La Roche draws heavily from western Pennsylvania, with 76% of students coming from in-state, reflecting its strong ties to the Pittsburgh region. The student body leans female at 58%, which makes sense given the school's strong programs in health sciences, education, and social work. About 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves some lower-income families but isn't primarily focused on that population. The Catholic identity attracts students seeking faith-integrated education, though the school welcomes students from all backgrounds who value its close-knit community and personalized attention.
- Men
- 42.2%
- Women
- 57.8%
- White
- 61.8%
- Black
- 6.1%
- Hispanic
- 5.5%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 76.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.9%
Location
La Roche University sits in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, giving students access to a major city without the downtown hustle. The campus is part of the larger Pittsburgh metropolitan area, home to about 2.4 million people and known for its steel industry heritage and growing tech sector. Students can easily reach Pittsburgh's downtown area, which offers internships at major companies like UPMC and Heinz, plus professional sports teams and cultural attractions. The surrounding region features rolling hills typical of western Pennsylvania, with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. About 76% of La Roche students come from Pennsylvania, reflecting the school's strong local draw. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare La Roche University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237-5898
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,341
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,003
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at La Roche University?
La Roche University accepts 97% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for most students. The average SAT score is 1070, reflecting the school's commitment to providing opportunities for students across a wide range of academic backgrounds.
How much does La Roche University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,972 after aid, less than the full tuition of $33,120. The school offers substantial institutional grants averaging $20,948 to help make this Catholic university affordable for Pittsburgh-area families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at La Roche University?
La Roche maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 786 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships that define the Red Hawks experience.
Does La Roche University have good job outcomes for graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $52,341 ten years after graduation with a 97% employment rate. The school's career-focused programs and Pittsburgh location provide strong connections to regional employers and internship opportunities.
Where do La Roche University students live on campus?
The university houses 490 students in on-campus facilities, creating a tight-knit residential community. With 76% of students coming from Pennsylvania, the suburban Pittsburgh campus feels like home for many local students seeking a Catholic education close to family.
What sports does La Roche University offer?
La Roche fields 14 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III as the Red Hawks. With 197 total student-athletes and no athletic scholarships, the focus remains on academics-first competition within the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference.
