La Roche College

Statistics

School Says - General Information
La Roche provides an intimate setting for students to learn and reach their potential in an atmosphere of support and encouragement. There are approximately 1,315 undergraduates and 124 graduate students at the college, which has been named for the past six years as one of the nation's "Best Northeastern Colleges," a designation reserved for superior colleges and universities in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Although the majority of students are from the greater Pittsburgh area, La Roche's student body is made up of people from 22 states and 39 countries, making the learning environment one that prepares students for working with a diverse population in a fast-paced global economy.

School Says - Student Body
Outside the classroom, you'll find your place among any of the campus clubs and organizations that give students an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including athletics, social clubs, academic societies and student chapters of professional associations. In addition to intramural sports, La Roche participates in 12 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports: men's varsity baseball, lacrosse and golf, women's softball, tennis and volleyball, and men's and women's basketball, cross-country, and soccer. We are a founding member of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) and compete at the Division III Level in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).

The Student Government Association (SGA) is a central and vital organization at the College. It is a legislative body that is responsible for all areas of student life. All enrolled students are represented by the SGA, and all full-time students are eligible for election. Students are also represented on various administrative committees within the College, including the College Cabinet and the Academic Senate.

School Says - Academics
La Roche College offers students a blend of liberal arts studies and professional preparation, a combination that allows students to develop broad perspectives and understanding while acquiring professional skills. Students can gain practical field experience through an internship in one of Pittsburgh's many businesses or corporations. Or students can choose to participate in our Study Abroad+Study USA program, a unique experience offered to qualified La Roche students who would like to broaden their horizons and marketability in an ever expanding global workplace. After completing 60 La Roche credits and meeting all eligibility requirements as set forth in the program guidelines, a student may apply for a Study Abroad+Study USA course either internationally or domestically. This experience is offered as a value added component of a La Roche education, and there are no additional costs for the trip itself. Students are only responsible for incidentals, passport cost, visas, and spending money. Traditional study abroad programs are also available for those who wish to choose this method of study. An Honors Institute, for students who have earned a 3.75 GPA or higher in a high school college preparatory program and a minimum SAT score of 1200, is another feature of La Roche's commitment to education.

School Says - Admissions
La Roche is selective in its admission process. The College seeks students who demonstrate a strong desire to fulfill their academic potential and have a clear commitment to personal growth and achievement. Because the College values a commitment to community and lifelong learning, the admissions staff also considers a student's extracurricular and volunteer activities in such areas as school, church and community. The admission committee reviews each applicant individually, assessing personal and academic strengths in light of a student's background and opportunities. Committee members carefully examine high school records (course work and grade point average), two letters of recommendation for the nursing and radiologic technology majors, and SAT or ACT scores. La Roche's code numbers are 2379 for the SAT and 3607 for the ACT.

Candidates for admission should submit a completed application, a copy of their high school transcript, and a school report completed by a guidance counselor. Each application requires a $50 nonrefundable fee. Applications may also be completed online at www.laroche.edu. SAT and ACT scores should be sent directly to the College. La Roche adheres to a rolling admissions system by which students receive decisions once their application credentials are complete. To ensure appropriate financial aid and housing opportunities, students are encouraged to apply no later than March 31 for the fall semester and December 31 for the spring semester. For more information regarding the La Roche College admission process, prospective students should contact:
Office of Admissions
La Roche College
9000 Babcock Boulevard
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237
United States
Phone: 412-536-1272
800-838-4572 (toll-free)
Fax: 412-847-1820
E-mail: admissions@laroche.edu
Web site: www.laroche.edu

School Says - Campus Life
La Roche College is located on a 40-acre wooded campus in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, just 10 minutes from the center of the city. The College has been recognized as one of the safest four-year private college campuses and provides students just the right blend of suburban and metropolitan life. Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania and the headquarters of several of the largest corporations in the United States, including U.S. Steel, BNY Mellon Bank, and the H.J. Heinz Company. Pittsburgh has been ranked by Forbes as the nation's most livable city and was also named the top U.S. city in The Economist's recent list of the world's most livable cities.

School Says - Cost Aid
Full-time tuition for the 2011-2012 academic year is approximately $22,430. Room and board costs are approximately $9,182 with fees at $365.

Students are encouraged to live on campus in one of four residence halls, where apartment-style suites promote group interaction and a sense of community. Under the guidance of a residence life director, resident assistants help to plan a variety of programs, including recreational events, outings to theater and sporting events in Pittsburgh, hosting guest speakers and other social activities for all residence students. All residence hall rooms are wired for Internet access. The residence halls come fully equipped with microwave and refrigerator units, and residence students have access to the free, on-site laundry facilities.La Roche offers an affordable private education made possible by generous financial aid, with the average financial aid package at approximately $13,000 per student. Nearly 94 percent of our students receive financial aid. In addition, La Roche provides many scholarship opportunities, as well as federal loans and grants. Financial aid counselors are available to answer questions and assist students. La Roche also offers several payment plans. Information on these options may be obtained from the College's admissions office. All students who intend to apply for financial aid must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who live outside of Pennsylvania should also submit their own state grant form, if applicable. All students are encouraged to submit the proper forms as soon after January 1 as possible so that they are processed prior to La Roche College's May 1 deadline.

Students Say - Academics
A small, Catholic school in suburban Pittsburgh, La Roche College "integrates liberal arts and professional education in creative ways." Offering more than 50 degree programs in a range of diverse fields (like nursing, accounting, graphic design, and real estate), the La Roche College education is highly practical, providing its students with "all the tools needed to succeed" in the real world. Thanks to a low enrollment and uniformly small class sizes, "students get a lot of individualized attention" from their instructors. Described as both "attentive" and "caring," professors treat "students as more than just students, but as individual learners." If you are struggling in a class, "It is easy to make an appointment with your professors and meet with them every week." In addition, "La Roche has great tutoring programs as well as a [Writing Center] to help the students succeed." While this private school comes with a high price tag, "[it offers] great scholarships and lots of financial aid" to qualified students, which helps take the sting out of the tuition check. Students say the administration still has plenty of room for improvement: "There are a lot of problems as far as classes and budget and the overall way in which La Roche is run."

Students Say - Campus Life
With just more than 1,200 full-time undergraduates, "Life at La Roche is very laid back." On this small campus, "everyone knows everyone" and it only "takes about five minutes to walk to class" from the dorms. Students assure us that "If you are willing to be involved, you will never be bored." At La Roche, there are over 30 student groups and an active intramural sports program, as well as 12 varsity men's and women's teams. Alcohol is prohibited on campus, but, students admit that "people still drink" from time to time. Even so, a party "never gets out of control" at La Roche, and most students prefer to "hang out with...friends, study together, [and] go out to eat" in their free time. When they want a break from the school's "lovely and spacious campus," students really appreciate their location on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. With this "amazing city at your fingertips," a fun night on the town is only a short drive away. On that note, "you better hope you have a car to get off campus," because "everyone goes home" on the weekend.

Students Say - Student Body
On this small campus, the majority of students are Pittsburgh locals, and about half are commuters. The college also attracts international students from almost 50 countries worldwide, creating an "academic and social community where everyone is accepted as they are." Friendliness is the common denominator among the La Roche student body, and most students describe their classmates as "very nice and well-rounded individuals." A current student attests, "Being a transfer student myself, I've seen the environment of other college campuses, and I can honestly say that I have never seen such a diverse group of students interacting so seamlessly."

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