La Roche University stands out for its commitment to student success, maintaining a perfect record of graduates successfully managing their federal loan obligations.
The institution provides a supportive environment where more than one-third of students are first-generation college attendees who benefit from close faculty relationships and individualized guidance.
La Roche University is a small private nonprofit institution in Pittsburgh that serves a distinctive student population with a focus on personalized education and career preparation. The university enrolls a significant share of first-generation students (about 36%) while maintaining smaller class sizes and close faculty-student relationships typical of private colleges. However, only about 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating limited access for the lowest-income families.
Graduates earn a median of $52,341 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the middle of the national distribution for earnings outcomes. The university's mobility position as "Opportunity Builders" reflects its commitment to serving students who might not otherwise attend college, though financial outcomes for low-income students remain modest compared to other institutions.
As a small private college, La Roche offers the intimate campus experience and individualized attention that many students seek, particularly those interested in specialized programs like actuarial science and accounting. The Pittsburgh location provides access to a diverse job market, though graduates' earnings suggest the institution serves students entering stable, middle-income careers rather than high-growth fields.
La Roche University has developed particular strength in specialized business and public service programs that lead directly to professional careers. Actuarial Science stands out as the university's largest and most economically significant program, graduating 54 students annually who enter a specialized field with strong long-term earning potential. The program's size suggests La Roche has built meaningful expertise and industry connections in this niche area.
Accounting Technology and Corrections Administration represent the university's other key programs, each serving distinct career pathways. The accounting program graduates 24 students who typically earn around $42,123 in early career roles, while the corrections administration program, though smaller with 23 graduates, provides stable public service career opportunities with earnings around $33,993. These programs reflect La Roche's practical, career-focused approach to education.
The university's program portfolio emphasizes professional preparation over academic breadth, with concentrated offerings that allow for specialized faculty expertise and industry partnerships. This focused approach serves students well who have clear career goals and want direct pathways to employment in established fields.
La Roche University graduates achieve solid middle-class earnings, with a median income of $52,341 ten years after enrollment. This places the institution around the 53rd percentile nationally, indicating typical outcomes for a small private college. While not exceptional, these earnings reflect steady career progression in fields like business, criminal justice, and specialized areas where the university has developed particular expertise.
The university's strongest program by total economic impact is Actuarial Science, which graduates 54 students annually with median earnings around $37,640 early in their careers. Accounting Technology represents another significant program, graduating 24 students who earn approximately $42,123 in the early career years. Corrections Administration, while smaller with 23 graduates, also provides stable career pathways with earnings around $33,993. These programs reflect La Roche's focus on practical, career-oriented education that leads directly into established professional fields.
The university's return on investment is moderate, with graduates typically entering stable careers that provide steady income growth over time. While not positioned for the highest-earning outcomes, La Roche serves students well who prioritize career security and professional development in specialized fields.
La Roche University's affordability varies significantly by family income, with net prices that reflect its private college status. Low-income families pay approximately $15,477 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $19,339 per year. High-income families face substantially higher net prices of about $28,932, which is typical for private institutions that use need-based aid to support lower-income students.
Debt levels are moderate but require careful consideration. Typical graduates leave with about $25,000 in federal student loan debt, while families who use Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $21,029. The combination means many families take on significant borrowing to finance a La Roche education. However, the institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, even if repayment requires discipline and careful budgeting given the moderate earnings levels.
La Roche University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
