Undergraduate Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where is La Roche College located?
A. La Roche is in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pa. in McCandless Township. It is just 15 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, where there are countless opportunities for cultural and professional enrichment.

Q. Is residency required for all freshmen?
A. No. La Roche does not require freshmen to live on campus. In fact, almost half of our undergraduate students are commuters.

Q. Are the residence halls equipped with security features?
A. All residence halls have a secure card access system. Only students who live in the residence halls have card access to the buildings. Emergency phones are placed throughout the residence hall and all other buildings on campus. When picked up, these red phones dial directly to the security officer on duty.

Q. Are freshmen permitted to have a car on campus?
A. Yes. All resident students are permitted to have a car on campus. The car must be registered with the security office and a parking permit will be issued. Currently, students are not charged for having a car and designated parking areas are free. "Preferred Parking" is available outside the residence halls for a $100.00 charge.

Q. I will be on the meal plan, but I have food allergies or special dietary needs. What do I need to do?
A. Not to worry. The La Roche College Dining Hall is prepared to handle special dietary requests. For further information contact the Office Residence Life at (412) 536-1195.

Q. How many students attend La Roche College?
A. Total enrollment is approximately 1,707 students. This number includes 250 graduate students, 400 part-time students and 1,225 full-time undergraduates.

Q. What is the average class size?
A. At La Roche, the student-faculty ratio is 14:1. Small classes allow for more individual attention and discussion, giving you more of an opportunity to participate. Your professors will know you, and you will know them.

Q. What is the average G.P.A. and SAT/ACT score of an incoming student?
A. The average incoming freshman usually has a 3.2 G.A.P. and 970-1000 on the SAT (approximate ACT score = 20). This is an average; there are students above and below these figures. At La Roche, we look at the whole picture (G.P.A., test score, recommendation, activities, essay, etc.)

Q. What materials do I need to submit with my application?
A. Students must submit a completed and signed application for admission with the $50 application fee in a check or money order, an official copy of the high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores, two letters of recommendation and an essay. If any additional information is required, your Admissions Counselor will contact you.

Q. What is the application deadline?
A. La Roche operates on a rolling admission basis. This means that students may apply at anytime throughout the year. If you are planning to enter the fall semester, we should have your application before Aug. 1. If you wish to enter the spring semester, all materials should be submitted before Dec. 15.

Q. When will I know if I've been accepted to La Roche College?
A. After La Roche has received all of your application materials, the Admissions Counselor will evaluate the file. The counselor will contact you within 10-14 days with the admissions decision. Usually, the counselor will call or e-mail the student before you actually receive the official acceptance letter.

Q. What is the deposit? Is it refundable?
A. After you have been accepted, you will be asked to submit a deposit to La Roche. This $500 deposit is to secure your place in the freshman class. If you are planning to live on campus, $100 of that deposit will be used as the room deposit. The class deposit is applied to your tuition bill after you register for classes, and the room deposit serves as a security deposit for the residence hall. The deposits are refundable until May 1 if you choose not to attend La Roche.

Q. Is chapel attendance required for students?
A. La Roche is a Catholic institution but we do not require our students to attend chapel services. Instead we promote a respect of faith and religion and recognize the rich religious diversity of our students, faculty and staff. Because of the Roman Catholic heritage of the College, the Campus Ministry Office provides the opportunity for Catholic Liturgical Services as well as the celebration of ecumenical services throughout the year. The Campus Ministry Office assists students of other faiths in identifying local communities where students can share in common worship. Additionally, students of other religious traditions are invited and encouraged to participate in the planning and promotion of worship on our campus. The Campus Ministry Office seeks to build upon the spirit of community among the students, faculty and staff through prayer, service and worship.