PITTSBURGH, May 30, 2025 – Students from Penn State University's Commonwealth Campuses now have a streamlined pathway to complete their education at La Roche University.
The new transfer opportunity at La Roche addresses the needs of Penn State students impacted by the announcement of upcoming campus closures. Students who have completed Penn State’s general education requirements will automatically fulfill La Roche’s core curriculum requirements, allowing students to focus on their major courses from day one. Transfers from the following Penn State campuses are eligible: DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York Commonwealth.
“By inviting Penn State students to stay close to home and succeed within La Roche’s close-knit academic community, we ensure they receive the personal attention they deserve,” said Dr. Howard Ishiyama, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “Our small campus environment fosters meaningful connections and hands-on learning, offering accessible, value-focused pathways to a degree.”
Comprehensive Support
The new transfer pathway includes several key provisions designed to support transfer students:
Tuition Protection: La Roche will match the net tuition of Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses, ensuring predictability for students and families. Students benefit from guaranteed cost protection through tuition matching and do not qualify for additional institutional aid.
Flexible Credit Recognition: The University acknowledges that credits may result from various sources, including transfer credits, prior learning assessments, standardized examinations, military coursework or portfolio credit. Individual credits from original credit-granting institutions will be considered on a per-course basis with official transcripts.
Generous Transfer Policy: Students can transfer up to 90 credits, ensuring minimal time loss in their academic journey.
Degree Completion Requirement: Transfers must complete their final 30 semester credits at La Roche to receive their bachelor’s degree, regardless of their class status upon matriculation.
La Roche’s Transfer Admissions team is prepared to work individually with interested students to evaluate transcripts, plan academic pathways and ensure smooth transitions.
Students interested in learning more about transfer opportunities can contact Transfer Admissions at 412-536-1260 or transferadmissions@laroche.edu.
About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study, eight master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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