September 28, 2016
La Roche College Announces Largest Overall Enrollment Since 2005
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 28, 2016 – La Roche University is pleased to announce a two percent increase in total enrollment, resulting in the University’s largest overall enrollment since 2005.
Total enrollment for the 2016-17 academic year at La Roche has peaked at 1,555 students – an increase of 32 students over last year’s final enrollment number of 1,523. This year, 397 first-year full-time students enrolled at La Roche. An additional 82 part-time adult undergraduate and 60 graduate students also began their studies this fall semester.
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean Howard J. Ishiyama, Ph.D., said, “We are proud to be welcoming 479 new undergraduates and 60 graduate students. The number of new students is a great accomplishment for a college the size of La Roche. We credit this increase in enrollment to a number of new creative initiatives, and the dedication and hard work of our staff and faculty college-wide.”
Internal strategies that contributed to this year’s enrollment increase include the University’s efforts to expand its footprint across multiple student types; creating more transfer-friendly policies; and assertively recruiting international students in countries that value a U.S. education.
La Roche also continues to enhance its facilities to meet the growing student demand. This past summer the University made renovations to the Zappala College Center, Ryan Room and Cantellops Art Gallery, with a focus of creating social space for the campus community. These improvements followed the renovation of the Zappala College Center Square in summer 2015; the renovation of the outdoor athletic complex in 2014; and the modernization of a lecture hall in the Palumbo Science Center in 2015. Additional upgrades are planned for the Science Center, including new laboratories and office space.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, six graduate degree programs and one doctoral program, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,500 men and women enjoying 30-plus 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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