La Roche University

What is the history of La Roche University?

La Roche University is a private Catholic university in the Pittsburgh area. The Sisters of Divine Providence founded it in 1963 as La Roche College; it adopted the La Roche University name in 2019.

The change in name reflected an institution that had grown beyond its original college identity to offer graduate as well as undergraduate study. Its founding affiliation remains part of its stated mission, while its academic programs serve students from a range of backgrounds.

What are the faculties and departments at La Roche University?

La Roche offers undergraduate and graduate study across the arts and sciences, business, education, design and health professions. Its program mix includes nursing, computer science, psychology, accounting, marketing, teacher preparation and interior architecture.

Prospective students should compare programs at the degree level, not just by subject name. A nursing applicant, for example, needs to understand clinical requirements, while a design applicant may need to prepare a portfolio. Graduate programs can have admission standards and schedules distinct from undergraduate programs. La Roche's academic catalog is the appropriate place to check the current degree title, curriculum and requirements for a particular major.

What is the location of La Roche University?

La Roche University is in McCandless Township, a suburban community north of central Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Its campus setting differs from that of a downtown university, although the wider Pittsburgh region provides access to employers, clinical sites, cultural institutions and other colleges.

Commuting is a significant part of the student experience: about 55% of students commute. Applicants planning to travel to campus regularly should check their route and class schedule together, particularly if they expect evening classes or off-campus placements. Pittsburgh International Airport is the principal airport serving the region.

What is the mission and vision of La Roche University?

La Roche describes its educational mission in terms of academic learning, ethical responsibility and service, drawing on its Catholic identity and the heritage of the Sisters of Divine Providence. Those are the university's stated priorities, rather than independently measured outcomes.

For a prospective student, the practical questions are how those commitments appear in the curriculum and campus experience. Course requirements, service opportunities and policies affecting religious life may matter differently to different applicants, so they are worth examining alongside the requirements of a chosen major.