BAC vs. LRC

Comparable Facts

Compare Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, NC with La Roche University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

La Roche University is larger than BAC based on total student enrollment (2,153 students vs. 1,388 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Belmont Abbey College is located in Belmont, NC (Midsize Suburban setting); La Roche University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Belmont Abbey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. La Roche University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Belmont Abbey College 12:1; La Roche University 11:1.

BAC vs. LRC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BAC or LRC? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at La Roche University than BAC ($24,108 vs. $24,726).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Belmont Abbey College are 3.1% lower than at La Roche University ($12,974 vs. $13,390).
• La Roche University is 74.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than BAC (about $14,552 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $19,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.6% higher at LRC than at Belmont Abbey College (about $14,552 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $19,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Belmont Abbey College than at La Roche University (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Roche University students is 127% larger than aid received by Belmont Abbey College students ($23,083 vs. $10,168).

BAC vs. LRC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BAC or LRC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between LRC and BAC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Belmont Abbey College (1080) is 10 points higher than at LRC (1070).
• Incoming BAC students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at LRC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belmont Abbey College 960/1200; La Roche University 940/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belmont Abbey College 18/26; La Roche University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BAC - Test optional; LRC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LRC Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BAC students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.32) than students at LRC (3.2).
• LRC has a higher acceptance rate (75.8%) than BAC (74.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at BAC vs. 9.8% at LRC.

BAC vs. LRC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BAC and LRC? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• La Roche University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Belmont Abbey College's (38%).
• Graduates from La Roche University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than BAC graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $41,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, La Roche University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than BAC graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, LRC graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BAC graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More LRC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BAC students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 40%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.