LRC vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare La Roche University in Pittsburgh, PA with Columbia International University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than LRC based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 2,153 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Roche University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large Suburban setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• La Roche University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Roche University 11:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

LRC vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LRC or Columbia International University? 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 Columbia International University ($24,108 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 10.8% lower than at La Roche University ($11,950 vs. $13,390).
• La Roche University is 22.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $6,152 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.1% higher at LRC than at Columbia International University (about $6,152 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University than at La Roche University (95% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Roche University students is 35.7% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($23,083 vs. $17,009).

LRC vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LRC or Columbia International University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia International University and LRC.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 20 points higher than at LRC (1070).
• Incoming Columbia International University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 18 at LRC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: La Roche University 940/1200; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: La Roche University 15/22; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LRC - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LRC Aug 1, 2027; Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at LRC (3.2).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than LRC (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at LRC vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

LRC vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LRC and Columbia International University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than La Roche University's (51%).
• Graduates from La Roche University earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than LRC graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LRC graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LRC students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 62%)

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.