LRC vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

Compare La Roche University in Pittsburgh, PA with University of Charleston in Charleston, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Charleston is larger than LRC based on total student enrollment (3,062 students vs. 2,153 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Roche University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large Suburban setting); University of Charleston is in Charleston, WV (Small City setting).
• La Roche University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Roche University 11:1; University of Charleston 15:1.

LRC vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LRC or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston than LRC ($20,844 vs. $24,108).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Charleston are 8.3% lower than at La Roche University ($12,280 vs. $13,390).
• La Roche University is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Charleston (about $252 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $33,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at LRC than at University of Charleston (about $252 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $33,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Charleston than at La Roche University (97% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 13.2% larger than aid received by La Roche University students ($26,132 vs. $23,083).

LRC vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LRC or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston and LRC.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at La Roche University (1070) is the same as at University of Charleston (1070).
• Incoming University of Charleston students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (21 vs. 18 at LRC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: La Roche University 940/1200; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: La Roche University 15/22; University of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LRC - Test optional; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: LRC Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman LRC students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at University of Charleston (3.13).
• LRC has a higher acceptance rate (75.8%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at LRC vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

LRC vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LRC and University of Charleston? 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.

• The graduation rate at LRC is the same as at University of Charleston (51% vs. 51%).
• Graduates from University of Charleston earn a median of about $900 more per year than LRC graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than LRC graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LRC graduates ($211 vs. $268).
• More LRC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Charleston students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 58%)

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.