LRC vs. Saint Francis University

Comparable Facts

Compare La Roche University in Pittsburgh, PA with Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Francis University is larger than LRC based on total student enrollment (2,963 students vs. 2,153 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Roche University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large Suburban setting); Saint Francis University is in Loretto, PA (Distant Town setting).
• La Roche University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Francis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Roche University 11:1; Saint Francis University 16:1.

LRC vs. Saint Francis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LRC or Saint Francis 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 Saint Francis University ($24,108 vs. $28,326).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at La Roche University are 0.8% lower than at Saint Francis University ($13,390 vs. $13,500).
• Saint Francis University is 29.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than LRC (about $9,948 more per year; $44,000.00 vs. $34,052.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.2% higher at Saint Francis University than at La Roche University (about $9,948 more per year; $44,000.00 vs. $34,052.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Francis University than at La Roche University (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Francis University students is 36.9% larger than aid received by La Roche University students ($31,610 vs. $23,083).

LRC vs. Saint Francis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LRC or Saint Francis 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 Saint Francis University and LRC.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Saint Francis University (1140) is 70 points higher than at LRC (1070).
• Incoming Saint Francis University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (24 vs. 18 at LRC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: La Roche University 940/1200; Saint Francis University 1050/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: La Roche University 15/22; Saint Francis University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LRC - Test optional; Saint Francis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LRC Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Saint Francis University students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at LRC (3.2).
• Saint Francis University has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than LRC (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at LRC vs. 19.6% at Saint Francis University.

LRC vs. Saint Francis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LRC and Saint Francis 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.

• Saint Francis University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than La Roche University's (51%).
• Graduates from Saint Francis University earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than LRC graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, La Roche University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Saint Francis University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, LRC graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Francis University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Saint Francis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LRC students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.