Robert Morris University

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Robert Morris University blends traditional campus experiences with the advantages of proximity to Pittsburgh. The suburban campus provides residence halls, dining facilities, recreation centers, and green spaces where students gather between classes. Most freshmen and sophomores live on campus, creating a residential community during the first two years. Greek life exists but does not dominate the social scene. Fraternities and sororities provide community for interested students while others find their social homes in academic organizations, club sports, service groups, or interest-based clubs. Over 80 student organizations cover everything from professional development to hobbies to cultural identity. Division I athletics generate campus excitement, particularly the hockey program which has achieved national success. Football, basketball, and other sports provide opportunities for athletes and spectators alike. Intramural and club sports offer competitive outlets for students not competing at the varsity level. Fitness facilities give everyone access to workout equipment and recreational activities. The Student Activities programming team brings concerts, comedians, and events to campus throughout the year. Weekends see some students heading into Pittsburgh for restaurants, concerts, sports events, and cultural attractions, while others stay on campus for movie nights, game tournaments, or just hanging out with friends. Career services integrate into student life from the beginning, not just senior year. Students attend career fairs, practice interviewing, and connect with alumni starting their first year. The emphasis on professional preparation means career thinking infuses the entire college experience.

Location & Surroundings

Moon Township sits roughly 15 miles northwest of downtown Pittsburgh, providing a suburban setting with easy access to the city. The township itself offers the amenities expected of an affluent Pittsburgh suburb: shopping, restaurants, parks, and residential neighborhoods. Robinson Township nearby provides additional retail and entertainment options at a major commercial center. Pittsburgh has reinvented itself from its steel industry past into a center for healthcare, technology, education, and finance. The city's hospitals and universities anchor the economy, while tech companies have grown substantially. This economic activity provides job and internship opportunities for students across many fields. The city also offers professional sports (Steelers, Pirates, Penguins), museums, theaters, diverse neighborhoods, and an increasingly acclaimed food scene. Getting around requires some planning. The campus is close to Pittsburgh International Airport, making travel convenient. Public transportation connects to Pittsburgh but may not be practical for all trips. Many students keep cars on campus to access off-campus destinations. The major highways provide easy driving access to the city and surrounding region. Weather in western Pennsylvania means genuine seasons. Winters bring cold temperatures and snow, with Lake Erie's proximity increasing snowfall compared to areas further east. Springs are rainy, summers are warm and humid, and falls offer pleasant temperatures and changing leaves. Students should come prepared for significant winter weather from November through March.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at Robert Morris University runs at typical rates for private universities in the region. The sticker price puts the institution in the mid-range for private higher education, though most students pay less than the published rate after institutional aid is applied. The university offers substantial merit scholarships based on academic achievement, reducing costs for many admitted students. Financial aid packages typically combine merit scholarships, need-based grants, federal and state aid, and loans. Students should complete the FAFSA to qualify for federal assistance and be considered for institutional need-based aid. The financial aid office works with families to put together packages that make attendance feasible. Room and board costs add to the overall expense for residential students. Living on campus provides convenience and community but increases total cost compared to commuting from home if that option exists. Many students from the Pittsburgh region commute, while those from further away typically live on campus at least during early years. Career outcomes represent a strong selling point for Robert Morris. The university tracks employment rates for graduates, with high percentages working in their fields or pursuing graduate education within months of graduation. Pittsburgh's job market absorbs many graduates, while others take positions nationally. Career services maintains relationships with employers who actively recruit RMU students. Alumni networks, particularly in the Pittsburgh business community, provide connections that support job searches and career advancement. Graduates often report that the RMU name opens doors in the region, where the university's reputation for producing prepared, professional graduates precedes applicants.

Compare with Similar Universities