The economy: Two words that strike fear in parents sending their children to college.

Three, even four years ago, the cost of a college education was still a concern, but most families believed it was manageable to fit into the budget. Private and public colleges enjoyed healthy student enrollment numbers.

Then fall 2008 brought Wall Street woes to Main Street. Suddenly, things were different in the family budget, and one consequence was the collective tightening of belts across the nation.

Families began to look for ways to save money on college education, and that often meant ruling private colleges and universities out, a step that's largely unnecessary. A private education is, in fact, affordable for everyone. Costs might even be comparable to a state college or university.

"The cost of a La Roche College education continues to be well below the national average for private colleges and universities," said David McFarland, director of admissions at the college in McCandless Township. "More importantly, the value of a La Roche education is well above average."

At La Roche, incoming students have the opportunity to work with financial aid counselors to determine their level of need. The average financial aid package is about $13,000 per student.

The college provides scholarships, aid opportunities, and federal loans and grants. That type of assistance can make a private college experience attainable for a student who might believe cost would rule it out, McFarland said.

Indeed, private colleges generally offer smaller class sizes, which mean a lower student-to-teacher ratio and more personal attention. Those benefits can make a big difference to freshman or transfer students who need a little help because of their separation from familiar home life and activities.

"Transitioning into a comfortable environment, or having a faculty adviser who knows you by name, can make or break a college experience for new students," McFarland said.

La Roche offers more than 50 degrees, including the top 10 career fields noted by college students today. The college also is repeatedly included in the Princeton Review as one of the nation's top northeastern colleges.

For information about La Roche programs and financial aid packages, contact admissions@laroche.edu. Adults who are interested in graduate studies may contact adultadmissions@laroche.edu.

Also people can call 1-800-838-4LRC or visit the website at www.laroche.edu.

This article was submitted by LaRoche College.