Reviews

I began as a freshman in August, (30 years old, single parent, starting my first real college journey) and I have been unbelievably happy/impressed with Carlow, as a whole. It's big enough to have exceptional, experienced faculty, but small enough that I am more than just a number. Through my experiences so far, I have seen students of ALL ages/backgrounds/situations, and the faculty will go out of their way to help each and every one!!!

TALK TO EVERYONE ASSOCIATED WITH CARLOW!!! They are ALL there to help YOU! :)
From the admissions, financial aid, IT, academic resources, and ESPECIALLY the instructors. Here, you are NOT just another body in a gigantic lecture hall. Everything is more personal and every single person I have encountered will go out of their way to help you in whatever way they can. Be open and take the steps to introduce yourself to your instructors and any other staff, because they won't know you need help unless YOU ask. I haven't even completed one semester, and I am on a first name basis with a lot of Carlow staff (I ask a LOT of questions)! No one has ever made me feel like I'm dumb, or I should figure it out on my own, because they all actually care!!

It's all about the work YOU put in! Books and notes can only take you so far, you have to put in the work. It is a lot of work, but it is definitely possible. They have excellent resources to help students (Center for Academic Achievement, tutors, instructors, workshops/seminars, etc.)

I don't live in the dorms, but I have heard a lot of great things from other students who do!

Although the hours are a little restricted, I think the cafeteria offers a good variety every day. There is a fresh salad bar and they do different meals and sandwiches.

No, this is not a party school (sorry!). But, you're in the middle of Oakland. There is so much to do there!! All you have to do is walk down Fifth Ave or Forbes Ave and go exploring! Oakland has a great variety of attractions (museums, stores, etc.) and a HUGE variety of food!! Plus the buses run all day and can take you anywhere. I LOVE the Pittsburgh area. There are so many different things to do here (for me and for my 3 year old and her 9 year old sister). All you have to do is Google Pittsburgh events or activities or free Pittsburgh activities and you will find 100's of things to do. There are always festivals and different attractions to keep things exciting! Also there is access to gyms and even a relaxation room!!!

Yes, Carlow is a little more expensive than some other schools, but I know people who have degrees from Carlow and it has a great reputation.

They have very traditional areas and new high-tech areas. It's the best of both worlds! Right now they are building a brand new library and student area! Also, I love the fact that there are many computer labs all over campus to work at and print things out as needed!

ANYONE!!!!
18-99 years old. I have met students from any age/background/ethnicity/situation. Whether they attend straight from HS or Adult Students, they have classes and resources for anyone. I recently met a woman who will be walking to get her degree with her daughter! They are both attending at the same time.
Also, since I am a single parent (her dad hasn't seen or done anything for her in almost 2 years) I have had to rearrange things and take my daughter with me. She LOVES going to school with mommy. I had to take her with me for most of my admission/financial aid appointments, and nobody has ever been upset or looked down on me. Everyone is so nice to her, and has welcomed her right along with me. For some workshops/events they even have free babysitting included. One time, she was getting over a cold, and I had to take her into the library with me. She sat in the library and studied while mommy did her work. Everyone on campus is completely understanding and helps out whenever they can.

There is a pretty good variety of clubs. There are always announcements on the website. Also, students are always going around to let people know what's going on. I joined the Business Leaders of Carlow club and everyone is so nice! The Campus Activities Board is always planning trips and events for anyone to attend.

There are sororities, however I haven't experienced anything with them.

I have day classes and a night class, I have NEVER felt unsafe (even late at night). The campus police are super-friendly and helpful (no matter how small the issue) There are security cameras too. They have parking lot attendants to help with parking (which is a huge plus). Also, in Oakland, the Pittsburgh police are always around outside of the campus if needed.

On a scale of 1-10, I rate Carlow as a 10. The private catholic school is very clean, has a small campus, and it feels like home. The campus is in the city, but when you are on campus, it feels like you are away from the city.

If the student likes the city life this is a great place to attend. The school is known for their small class sizes, and one-on-one attention. You are not a number at this school.

I am unable to rate the academic rigor since I am attending this summer. Carlow has the best nursing programs in Pittsburgh. I was told that any hospital in Pittsburgh will most likely take a Carlow nurse over Pitt or Duquesne. The school is known to be an all girls school. This is because of their nursing program. Carlow has an autopsy program in which Cyril Wrect performed cases in their lab. Since Pitt, Duquesne, and Point Park are around Carlow in Oakland, if you are a Carlow student and wished to take 1 class at one of these schools, you have that option for free. Carlow is also a liberal arts school.

I don't know much about dorm life since I will be attending this summer, but the dorms and bathrooms are very clean. The bathrooms are public, but they are very wide open, and the showers have a changing area which is nice. Each student takes a personality test to match with their room mate, or the student can choose thier room mate. The thing about dorm life at Carlow most students will not find any where else is that students do not have to live on campus their first year. There are computer labs available at all times in the residence hall, and to do laundry is very inexpensive. The residence hall is very safe, there is a security office right as you walk in, and you must have your card to get to every part of the building.

On the Carlow college visit, I had a chanc to eat in the dining hall. The food was great, and there was much variety. It does not taste like the high school lunches.

The question is, what isn't there to do? Although there is no partying on campus, who says you can't have fun with your friends at Pitt, Duquesne, or Point Park? There is always something going on in Oakland, and to ride the bus around the city is cheap.

one-on-one attention, students who love the city.

The professors are all knowledgable and take pride in their jobs. They help the students who ask, and care about their success.

Although it seems like the elevator is always breaking, this campus is wonderful. It is a small campus, and flowers bloom around every corner. Everyone is friendly and the whole campus has a peaceful feeling. The Campus Activities Board always has activities lined up for students.

With relatively large dorm rooms this place is comfortable. Some art students are even allowed to attend the Art Institute their junior year. The Campus Activities Board always keeps events lined up and if that's not enough for you, the college is located in Pittsburgh, so there's tons of stuff to do off campus as well including free admission to Phipps Conservatory and the Carnegie Museums of Art and History.

Keep in touch with your advisor, join a campus clubs such as CAB or theatre, and be prepared do some typing.

Prospective Nurses, Teachers, and Artists, this place is for you!

Great place to begin your education if you're straight oit of high school or and adult learner. The staff and other students are passionate about your success. There is always someone available to help.

Get involved! Find a group or activity that you're interested in and join. It is very important to feel connected and to be engaged. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

The staff puts a lot of effort into gearing learning towards your needs. Your success equals their success.

When I stayed on campus they were always looking for ways to improve your dorm life. It's always best to have a roommate.

I loved the food. There is something for everyone.

You are in the middle of 5 other school campuses. There is always something going on.

Tuition is expensive but not as high as some other collegea that I know of.

Great for students who want the full collefe experience within a small community atmosphere.

There are clubs and activities for everybody and everything.

It is a small campus so it is easy for campus police to patrol. Everything is within walkimg distance.

Everyone there is nice and helpful, and they really do seem to care about their students. The campus is beautiful, too. I am sincerely looking forward to it!

I wouldn't know. I haven't gone yet.

I haven't gone yet, but from what my tour guide told me, it's very easy if you work hard and ask for help when you need it.

The dorms seem relatively small, but it gives it a sort of homey feel. You're allowed to decorate however you want (as long as your roommate agrees!) and they come with a mini-fridge, freezer, and microwave, as well as free wifi. You can have friends sleep over at your dorm (same or opposite sex) on weekends your first semester, and then any day for all of the following. Everything about it just seems lovely.

The food seems really good. I didn't get to try it, but it looked good, and it's free if you get the student meal plan. The people who worked at the cafeteria were very friendly, too. And if you don't like the food, it's Oakland. You can just eat somewhere else. Heck, there are other places to eat on the campus itself!

What NOT to do for fun? You're in the heart of Pittsburgh. There are museums, libraries, other universities, and plenty of other things to walk to; and Carlow itself has, on campus: a theatre, a gym, a pool (though I'm hydrophobic, so I won't be taking advantage of that), computer labs, a nice library, free wifi, places to hang out, and activities constantly being planned for the students. The whole place is just full of life and full of things to do.

Again, I wouldn't know, as I haven't gone, but it seems to me to be well worth it. Otherwise, I wouldn't even consider paying their tuition.

There's a convent up on the hill. I hear the nuns there are lovely.

Carlow strikes me as a university which is perfect for those who are creative and serious about their education. Of course, it's a private liberal arts university. Of course it's going to cater to those groups! Really, it seems good for anyone, but you have to go there and check it out yourself before you make any sort of decision.

According to the tour guide, they had something for everyone. As I visited on the day of their spring carnival on the green, I got to witness a bit of that firsthand.

Security seems very tight. You need a student ID card to get just about anywhere, and they have Pittsburgh city police patrolling the grounds every hour, as well as security cameras stationed all over the place and emergency call boxes set up (though I was told that the boxes have never been used thus far).