Laurel Business Institute – Uniontown
General Information — Laurel Business Institute – Uniontown
Overview
Laurel Business Institute – Uniontown, now known as Laurel Technical Institute Uniontown following a name change announced in 2025, is a private career and technical education institution located in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. It was originally founded as Laurel Business Institute in 1985 to address local workforce and employment training needs in the Fayette County region. Over time, it expanded from business and clerical training into allied health, trades, cosmetology, information technology, and technical disciplines. The institution emphasizes hands-on instruction, small class sizes, apprenticeship alignment, and employer-informed curricula.
Its mission is to prepare students for in-demand careers by combining theory, lab work, clinical experience, and professional development. It is licensed by Pennsylvania and accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, with programmatic accreditations (such as nursing and respiratory care) where applicable. The campus occupies multiple historic buildings in downtown Uniontown, and the institution serves as an accessible local option for students seeking diplomas, associate degrees, or certificates closely tied to regional job markets.
Contact Information
Address: 11 East Penn Street, Uniontown, Pennsylvania 15401
Phone Number: (724) 439-4900
Email Address: ldolan@laurel.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1985 |
| Original Name | Laurel Business Institute |
| Current Name (as of 2025) | Laurel Technical Institute – Uniontown |
| Type | Private, for-profit / career & technical institution |
| Accreditation | Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) |
| Programmatic Accreditations | Nursing (ACEN), Respiratory Care (CoARC) |
| Campus Setting | Urban, downtown Uniontown |
| Student Enrollment | ~397 undergraduates (full- and part-time) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~86% |
| Net Price | ~$9,188 annually (after aid) |
Laurel Business Institute Rankings
| Metric / Ranking | Value or Status |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~86% |
| Graduation Rate / Completion | ~79% according to some sources |
| Net Price (average after aid) | ~$9,188 per year |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approx. 11:1 reported in some analyses |
| Institution Classification | Associate’s / Career & Technical |
Laurel Business Institute – Uniontown Academics
Laurel Business Institute Faculties / Departments
- School of Business & Education
- School of Healthcare & Allied Health
- School of Trades & Technology
- School of Spa & Cosmetology Arts
- Department of Information Technology & Networking
- Department of Technical & Skilled Trades
Laurel Business Institute Courses and Programs / Majors
- Cosmetology (12-month diploma)
- Practical Nursing (12-month diploma)
- Respiratory Therapy
- Welding & Fabrication with Pipeline Technology
- Electrical Technician
- Computer Network Security Technician / Cloud Computing
- Accounting & Business Administration
- Medical Billing & Coding / Office Administration
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Esthetics / Nail Technician
- Massage Therapy
- HVAC, Electrical Systems Technician
Online Learning
Laurel Business Institute offers hybrid and online modalities for certain programs, especially in allied health, business, or technical fields. These programs include online theory or lecture portions combined with on-site labs, externships, or skill practicums arranged locally. The institution’s online offerings are NC-SARA approved, allowing distance education across participating states. However, many technical and clinical programs retain in-person components, such as simulation labs, clinical rotations, or hands-on trade work. The hybrid design supports flexibility for students balancing work, family, or commuting constraints.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Exam | Range / Status |
|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | Not typically required or reported |
| Entrance / Screening Tests | Programs may require Wonderlic SLE (score ≥20) or ATI TEAS for nursing admissions |
| High School GPA | Applicants often need cumulative GPA ≥2.0 or equivalent |
Standardized test scores like SAT/ACT are optional or not used for general admission. Program-specific admission exams (e.g. TEAS, Wonderlic) may be required for selective health programs.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Laurel Business Institute reports relatively high completion rates for a career school, with some sources indicating up to 79% of students complete their programs. The institution tracks retention within cohorts and licensure pass rates for health and technical programs. Because many students enroll part time or balance employment, retention metrics can vary. The institution continuously refines student support, mentoring, remediation, and curriculum alignment to reduce attrition and promote timely graduation.
Laurel Business Institute – Uniontown Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants are usually required to hold a high school diploma or GED. A minimum GPA of around 2.0 is often acceptable. SAT or ACT scores are not required or heavily considered for general admission. For health and technical programs, performance on entrance assessments (e.g. TEAS, Wonderlic) can be more important than high school test scores.
Laurel Business Institute Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~86% |
Most applicants meeting basic eligibility requirements are admitted, reflecting the institution’s mission of accessibility and enrollment support.
Laurel Business Institute Application Requirements
Prospective students should submit a completed application form, pay an application fee (often $50), provide official high school transcripts or GED certification, and complete an admissions assessment (e.g. Wonderlic or TEAS for certain programs). Some programs, such as nursing or respiratory therapy, may require additional requirements like health clearance, background checks, immunizations, or prerequisite coursework. For transfer students, academic transcripts and a transfer credit evaluation may be needed. The admissions process seeks to evaluate both academic readiness and student commitment to technical training and career goals.
Application Process
- Complete institution application and pay fee
- Submit official transcripts (high school or prior college) or GED proof
- Complete required assessment exam (Wonderlic, TEAS) if applying to selective programs
- Meet with admissions advisor to select program and review requirements
- Submit supplemental documents (health forms, background checks) as needed
- Receive arrival/acceptance decision and enroll
- Attend orientation and begin classes
Laurel Business Institute Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline Type | Timing |
|---|---|
| Application Fee Submission | Rolling, prior to program start |
| Enrollment Start Dates | Multiple start dates per year (e.g. fall, spring, summer) |
| Priority Registration | Before term begins for current students |
| Program Entry Cutoff | Varies by program (health or trades) |
Essay Prompt
Generally, an essay or personal statement is not required for admission at Laurel Business Institute due to its career and technical focus. If supplemental statements are requested, they might ask applicants to articulate their career goals, motivation for entering the chosen field, or how they plan to balance training with personal responsibilities.
Laurel Business Institute Scholarships
Laurel offers institutional scholarships, grants, and employer-partner funding to eligible students. Applicants are encouraged to apply for federal aid (such as Pell Grants) and state-based assistance. The institution may also provide performance-based awards or program-specific scholarships in fields like health, trades, or technology. The financial aid office supports students in crafting aid packages and exploring external scholarships.
Laurel Business Institute Tuition Fee
| Program | Typical Cost / Notes |
|---|---|
| Accounting & Business Administration (5 semesters) | ~$27,770 total tuition |
| Clinical Medical Assistant (3 semesters) | ~$16,662 total tuition |
| Additional Fees | Application $50; Student Support Services ~$325/semester; Technology Fee ~$150/semester; Graduation fee $195; Lab, supply, uniform, exam fees varying by program |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Laurel Business Institute – Uniontown enrolls a student body that is predominantly female, especially in health, cosmetology, and allied disciplines. Gender distributions vary by program. Age ranges span typical adult learner demographics, with many students between ages 18-35, but also nontraditional students seeking career changes. The institution draws from local communities in Fayette County and southwestern Pennsylvania, so racial and ethnic demographics mirror regional populations (primarily White, with representation from African American, Hispanic, and other groups). Because of small cohort sizes, demographic proportions may shift year to year.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Many students at Laurel come from moderate or low-income backgrounds, relying on financial aid, scholarships, or grants to afford tuition. The institution offers support services for students with disabilities, including accommodations, accessible facilities, and individualized assistance. Career and technical schools often attract students seeking affordable pathways into stable employment, so Laurel emphasizes reducing financial barriers and supporting underrepresented populations.
Student Body
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | ~397 students (full- and part-time) |
| Full-Time Students | ~390 |
| Part-Time Students | ~7 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~86% |
University Diversity
Laurel places significant emphasis on inclusion and responsiveness to community needs. Although Uniontown and southwestern Pennsylvania are not among the most ethnically diverse regions nationally, Laurel seeks to welcome students of all backgrounds, including minority, first-generation, economically disadvantaged, and nontraditional learners. The institution strives to promote a respectful, supportive environment where diverse perspectives inform learning. Through scholarship programs, outreach, and partnerships, Laurel works to reduce educational inequities and expand access to underserved populations. The inclusion of technical and health programs can attract students who may not pursue conventional academic pathways but seek stable, skilled jobs. The institution’s small class sizes and career orientation facilitate relationships across cultures and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging. As Laurel evolves with regional workforce changes, it also monitors demographic shifts and adjusts recruitment to encourage greater diversity in STEM, trades, and allied health fields.
Average Earnings
Graduates from Laurel’s programs often enter technical, healthcare support, cosmetology, skilled trade, or administrative roles. Entry-level wages vary by discipline and geography—for instance, licensed practical nursing, respiratory therapy, or medical assisting positions may begin with moderate salaries, which can grow considerably with experience, certifications, or upward advancement. Trade disciplines like welding, electrical work, or HVAC may yield competitive wages depending on demand and certification status. Many graduates recoup their investment within a few years through employment, commission, or overtime. Because Laurel designs programs to align with local employer needs, students may leverage regional job networks immediately. The institution tracks alumni outcomes and licensure pass rates to gauge return on investment, and emphasizes continuous alignment of programs with market wage trends.
Laurel Business Institute – Uniontown Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Laurel Business Institute employs full-time and adjunct instructors, administrative staff, student services personnel, financial aid officers, technical support, and operations staff. Reports suggest a faculty size of approximately 48 instructors in recent years. Staff collaborate to support small class sizes, student advising, curriculum delivery, lab supervision, and campus operations. Because of the career-tech nature, many instructors serve dual roles as practitioners and educators, enriching instructional relevance.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty are often credentialed industry professionals and educators with experience in their respective fields—nursing, respiratory care, cosmetology, welding, IT, business, etc. Many hold certifications, licenses, advanced degrees, or relevant experience in industry or clinical settings. Instructors frequently lead labs, clinics, or practicums, mentor students, update curriculum per employer feedback, and support student licensure preparation. Their professional background enables bridging classroom theory with practical application, which is central to Laurel’s mission.
Laurel Business Institute – Uniontown Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Laurel’s Uniontown campus is primarily commuter-based, as vocational institutions rarely provide on-campus housing. Students typically live in surrounding local communities within driving distance. The campus comprises several renovated historic buildings in downtown Uniontown, including laboratory spaces, simulation clinics, trade workshops, classrooms, administrative offices, and student support areas. Student life is intimately tied to program cohorts, peer learning, and professional networking rather than large-scale campus events. While formal student housing is not available, Laurel fosters a learning community through clubs, student association activities, career fairs, and employer engagement events.
Transportation
Students largely commute by personal vehicle or local transit where available. The downtown campus location facilitates access via local roads. On campus, mobility is easy due to compact facility layout and walkable adjacency of buildings. Parking is available in campus lots or nearby street parking. Some students may use public bus services depending on regional transit routes. Because the campus is relatively central to Uniontown, many reside within manageable commuting distance.