university of rochester cover
university of rochester logo

University of Rochester

Private#50City: Midsize

About University of Rochester

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

The University of Rochester is a private research university in Rochester, New York. It is known for its Eastman School of Music, one of the best in the world, and strong programs in optics, medicine, engineering, and political science.

Founded

1850

Location

Rochester, New York

Students

11,697

Institution

Private

Known For

Eastman Music SchoolOpticsMedical CenterEngineering

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

40.1%

Selective

Graduation Rate

85.4%

Above national average

Tuition

$67,080

Per year

Avg Net Price

$29,278

After financial aid

SAT Average

1488

Out of 1600

Median Earnings

$79,042

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
40.1%

Very Selective

40.1 out of 100 applicants get in

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Optional

Application Fee

$50

Early

Nov 1

Regular

Jan 5

University of Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1488 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.

SAT Scores

1488/ 1600

850800750700650600
730
Math: 730
680
R&W: 680
25th
790
Math: 790
750
R&W: 750
75th
Math
Reading & Writing

ACT Scores

33/ 36

393634312926
31
25th: 31
25th
33
Avg: 33
Avg
34
75th: 34
75th
25th Percentile
Average
75th Percentile

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
85.4%

Above Average

85.4% complete their degree within six years

Retention

90.7%

4-Year Grad

76%

6-Year Grad

86%

Teaching Quality

9:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

94.9%

$/Student

$40.0K

Class Size

Small

76% of students graduate on time, and 94.9% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$67,080

Annual Tuition

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$19,792

Books & Supplies

$1,310

Total Cost of Attendance

$85,962

After Financial Aid

$29,278

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$9,678

Receive Grants

17.3%

Take Loans

39.7%

Don't let the $67,080 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $29,278 after financial aid, a 56% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $9,678.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Rochester fund their education.

While in School

17.3%

Get Grants

Free money

39.7%

Take Loans

Must repay

$62,874

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$21,000

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$223/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Only 39.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Rochester.

Gender

52.7%

Female

/

47%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

38.6%
22.5%
18.1%
8.3%
5.2%
4.3%
White
International
Asian
Hispanic
Black
Multiracial

Enrollment

6,331

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

5,366

Graduates

18.7%

First-Gen

20 yrs

Avg Age

6.3%

Age 25+

The campus has a balanced gender split (53% women, 47% men). 18.7% are first-generation college students. 22.5% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
City: Midsize

City: Midsize

Campus Quick Facts

6,331

Students

private

Institution

Medium

Campus Size

R1 Research

Classification

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

No

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

Yes

Evening College

No

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

What Students Say

Pros

  • +Small classes with strong faculty mentoring
  • +Rochester curriculum lets you explore freely
  • +Eastman School of Music is world-class
  • +Generous financial aid and merit scholarships

Cons

  • -Rochester winters are harsh with heavy snow
  • -Small city with limited entertainment options
  • -Campus can feel isolated from downtown
  • -STEM-heavy culture may not suit all students

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

University of Rochester fields 14 varsity teams with 726 student athletes, about 11% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division III with football

Conference

University

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

14

Biggest: Track & Cross Country

Student Athletes

726

11% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

54% / 46%

389

Men

/

337

Women

9

Men's Teams

10

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
251
Track & XC
113
Football
63
Soccer
56
Swim & Dive
38
Rowing

Every Varsity Team

Track & Cross Country251Football113Soccer63Swimming & Diving56Rowing38Baseball36Basketball32Field Hockey28Lacrosse28Tennis22Softball20Volleyball16Squash14Golf9

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of University of Rochesterearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$79,042

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$68K
6yr
$60K
8yr
$79K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Biology, General

$34K

230 grads

1yr Earnings

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

$75K

201 grads

1yr Earnings

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

$56K

201 grads

1yr Earnings

Research and Experimental Psychology

$40K

173 grads

1yr Earnings

Computer Science

$100K

141 grads

1yr Earnings

Music

$14K

140 grads

1yr Earnings

Earnings grow steadily here: $68K at six years, $60K at eight, and $79K by ten. Well above average at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about University of Rochester

What is the acceptance rate at University of Rochester?
University of Rochester has an acceptance rate of 40.1%. University of Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1488 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
How much does University of Rochester cost?
Tuition at University of Rochester is $67,080 for in-state students and $67,080 for out-of-state students. Don't let the $67,080 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $29,278 after financial aid, a 56% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $9,678.
What is the graduation rate at University of Rochester?
University of Rochester has a graduation rate of 85.4%. 76% of students graduate on time, and 94.9% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
How much do University of Rochester graduates earn?
The median earnings for University of Rochester graduates is $79,042 ten years after enrollment. Earnings grow steadily here: $68K at six years, $60K at eight, and $79K by ten. Well above average at every stage.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.