At $19,245/yr net price, Rochester University graduates earn $48,707/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,707/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,245 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,980 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,707/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,707/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,475 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,716/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,338/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,451/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,280/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,860/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,619 | $31,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $27,317 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $22,376 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $32,284 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $24,837 |
The Risk Factor
41.4% of students at Rochester University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Rochester University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky choice for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $48,707 against a net price of $19,245 annually, you'll struggle to justify the investment unless you choose your major carefully.
Nursing stands out as the only program worth pursuing financially, generating $57,619 in median earnings despite higher debt loads of $31,000. This gives nursing graduates a realistic path to debt payoff and career growth in Michigan's healthcare market. Business and accounting majors earn just $38,289, barely above the national average for high school graduates, while communication majors face even lower returns at $37,208.
The school's 41% graduation rate creates massive financial risk. With only two out of five students finishing their degrees, you face real odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The 67% retention rate signals that many students recognize the poor value proposition early and transfer elsewhere.
You should consider Rochester University only if you plan to study nursing and can secure significant merit aid. The school awards aid to just 31% of students, suggesting limited financial assistance opportunities. Business, communication, and human development majors should look elsewhere, as these programs fail to generate earnings that justify the costs.
Rochester University works best for nursing students with strong academic records who can complete the program quickly and enter Michigan's healthcare job market. Everyone else faces poor financial prospects and should explore community college transfers or state universities with stronger graduation rates and better earning outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rochester University worth the cost?
Rochester University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $57,619 annually, making the $24,475 median debt manageable, but other programs like communication studies ($37,208) and human development ($32,284) offer weaker returns on investment.
What is the ROI for Rochester University graduates?
Rochester University graduates earn a median of $48,707 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $24,475. The nursing program provides the strongest ROI, while liberal arts and social service programs show lower earning potential relative to cost.
How much debt do Rochester University students graduate with?
The median debt at Rochester University is $24,475, which is reasonable if you pursue high-earning fields like nursing. However, with a 41% graduation rate, many students leave without a degree but still carry debt.
Which Rochester University programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Rochester University offer the strongest career outcomes with graduates earning $57,619 annually. Business and accounting graduates earn around $38,289, while communication and human services majors face more challenging job markets with lower starting salaries.