About University of Rochester
The sticker price hits $64,348 for tuition, but the average student pays $30,248 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $79,042 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $21,000 manageable with monthly payments around $223. The investment pays off quickly given Rochester's strong career outcomes. Only 16% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting a relatively affluent student body despite generous aid packages.
Rochester competes in Division III athletics as the Yellowjackets with 559 student-athletes across 19 sports. The 87% four-year graduation rate reflects the school's academic rigor and student preparedness. Students come from across the country, with only 28% from New York state, creating a geographically diverse campus community.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 94.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 87.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 84.5%
- Retention Rate
- 92.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $79,042
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,073 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $89,524 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $83,546 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $83,177 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $82,440 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,321 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $69,338 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,194 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $63,005 |
Campus Life
The open curriculum philosophy extends beyond academics into social life. Students create their own academic paths without distribution requirements, and this independence shows in weekend activities. Many join one of 19 varsity sports teams or attend Yellowjackets games. The Eastman School of Music brings constant performances to campus, while the strong pre-med culture means study groups often form in residence halls. With 92.53% of students returning each year, the community feels tight-knit despite the 6,488 enrollment. Rochester's "Meliora" motto drives both academic ambition and collaborative campus culture, where students balance rigorous coursework with active social engagement.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 5,618 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1850
Campus Safety (2023)
114 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 16 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 11 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–33°F
- July Avg
- 62°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 102.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.7%
- Women
- 53.3%
- White
- 38.7%
- Black
- 4.8%
- Hispanic
- 8.4%
- Asian
- 17.6%
- In-State Students
- 28.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.2%
Location
- Address
- Rochester, New York 14627-0011
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $79,042
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $84,459
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $49,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 80.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Rochester?
University of Rochester accepts 38.91% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Admitted students typically score between 1390-1540 on the SAT, reflecting the university's commitment to enrolling academically strong students who can thrive in its open curriculum.
How much does University of Rochester cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $30,248, lower than the sticker price of $64,348. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,743 on average, while the university provides institutional grants averaging $39,715 to eligible students.
What makes University of Rochester's curriculum unique?
Rochester operates with an open curriculum that eliminates distribution requirements, allowing students complete freedom to design their academic path. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, students work closely with professors while exploring the university's well-known programs in optics, medicine, and music.
What do University of Rochester graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median salary of $79,042 ten years after graduation, with strong employment outcomes reflected in the 94.8% employment rate. The typical graduate carries $21,000 in debt with monthly loan payments of $223, making the investment quite manageable.
Where do University of Rochester students live and what is campus life like?
The university houses 5,618 students in campus housing, creating a tight-knit community of 6,488 total students. With 559 student-athletes competing in 19 NCAA Division III sports as the Yellowjackets, the campus maintains an active but academically-focused atmosphere.
Is University of Rochester known for producing Nobel Prize winners?
Rochester has an exceptional track record with Nobel laureates among its alumni, including Steven Chu in Physics and Robert Fogel in Economics. The university's research excellence, particularly in optics and medicine, continues this tradition of breakthrough discoveries that earn global recognition.
