At $30,248/yr net price, University of Rochester graduates earn $79,042/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $45,042/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,248 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $120,992 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $79,042/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$45,042/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 84.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,743/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,102/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,177/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,822/yr |
| $110,001+ | $48,528/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. | Master | $95,073 | $34,054 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $89,524 | $40,170 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $83,546 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $83,177 | $19,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $82,440 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,321 | $18,175 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $69,338 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,194 | $15,000 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $23,000 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $63,005 |
The Risk Factor
84.5% of students at University of Rochester graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Rochester delivers solid financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning $79,042 annually against relatively manageable debt loads of $21,000. The school's strong graduate placement in Rochester's growing healthcare and technology sectors drives these outcomes.
Nursing stands out as the financial winner, generating $95,073 in median earnings despite higher debt loads. Computer science majors get the best debt-to-income ratio at $83,177 in earnings with just $19,000 in debt. Business and finance programs also perform well, benefiting from Rochester's financial services industry and the school's alumni network.
The biggest financial risk is the school's heavy reliance on need-based aid, with only 16% of students receiving assistance. If your family income sits in the middle-class gap, you could face the full cost burden without significant help. The high retention rate of 92% suggests most students can handle the financial commitment, but those who struggle early often transfer rather than accumulate excessive debt.
Rochester works financially for families who can afford the net price of $30,248 or qualify for substantial need-based aid. Pre-med and pre-health students benefit from strong program reputations that boost graduate school acceptance rates. Students targeting lower-paying fields like liberal arts should carefully consider whether the debt load aligns with their career earnings potential.
The school offers merit scholarships for top academic performers, though they're competitive. Your best financial strategy involves applying early decision only if Rochester is your clear first choice and the aid package works for your family budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Rochester worth the cost compared to other schools?
University of Rochester graduates earn $79,042 ten years after graduation with median debt of $21,000, which creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. The net price of $30,248 annually is high but manageable given the strong earning outcomes and 85% graduation rate.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Rochester?
Nursing programs at University of Rochester lead in earnings at $95,073, followed by business administration at $89,524 and computer science at $83,177. These programs justify the tuition cost better than lower-earning majors.
How much debt do University of Rochester students typically graduate with?
University of Rochester students graduate with a median debt of $21,000, which is below the national average. This relatively low debt load makes the school more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
Does University of Rochester provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The net price at University of Rochester averages $30,248 after financial aid, indicating the school provides substantial aid packages. However, this still represents a significant annual cost that requires careful financial planning.