University of Rochester Tuition and Fees

(Last Updated – 01/2025)
Total Cost of Attendance
The University of Rochester (U of R) is a top private research university that has the feel of a small liberal arts college. The university offers students many academic and personal opportunities — including the chance to apply for a special tuition-free fifth year to study a topic they’re passionate about.
In 2023-24, the University of Rochester tuition was $64,348. This is significantly higher than the national average for private university tuition of $43,350.
Costs 2023-24 |
|
Tuition & Fees |
$64,348 |
Books & Supplies |
$1,310 |
Room & Board |
$18,924 |
Other Expenses |
$2,380 |
Total Cost of Attendance |
$85,962 |
Financial Aid
Most students at the University of Rochester have some type of financial aid. To help cover the cost of their education, 75% of students at the university use one or more forms of financial aid, which may be scholarships, grants, work-study, or student loans.
For instance, 20% percent of students at the University of Rochester have Pell Grants, which is federal funding awarded to undergraduates who have exceptional financial need.
Explore financial aid options: New York Student Loan & Scholarships.
Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.
The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:
• Scholarships: TThese can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.
• Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and nonprofit organizations.
• Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.
• Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.
Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal and school deadlines may differ.
You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:
• US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state
• College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid
• SoFi Scholarship Finder – Use our online tool to streamline your search for scholarships, grants, and other opportunities, and filter by award type, location, level of study, and more.
Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Private Student Loans
A number of undergraduates take out student loans to help cover the University of Rochester tuition and other costs. Specifically, 39% of students take out federal loans, and 6% take out private student loans. These private student loans average $22,272 per student per academic year.
Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.
What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.
Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.
If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.
Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans
Projected 4-Year-Degree Price
The cost for students to attend the University of Rochester for four years, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses, would be $343,848, based on 2023-24 prices. This cost is much higher than the national average of $241,680 for four years at a private university.
This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
Costs 2023-24 |
Tuition & Fees |
$64,348 |
Books & Supplies |
$1,310 |
Total Cost of Attendance |
$65,658 |
Whether students live in-state or they’re from another state, the undergraduate tuition and fees at the University of Rochester are the same price. The combined cost of University of Rochester tuition and fees plus books and supplies in 2023-24 was $65,658.
Graduate Tuition and Fees
Costs for 2023-24 |
|
Tuition |
$38,083 |
Fees |
$780 |
Total |
$38,863 |
Prospective graduate students may want to explore the graduate programs the university offers. The cost to attend graduate school at the University of Rochester was $38,863 in 2023-24. This is significantly lower than the national average cost of grad school at private, nonprofit universities, which is $50,160 a year.
Fortunately, there are graduate loans that can help you with these costs.
Cost per Credit Hour
Undergraduates attend the University of Rochester on a full-time basis, so in most cases, there isn’t an option to pay per credit hour. However, the nursing program at the university does offer tuition per credit hour, with costs ranging from $1,200 to $1,740 per credit hour, depending on the nursing program a student is enrolled in.
Certificates
The University of Rochester has certificate programs students can combine with their majors in order to specialize in a certain area or field. Certificate programs are available in Actuarial Studies, Biotechnology, and Mathematical Modeling in Political Science and Economics, among others. Each program has different requirements and coursework. These certificates are awarded along with a student’s bachelor’s degree at graduation.
Campus Housing Expenses
Student Type |
On-Campus |
Off-Campus |
Room & Board |
$18,924 |
$1,244/mo* |
Other Expenses |
$1,380 |
$1,380 |
*Average rate based on available one-bedroom apartments in Rochester in 2025.
First- and second-year students at the University of Rochester are required to live on campus. Many choose to remain on campus even after that. The campus has affinity housing, where students interested in living in a quiet environment, one that’s substance-free, or one that’s nonsmoking can find other like-minded students.
For those that do choose to move off campus, there are many houses, apartments, and townhouses located near campus.
University of Rochester Acceptance Rate
Fall 2023 |
|
Number of applications |
21,680 |
Number accepted |
7,805 |
Percentage Accepted |
41% |
For prospective students, it is helpful to know a university’s acceptance rate to assist in gauging their chances of admission. The University of Rochester acceptance rate is 41%. That means in the fall of 2023, 7,805 students were accepted out of the 21,680 who applied.
At 41%, The University of Rochester acceptance rate is considered competitive.
Admission Requirements
Here’s what what’s needed and what’s recommended when you apply to the University of Rochester.
Required:
• High school transcript
• Letter of recommendation from teacher
• Letter of recommendation from counselor
Optional:
• SAT or ACT scores
The deadline for Early Decision I is November 1, with a decision given by mid-December. The deadline for Early Decision II is January 5 with a decision given by early February.
The deadline for Regular Decision is January 5 with a decision given by April 1.
SAT and ACT Scores
While test scores are not required at the University of Rochester, it can be helpful for prospective students to see what other students scored in prior years. Here are scores at the 25th and 75th percentile for tests submitted in fall of 2023.
Subject |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
SAT Evidence-Based |
690 |
750 |
SAT Math |
710 |
790 |
ACT Composite |
31 |
34 |
ACT English |
32 |
35 |
ACT Math |
30 |
35 |
Popular Majors at the University of Rochester
There are hundreds of University of Rochester majors to choose from. Trying to figure out the best program for you? Here are the most popular University of Rochester majors for inspiration.
1. Biological Sciences
Students in this program can opt for a focus in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Computational Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, or Neuroscience.
Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 225
2. Nursing
U of R offers a few different options for an undergrad degree in Nursing. There’s the Accelerated Bachelor for Non-Nurses, as well as the Dual Degree in Nursing. Both offer a balance of practical knowledge and clinical experience.
Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 201
3. Business
Business majors get a well-rounded education by taking courses like Principles of Economics, Business Information Systems and Analytics, Principles of Marketing, and Operations and Strategy. They can choose a track that includes Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Systems, or Marketing.
Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 189
4. Computer Science
Computer Science majors explore computer science principles and learn how to apply them to solve problems in the field. They also have access to the Computer Science Lab, where they’ll gain hands-on experience.
Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 138
5. Psychology
In the Psychology program, you’ll learn about theoretical, empirical, and technical presentations of psychology as both a social and natural science. You’ll also have opportunities to participate in research as well as study abroad.
Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 119
6. Music
Coursework in this program includes Experiencing Music, Carillon, Introduction to Music Theory, Musicianship, Keyboard Skills, and History of Jazz.
Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 105
7. Economics
With one of the top-ranked Economics departments in the country, the University of Rochester thoroughly prepares students for careers in business, government, law, economics, or public policy.
Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 79
8. Mechanical Engineering
This degree combines creativity with math, science, and engineering. Coursework includes the Engineering of Bridges, Engineering Mechanics, Intro to CAD and Drawing, and Mechanical Systems.
Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 64
9. Biomedical Engineering
Students in this program must choose an area of focus: Biomechanics, Biosignals and Biosystems, Cell and Tissue Engineering, or Medical Optics. In their last year of study, seniors participate in the Biomedical Engineering Senior Design Program, where they design a prototype, test it, and present it.
Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 49
10. Mathematics
Math majors take courses like Multidimensional Calculus, Introduction to Probability, Fractals and Chaotic Dynamics, Theory of Numbers, and Homological Algebra. Students can opt for a BA or BS in Mathematics, a BS in Applied Mathematics, or a Joint BA in Mathematics and Statistics.
Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 44
Graduation Rate
Most students graduate with their degree in four years, but some others require extra time to complete their studies. These are the graduation rates at the University of Rochester for students who started in the fall of 2017.
• 4 years: 77%
• 6 years: 84%
Post-Graduation Median Earnings
U of R graduates tend to earn good money in their future careers. After completing their undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester, alumni can expect to earn an average salary of $79,042 per year. This is significantly higher than the average salary of $68,516 for graduates of private schools nationwide.
Bottom Line
If you’re interested in a research-oriented field of study and an excellent education, the University of Rochester has a lot to offer. The school could be just what you need to get the learning and experience to set you on your career path. Although the tuition is expensive, there are a number of financial aid options available to help pay for college. And U of R graduates tend to earn a good salary in their future careers.
Photo credit: iStock/Rebecca Todd
SoFi Private Student Loans
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