Quick Summary
Private research university in Rochester, United States — University of Rochester, est. 1850. Ranked #236 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 12197 students including 26% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Optics, Music, Medicine, it maintains an acceptance rate of 39%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Rochester offers the flexibility of an open curriculum (The Rochester Curriculum) and is home to the world-renowned Eastman School of Music and the Institute of Optics.
Subject Strengths
OpticsMusicMedicineEconomicsPhysics and AstronomyPolitical Science
Founded1850
TypePrivate Research University
Total Students12197
Intl Students26%
Faculty Ratio10
CampusSuburban
Campus Size600 acres
Affiliated HospitalsStrong Memorial Hospital,Highland Hospital,Golisano Children's Hospital,Wilmot Cancer Institute
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#236
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#154
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#151
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,Doctoral,Professional Certificate
Programs
Biomedical Engineering,Optics,Physics,Economics,History,Visual and Cultural Studies
PhD Programs
Master of Science in Nursing,Online MBA,Executive MBA
Online Programs
Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE),Center for Visual Science,The Goergen Institute for Data Science
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate39%
IELTS7
TOEFL100
Min GPA3.8
GREOptional/Program Specific
GMATOptional/Program Specific
SATTest Optional
ACTTest Optional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 5
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight your 'Meliora' spirit. Focus on the Rochester Curriculum, which allows students to design their own path without traditional general education requirements.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$65,870/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$18,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$58,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$84,370/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableGenesee Scholarship,Dean's Scholarship,Rochester Promise,International Student Merit Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$25,000
Financial AidNeeds-blind for domestic students; meets 100% of demonstrated need.
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,Doctoral,Professional Certificate programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Nursing | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Psychology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Biological Sciences | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Business Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Computer Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$76,000
Average Salary After Graduation
95%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh; supported by the Gwen M. Greene Career & Internship Center.
Industry Connections
L3HarrisCorningKodakBausch + LombStrong Health
Notable Alumni
Steven Chu (Nobel Laureate),Richard Thaler (Nobel Laureate),Donna Strickland (Nobel Laureate),Renée Fleming
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Goergen Athletic Center,Fauver Stadium,Speegle-Wilbraham Aquatic Center
Student Clubs
Yellowjackets A Cappella,Engineers Without Borders,Student Government (SA)
Library Resources
Rush Rhees Library,Sibley Music Library,Edward G. Miner Library
Exchange Programs
Over 100 programs in 40+ countries.
Summer Programs
Available for high school and university students.