The University of Rochester is a private research university in upstate New York, with about 12,000 students, half of which are undergraduate students. The school is known for offering The Rochester Curriculum, which gives most undergrads the flexibility to build their own programs based on what they enjoy studying, while only mandating one required course and no general education requirements.
The school has a high sticker price, and even after factoring in financial aid, the average net price to attend is still more than $40,000 a year. But the university's results are impressive. Four years after graduation, the median alumni salary is nearly $87,200, according to the College Scorecard. Rochester’s 89% six-year graduation rate places it in the top 10% of all colleges on Money’s list this year.
Students come from all 50 states and about 130 countries. Undergraduates can choose from more than 80 majors across the School of Arts & Sciences, Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Nursing, Warner School of Education, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Simon Business School and the world-famous Eastman School of Music.
The 154-acre main campus sits along the Genesee River, a short walk from downtown Rochester, and is known for its distinctive brick architecture. The majority of students live on campus, and students tend to be highly involved in campus life. Nine in 10 students participate in a club or student group, of which there are 285 options to choose from. Greek life is another popular option, and the school’s athletics department features 22 NCAA Division III teams.
