Students at the University of Rochester achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the highest-performing universities in the country for financial outcomes.
The university particularly excels at supporting low-income students who gain admission, helping them reach earnings levels that rank in the top 2% nationally.
The University of Rochester delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place it among the top-performing private universities nationwide. With median 10-year earnings of $79,042 and graduates consistently achieving earnings in the 95th percentile nationally, Rochester demonstrates how a research-intensive private institution can translate academic excellence into sustained career success. Nearly 2,433 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, reflecting the university's strength in high-return fields like computer science, nursing, and pre-professional programs.
What makes Rochester particularly noteworthy is its ability to serve as a launching pad for exceptional outcomes among the students it enrolls. While access is limited—only 16% of students receive Pell Grants—those who do attend see remarkable results. Low-income graduates earn a median of $94,700 ten years out, placing Rochester in the 98th percentile nationally for low-income student earnings and earning it the designation as a "Selective Achievers" institution.
As a medium-sized private research university in upstate New York, Rochester combines the intimacy of a smaller institution with the resources and opportunities of a major research center. The university's 84% six-year graduation rate and strong alumni networks in medicine, engineering, business, and technology create pathways to careers that continue paying dividends well beyond graduation. For families who can manage the substantial upfront investment, Rochester offers one of the strongest returns on investment available in American higher education.
The University of Rochester's program portfolio reflects its strength as a research university with particular excellence in STEM fields and health sciences. Computer Science stands out with 120 graduates earning $83,177 early in their careers, positioning Rochester as a strong pipeline into high-paying technology roles. The program's relatively focused size allows for close faculty mentorship and research opportunities that enhance career prospects in software engineering, data science, and technology leadership.
Adult Health Nursing represents Rochester's largest high-return program, with 207 graduates earning $68,194 and generating the highest aggregate return among all majors. This reflects both the program's scale and the strong demand for Rochester-trained nurses in healthcare systems throughout New York and beyond. Biology, while the most popular major with 223 graduates, shows lower initial earnings at $20,482, largely because many students use it as preparation for medical school, graduate programs, or other advanced training where the full earnings potential emerges later in their careers.
The diversity in outcomes—from Computer Science's $83,177 to Brass Instruments' $17,499—illustrates Rochester's comprehensive academic offerings and its ability to support students across different career pathways. Even lower-earning programs often lead to specialized careers in performance, education, or creative fields that provide non-monetary benefits and may show stronger earnings growth over time than early-career data suggests.
The University of Rochester delivers outstanding long-term financial returns that consistently rank among the best in the nation. Graduates earn a median of $79,042 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. This strong performance reflects Rochester's concentration in high-return fields and its ability to connect students with lucrative career pathways in technology, healthcare, finance, and research. The university's research focus and strong alumni networks help graduates access opportunities that drive sustained earnings growth throughout their careers.
Program-level outcomes show significant variation but impressive peaks. Computer Science leads with median earnings of $83,177 for its 120 graduates, combining strong early-career pay with excellent long-term prospects in technology. Adult Health Nursing, with 207 graduates earning a median of $68,194, represents Rochester's largest high-return program and reflects the university's strength in health sciences. Biology remains the most popular major with 223 graduates, though early earnings of $20,482 reflect the pre-professional nature of many students who continue to medical or graduate school. Even programs like Brass Instruments, while showing lower initial earnings at $17,499, often lead to specialized careers in performance, education, or arts administration that may not be fully captured in early-career salary data.
Affordability at the University of Rochester varies dramatically by family income, reflecting the realities of private university pricing. Low-income students pay a net price of $13,743 annually, which is remarkably affordable for a prestigious private institution and demonstrates Rochester's commitment to making education accessible for admitted Pell-eligible students. Middle-income families face significantly higher costs at $21,177 per year, while high-income families pay $48,528 annually, approaching the full sticker price.
Debt levels are moderate relative to the institution's outcomes and typical private university standards. Federal student loan debt averages $21,000, which is manageable given Rochester's strong earnings outcomes, and the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully service their educational investments. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $28,475, reflecting the reality that many families contribute significantly to cover Rochester's higher costs. The combination of strong financial aid for low-income students and exceptional earnings outcomes helps ensure that educational debt remains sustainable relative to the career opportunities Rochester provides.
University Of Rochester Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
