University of Rochester's published cost of attendance reaches $82,600 per year, including $64,348 in tuition, $18,924 for room and board, and $1,310 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $30,248 after financial aid, representing savings of $52,352 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $85,962 |
| Tuition and Fees | $67,080 |
| Room and Board | $19,792 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,310 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$56,684 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $29,278 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,678 |
| $30–48k | $12,185 |
| $48–75k | $21,087 |
| $75–110k | $27,883 |
| $110k+ | $46,801 |
University of Rochester's published cost of attendance reaches $82,600 per year, including $64,348 in tuition, $18,924 for room and board, and $1,310 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $30,248 after financial aid, representing savings of $52,352 from the sticker price. This net price places Rochester $3,105 below the peer median of $27,143, indicating more expensive costs relative to similar private institutions.
The substantial gap between sticker price and net cost reflects Rochester's high-tuition, high-aid model common among selective private universities. Financial aid effectively reduces costs for most families, though the net price remains higher than many alternatives. The cost structure requires families to evaluate the investment relative to post-graduation outcomes, as Rochester's strong earnings help justify the higher educational investment.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Rochester graduates finish with a median debt load of $21,000, performing well relative to peer institutions with a median of $24,181. Debt levels range from $12,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing controlled borrowing patterns among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 indicates manageable debt relative to post-graduation income, as graduates can expect to earn nearly four times their debt amount annually. Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $28,475 with monthly payments of $375, representing additional family investment beyond student debt.
The combination of controlled student debt and strong earnings creates favorable conditions for loan repayment and long-term financial stability. Rochester's debt performance reflects both the institution's aid strategies and the higher-income family composition that reduces reliance on borrowing compared to institutions serving more economically diverse populations.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Rochester delivers mixed value proposition analysis based on cost and outcome relationships. While graduates earn $79,042 annually, ranking in the 93rd percentile nationally, they achieve earnings $14,310 below expectations for their demographic profile, placing the institution in the 7th percentile for earnings beyond expectations.
However, debt levels remain $3,181 below peer medians while earnings exceed peer medians by $15,976, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings relationship. The return index reaches the 80th percentile, indicating well above average return on investment despite higher costs.
Students should weigh the higher net price against strong absolute earnings and controlled debt levels, recognizing that Rochester's outcomes reflect both institutional quality and selective student composition. The investment assessment suggests Rochester provides solid value for students prioritizing strong absolute earnings outcomes over cost efficiency.
University of Rochester enrolls 16.2% Pell-eligible students, below the national average of approximately 34% at four-year institutions, reflecting the institution's higher-income student composition. The $52,352 average financial aid savings demonstrates significant institutional investment in making education accessible, though this aid predominantly serves to bridge the gap created by high sticker prices.
The net price structure shows Rochester's strategy of using aid to serve diverse income levels while maintaining revenue through high-income family contributions. Aid concentration toward lower-income students aligns with federal and institutional priorities, though the limited Pell enrollment suggests that even with aid, cost remains a barrier for many lower-income families.
The financial aid profile reflects Rochester's position as a high-cost institution that uses significant aid to create access across income levels.
