Central florida vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #151-200). Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $58K). Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $67,080 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Central florida for: higher retention, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Rochester for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1269).
Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $58K); Rochester has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.4% vs 78%).
Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Central florida | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 33.5% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1269 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 55,135 | 21,384 |
| International students | 5% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $51K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 78% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 92.3% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $18,190 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $22,467 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,814 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 65% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,529 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | $30 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 69,338 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Central florida or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Central florida accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Central florida or Rochester graduates earn more?
Rochester graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $79K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Central florida vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,467 per year at Central florida and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Central florida or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1269 at Central florida and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Central florida or Rochester?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Central florida vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Central florida or Rochester?
The average aid package is $11,814 at Central florida and $60,879 at Rochester.
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