Connecticut vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 52.4% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #151-200). Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $74K). Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 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 Connecticut for: higher retention, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Rochester for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rochester is more selective (40.1% vs 52.4% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1348).
Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $74K); Rochester has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.4% vs 83.3%).
Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $21,535).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Connecticut | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1348 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 55,479 | 21,384 |
| International students | 11% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $66K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $109K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 83.3% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 92% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $43,712 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $21,535 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 61.6% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,506 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | $80 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 28,306 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Connecticut or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Connecticut accepts 52.4% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Connecticut or Rochester graduates earn more?
Rochester graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $79K vs $74K.
How much is tuition at Connecticut vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $43,712 per year at Connecticut and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Connecticut or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1348 at Connecticut and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Connecticut or Rochester?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Connecticut vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Connecticut or Rochester?
The average aid package is $21,535 at Connecticut and $60,879 at Rochester.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern