Maryland (umbc) vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 72.4% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#601-700 vs #151-200). Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $70K). Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 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 Maryland (umbc) for: 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 72.4% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1323).
Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $70K); Rochester has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.4% vs 70%).
Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Maryland (umbc) | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 72.4% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.10 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 21,384 |
| International students | 17% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $60K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $31,275 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 47% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (umbc) or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Maryland (umbc) or Rochester graduates earn more?
Rochester graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $79K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Maryland (umbc) vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc) and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (umbc) or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (umbc) and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Maryland (umbc) or Rochester?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (umbc) vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Maryland (umbc) or Rochester?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (umbc) and $60,879 at Rochester.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern