Rochester vs Emory — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.7% vs 40.1% acceptance). Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #101-150). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($79K vs $80K). Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 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 Emory 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
Emory is more selective (10.7% vs 40.1% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1488).
Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $79K); Emory has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.1% vs 85.4%).
Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 vs $67,080); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $60,879).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Emory |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 10.7% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 40.4% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 34,614 |
| International students | 37% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $80K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $84K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $120K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 91.1% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 96% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $18,250 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $64,280 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $67,329 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 99.9% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $24,562 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 15,179 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Emory?
It's harder to get into Emory. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Emory accepts 10.7%.
Do Rochester or Emory graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $79K at Rochester and $80K at Emory.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Emory?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $64,280 per year at Emory.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Emory?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1520 at Emory; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Emory?
Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #101-150 for Emory.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Emory?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $67,329 at Emory.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern