Rochester vs Georgia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Georgia is the more selective of the two (37.7% vs 40.1% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #401-500). Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $69K). Georgia has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,688 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 Rochester for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a larger aid package.
Choose Georgia for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Georgia is more selective (37.7% vs 40.1% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1397).
Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $69K); Georgia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (89.7% vs 85.4%).
Georgia has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,688 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $15,348).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 37.7% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 38.3% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1397 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 42,436 |
| International students | 37% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $69K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $102K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 89.7% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 94.3% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $18,500 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $31,688 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $15,348 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 73.2% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $20,890 |
| Application fee | $50 | $70 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 43,146 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Georgia?
It's harder to get into Georgia. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Georgia accepts 37.7%.
Do Rochester or Georgia graduates earn more?
Rochester graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $79K vs $69K.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Georgia?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $31,688 per year at Georgia.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Georgia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1397 at Georgia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Georgia?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #401-500 for Georgia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Georgia?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $15,348 at Georgia.
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