Rochester vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 73.9% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #201-300). Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 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 selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Houston for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rochester is more selective (40.1% vs 73.9% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1250).
Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $62K); Rochester has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.4% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 31,716 |
| International students | 37% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 87% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Houston?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Rochester or Houston graduates earn more?
Rochester graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $79K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Houston?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Houston?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $16,450 at Houston.
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