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