Rochester vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Virginia is the more selective of the two (16.8% vs 40.1% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #201-300). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $79K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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, a larger aid package.
Choose Virginia for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Virginia is more selective (16.8% vs 40.1% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1480).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $79K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 85.4%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | — |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 58,951 |
| International students | 37% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Virginia. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Rochester or Virginia graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Virginia?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Virginia?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $37,123 at Virginia.
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