Rochester vs West virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 89% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #501-600). Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $56K). West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 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 West virginia for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rochester is more selective (40.1% vs 89% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1122).
Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $56K); Rochester has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.4% vs 64.7%).
West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $16,730).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | West virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 89% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1122 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 20,150 |
| International students | 37% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $56K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $53K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $84K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 64.7% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 83.4% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $22,500 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $28,608 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $16,730 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 63% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $36,010 |
| Application fee | $50 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 23,643 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or West virginia?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while West virginia accepts 89%.
Do Rochester or West virginia graduates earn more?
Rochester graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $79K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs West virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $28,608 per year at West virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or West virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1122 at West virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or West virginia?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #501-600 for West virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or West virginia?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $16,730 at West virginia.
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