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