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CUNY City College vs University of Rochester

CUNY City College is a public college in New York, NY. University of Rochester is a private university in Rochester, NY. University of Rochester admits about 40% of applicants and CUNY City College about 60%, making University of Rochester the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $3,776 a year at CUNY City College after aid, and about $29,278 at University of Rochester. About 85% of students graduate at University of Rochester, compared with 56% at CUNY City College. Ten years after enrolling, University of Rochester alumni earn a median of about $79,042, against $66,039 for CUNY City College.

CUNY City College

New York, NY · Public

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
New York, NY
Rochester, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
12,505
6,331
Acceptance rate
60%
40%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1430
1410–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
23–31
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$3,776
$29,278
Full cost / yr
$14,403
$85,962
In-state tuition
$7,340
$67,080
Out-of-state tuition
$15,290
$67,080
Application fee
$65
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,251
$9,678
$30k - $48k
$2,990
$12,185
$48k - $75k
$6,811
$21,087
$75k - $110k
$9,982
$27,883
Over $110k
$12,806
$46,801
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
85%
Freshman retention
79%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,435
$68,333
Median earnings (10 yr)
$66,039
$79,042
Median debt at graduation
$11,990
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
61%
17%
First-generation students
46%
19%
International students
5%
23%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 5

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is CUNY City College or University of Rochester harder to get into?
University of Rochester is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 60% at CUNY City College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, CUNY City College or University of Rochester?
CUNY City College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $3,776 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,278 at University of Rochester. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at CUNY City College and University of Rochester?
Before aid, CUNY City College costs about $14,403 a year and University of Rochester about $85,962. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, CUNY City College or University of Rochester?
CUNY City College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,251 there, against about $9,678 at University of Rochester. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, CUNY City College or University of Rochester?
CUNY City College is the larger of the two, with about 12,505 undergraduates against 6,331 at University of Rochester.
Does CUNY City College or University of Rochester have a better graduation rate?
University of Rochester has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 56% at CUNY City College.
Do graduates of CUNY City College or University of Rochester earn more?
University of Rochester alumni earn more on average: a median of about $79,042 ten years after enrolling, against about $66,039 for CUNY City College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do CUNY City College and University of Rochester require SAT or ACT scores?
CUNY City College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Rochester is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do CUNY City College and University of Rochester look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1430 at CUNY City College and 1410–1540 at University of Rochester. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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