Skip to content

University of Rochester vs State University of New York at New Paltz

University of Rochester is a private university in Rochester, NY, and State University of New York at New Paltz is a public university in New Paltz, NY. University of Rochester is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 62% at State University of New York at New Paltz. State University of New York at New Paltz is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,809 a year against $29,278 at University of Rochester. About 85% of students graduate at University of Rochester, compared with 70% at State University of New York at New Paltz. Ten years after enrolling, University of Rochester alumni earn a median of about $79,042, against $58,073 for State University of New York at New Paltz.

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY · Private

State University of New York at New Paltz

New Paltz, NY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Rochester, NY
New Paltz, NY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,331
6,086
Acceptance rate
40%
62%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
1170–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
25–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,278
$18,809
Full cost / yr
$85,962
$28,428
In-state tuition
$67,080
$8,572
Out-of-state tuition
$67,080
$18,822
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,678
$10,541
$30k - $48k
$12,185
$13,969
$48k - $75k
$21,087
$20,178
$75k - $110k
$27,883
$21,937
Over $110k
$46,801
$26,256
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
70%
Freshman retention
91%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$68,333
$45,555
Median earnings (10 yr)
$79,042
$58,073
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$18,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
32%
First-generation students
19%
32%
International students
23%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 5
May 1

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 University of Rochester or State University of New York at New Paltz harder to get into?
University of Rochester is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 62% at State University of New York at New Paltz. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Rochester or State University of New York at New Paltz?
State University of New York at New Paltz is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,809 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 University of Rochester and State University of New York at New Paltz?
Before aid, State University of New York at New Paltz costs about $28,428 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, University of Rochester or State University of New York at New Paltz?
University of Rochester. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,678 there, against about $10,541 at State University of New York at New Paltz. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Rochester or State University of New York at New Paltz?
University of Rochester is the larger of the two, with about 6,331 undergraduates against 6,086 at State University of New York at New Paltz.
Does University of Rochester or State University of New York at New Paltz have a better graduation rate?
University of Rochester has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 70% at State University of New York at New Paltz.
Do graduates of University of Rochester or State University of New York at New Paltz earn more?
University of Rochester alumni earn more on average: a median of about $79,042 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,073 for State University of New York at New Paltz. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Rochester and State University of New York at New Paltz require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Rochester is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. State University of New York at New Paltz is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Rochester and State University of New York at New Paltz look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at University of Rochester and 1170–1340 at State University of New York at New Paltz. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school