Skip to content

University of Rochester vs Syracuse University

University of Rochester is a private university in Rochester, NY. Syracuse University is a private university in Syracuse, NY. University of Rochester admits about 40% of applicants and Syracuse University about 46%, making University of Rochester the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $29,278 a year at University of Rochester after aid, and about $38,793 at Syracuse University. About 85% of students graduate at University of Rochester, compared with 82% at Syracuse University. Ten years after enrolling, Syracuse University alumni earn a median of about $79,164, against $79,042 for University of Rochester.

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY · Private

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Rochester, NY
Syracuse, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,331
15,477
Acceptance rate
40%
46%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
1270–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
29–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,278
$38,793
Full cost / yr
$85,962
$84,517
In-state tuition
$67,080
$65,528
Out-of-state tuition
$67,080
$65,528
Application fee
$50
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,678
$15,817
$30k - $48k
$12,185
$15,845
$48k - $75k
$21,087
$21,132
$75k - $110k
$27,883
$28,780
Over $110k
$46,801
$55,401
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
82%
Freshman retention
91%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$68,333
$60,459
Median earnings (10 yr)
$79,042
$79,164
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
17%
First-generation students
19%
19%
International students
23%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 5
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 University of Rochester or Syracuse University harder to get into?
University of Rochester is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 46% at Syracuse University. 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 Syracuse University?
University of Rochester is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,278 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,793 at Syracuse University. 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 Syracuse University?
Before aid, Syracuse University costs about $84,517 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 Syracuse University?
University of Rochester. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,678 there, against about $15,817 at Syracuse University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Rochester or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University is the larger of the two, with about 15,477 undergraduates against 6,331 at University of Rochester.
Does University of Rochester or Syracuse University have a better graduation rate?
University of Rochester has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 82% at Syracuse University.
Do graduates of University of Rochester or Syracuse University earn more?
Syracuse University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $79,164 ten years after enrolling, against about $79,042 for University of Rochester. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Rochester and Syracuse University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Rochester is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Syracuse University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Rochester and Syracuse University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at University of Rochester and 1270–1440 at Syracuse University. 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