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University of Rochester vs Union College

University of Rochester is a private university in Rochester, NY, and Union College is a private college in Schenectady, NY. University of Rochester is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 44% at Union College. University of Rochester is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $29,278 a year against $34,561 at Union College. About 85% of students graduate at University of Rochester, compared with 83% at Union College. Ten years after enrolling, Union College alumni earn a median of about $88,604, against $79,042 for University of Rochester.

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University of Rochester

Rochester, NY · Private

Union College

Schenectady, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Rochester, NY
Schenectady, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,331
2,046
Acceptance rate
40%
44%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
1310–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,278
$34,561
Full cost / yr
$85,962
$84,561
In-state tuition
$67,080
$69,039
Out-of-state tuition
$67,080
$69,039
Application fee
$50
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,678
$11,776
$30k - $48k
$12,185
$16,415
$48k - $75k
$21,087
$23,941
$75k - $110k
$27,883
$34,100
Over $110k
$46,801
$45,017
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
83%
Freshman retention
91%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$68,333
$63,219
Median earnings (10 yr)
$79,042
$88,604
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$25,337
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
14%
First-generation students
19%
13%
International students
23%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
Jan 15

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 Union College harder to get into?
University of Rochester is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 44% at Union 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, University of Rochester or Union College?
University of Rochester is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,278 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $34,561 at Union College. 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 Union College?
Before aid, Union College costs about $84,561 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 Union College?
University of Rochester. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,678 there, against about $11,776 at Union College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Rochester or Union College?
University of Rochester is the larger of the two, with about 6,331 undergraduates against 2,046 at Union College.
Does University of Rochester or Union College have a better graduation rate?
University of Rochester has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 83% at Union College.
Do graduates of University of Rochester or Union College earn more?
Union College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $88,604 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 Union College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Rochester is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Union College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Rochester and Union College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at University of Rochester and 1310–1480 at Union College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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