University of Rochester vs University at Albany
University of Rochester is a private university in Rochester, NY, and University at Albany is a public university in Albany, NY. University of Rochester is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 69% at University at Albany. University at Albany is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,167 a year against $29,278 at University of Rochester. About 85% of students graduate at University of Rochester, compared with 63% at University at Albany. Ten years after enrolling, University of Rochester alumni earn a median of about $79,042, against $67,979 for University at Albany.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Rochester, NY
Albany, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,331
12,564
Acceptance rate
40%
69%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.48–3.98
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
1120–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
22–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,278
$17,167
Full cost / yr
$85,962
$28,802
In-state tuition
$67,080
$10,866
Out-of-state tuition
$67,080
$31,256
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,678
$11,112
$30k - $48k
$12,185
$14,062
$48k - $75k
$21,087
$17,923
$75k - $110k
$27,883
$20,037
Over $110k
$46,801
$24,085
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
63%
Freshman retention
91%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$68,333
$51,380
Median earnings (10 yr)
$79,042
$67,979
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
44%
First-generation students
19%
30%
International students
23%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 5
Rolling
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.
- Is University of Rochester or University at Albany harder to get into?
- University of Rochester is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 69% at University at Albany. 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 University at Albany?
- University at Albany is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,167 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 University at Albany?
- Before aid, University at Albany costs about $28,802 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 University at Albany?
- University of Rochester. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,678 there, against about $11,112 at University at Albany. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Rochester or University at Albany?
- University at Albany is the larger of the two, with about 12,564 undergraduates against 6,331 at University of Rochester.
- Does University of Rochester or University at Albany have a better graduation rate?
- University of Rochester has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 63% at University at Albany.
- Do graduates of University of Rochester or University at Albany earn more?
- University of Rochester alumni earn more on average: a median of about $79,042 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,979 for University at Albany. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Rochester and University at Albany require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Rochester is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University at Albany is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of Rochester and University at Albany look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at University of Rochester and 1120–1320 at University at Albany. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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