University of Rochester vs Syracuse University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Rochester and Syracuse University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Rochester vs Syracuse University at a glance
University of Rochester admits 40.1% of applicants and Syracuse University 45.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $34,347 at University of Rochester and $43,336 at Syracuse University. Six-year graduation rates are 83.4% and 80.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Rochester admits 40.1% of applicants and Syracuse University 45.9%, so University of Rochester is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $34,347 a year at University of Rochester and $43,336 at Syracuse University; University of Rochester costs $8,989 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,091 at University of Rochester and $21,872 at Syracuse University.
- 83.4% of students graduate within six years at University of Rochester, against 80.5% at Syracuse University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $88,358 for University of Rochester and $85,054 for Syracuse University; University of Rochester is $3,304 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,000 at University of Rochester and $21,500 at Syracuse University.
- University of Rochester enrolls 6,331 students (midsize city) and Syracuse University 15,477 (midsize city).
Side by side
University of Rochester and Syracuse University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | University of Rochester | Syracuse University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 45.9% |
| Applicants | 19,543 | 39,682 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1410–1540 | 1270–1440 |
| ACT middle 50% | 31–34 | 29–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $34,347 | $43,336 |
| Tuition, in state | $70,306 | $68,429 |
| Tuition, out of state | $70,306 | $68,429 |
| Cost of attendance | $89,562 | $87,852 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,091 | $21,872 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,962 | $21,339 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $20,337 | $25,499 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $28,472 | $33,983 |
| Over $110,000 | $51,184 | $60,127 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 83.4% | 80.5% |
| First-year retention | 90.7% | 90.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $88,358 | $85,054 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,000 | $21,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $216 | $244 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 6,331 | 15,477 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
| Location | Rochester, NY | Syracuse, NY |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
University of Rochester reports 59 bachelor's programs and Syracuse University 83; 37 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Rochester vs Syracuse University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Rochester or Syracuse University?
University of Rochester is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Rochester admits 40.1% of applicants and Syracuse University admits 45.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Rochester 1410–1540; Syracuse University 1270–1440.
Which is cheaper, University of Rochester or Syracuse University?
University of Rochester has the lower average net price after grants: $34,347 a year at University of Rochester against $43,336 at Syracuse University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,091 and $21,872. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Rochester or Syracuse University graduates earn more?
University of Rochester graduates earn more at the median: $88,358 ten years after entry for University of Rochester and $85,054 for Syracuse University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,000 and $21,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Rochester or Syracuse University?
University of Rochester does: 83.4% of University of Rochester students graduate within six years, against 80.5% at Syracuse University.
How big are University of Rochester and Syracuse University?
University of Rochester has 6,331 students in Rochester, NY and Syracuse University has 15,477 students in Syracuse, NY.