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Naman Arora Study Abroad Course Specialist
Study Abroad Course Specialist | Updated On - Sep 12, 2025
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private research university based in Henrietta (suburb of Rochester), New York. Admissions are fairly open, with RIT's acceptance rate being approximately 71%. It is a big university with around 16,863 students overall, of which approximately 14,000+ are undergrads. Some of the most sought-after programs at RIT are Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Business, Visual & Performing Arts, and Engineering Technology. Six-year graduation rate is roughly 71-72%, and graduates record median salaries of around USD 67,800 (INR ~55,00,000) ten years after graduation.
University of Rochester is a private research university located in Rochester, New York. The admissions are much more competitive, with Rochester's acceptance rate being approximately 36-40%. It is a mid-sized university with roughly 6,700 undergrads and a student population of roughly 12,000. Among the top programs of Rochester are Social Sciences, Biology, Health Professions, Psychology, and Engineering. The six-year graduation rate is around 85-86%, with alumni reporting median earnings of approximately USD 75,000 (INR ~61,00,000) a decade later than graduation.
| Rochester Institute of Technology | University of Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 5.8 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 951 QS World University 2026 # 601 Times Higher Education 2025 # 1001 QS World University 2025 | # 236 QS World University 2026 # 79 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 127 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 601 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 1001 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 43 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 201 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -47 PG Programs -54 | UG Programs -68 PG Programs -49 Doctorate Programs -4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 71.4 % | 35.9 % |
| Exam Score | SAT-1190 TOEFL-88 | GMAT-680 IELTS-7.5 SAT-1300 TOEFL-100 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 52030 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 52092 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 27808 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 52543.87 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 57750 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 10494 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Masters in Science: $88,000 Bachelor of Science: $83,000 Bachelor of Arts: $77,000 Master (Other): $61,000 | In 2019 the institute had MBA employment rate of 91% after 3 months of Postgraduation. Average salary is around142,166 USD/year. Top hiring companies include Amazon.com, Bank of America, Citigroup, Deloitte, Facebook, Fedex, Google, Gartner, Mckinsey & Company, PWC, Tesla, Morgan Stanley. |
| application requirements | Applicants need to submit official transcripts of their education Submit recommendation letter Submit English language proficiency test scores Students can submit official test scores | SAT Reasoning Exam Score and Subject Test Score (2 or more scores) |
| Campuses and B-Schools | Saunders College of Business | Simon Business School |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.1/10 Read 7 reviews | 8.2/10 Read 5 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 1001 for Accounting by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 351 for Biology by QS World University 2025 # 154 for Biology by Times Higher Education 2023 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -52092 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -49620 |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Rochester Institute of Technology | University of Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1829 | 1850 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 4:1 |
| Male:Female | 68% Male, 32% Female | 50% Male, 50% Female |
| Location Facts | Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private research university in the town of Henrietta in the Rochester, New York, metropolitan area. | Rochester metro area is easily navigable and campuses are a short drive from Greater Rochester International Airport. Considerablly closer to Toronto rather than New York City the university is located south of downtown Rochester at the bend of Genesee river. |
| Library | RIT Libraries house renowned special collections that enhance teaching, learning, and research in many of RIT's academic programs. The Cary Graphic Arts Collection contains books, manuscripts, printing type specimens, letterpress printing equipment, documents, and other artifacts related to the history of graphic communication. | River Campus has 6 libraries with a collection of university archives, Eastman School of Music has nearly 750,000 holdings in scores, books and journals. Medical Center has 4 libraries featuring rare books and manuscripts from the medicine field and the Memorial Art Gallery has resources for K-12 teachers. |
| Campus Life | In addition to its academic and athletic endeavors, RIT has over 150 student clubs, 10 major student organizations, a diverse interfaith center and 30 different Greek organizations. The university's Gordon Field House and Activities Center is home to competitive and recreational athletics and aquatics, a fitness center, and an auditorium hosting frequent concerts and other entertainment. RIT's dormitories are home to six "Special Interest Houses" — Art House, Computer Science House, Engineering House, House of General Science, Photo House, and Unity House — that provide an environment to live immersed in a specific interest, such as art, engineering, or computing. Members of a special-interest house share their interests with each other and the rest of campus through academic focus and special activities. The College Activities Board, frequently abbreviated as CAB, is a student-run organization responsible for providing "diverse entertainment and activities to enhance student life on the RIT campus." CAB is responsible for annual concerts, class trips, movie screenings, and other frequent events. RIT Dining Services manages a large number of restaurants and food shops, along with the sole dining hall on campus. There are multiple cafeterias and small retail locations throughout the campus, including near the Residence Halls, in the Student Alumni Union, Global Village, and in certain academic buildings. Dining Services at RIT is completely internal and run through the university. RIT Dining Services also provides opportunities for international students to work on campus. | Rochester’s tight knit campuses have 275 organizations and clubs, health care and counselling centers, URMC fitness center. Formal academic events in Rochester include Plutzik Reading Series, Studio Arts programs, Inspire Dance festival and International Theatre program. 23 varsity teams compete for the Liberty League and University Athletic association. |
| Hostel | #On campus - $12666 #Off campus (not with family) - $12666 #Off campus (with family) - $2476 | #On campus - $10494 |
| Famous Alumni | Kate Gleason – engineer and businesswoman known both for being a revolutionary in the predominantly male field of engineering and for her philanthropy | Edward Gibson (Physicist), Katherine Hayles (Academic), Robert Forster (Film Producer), Rene Richards (Tennis Player), Galway Kinnell (Poet), Peter van Inwagen (Philosopher), Bill Kauffman (Journalist), Steven Chu (Physicist), Richard Thaler (Economist), Aurthur R Mileer (Law Professor), Joseph Martin (Doctor), Paul Singer (Businessman), Susan Hockfiels (Neuroscientist). |
| City Life | Rochester, New York, features a unique blend of history and innovation. Many of the homes and commercial buildings in downtown Rochester are original, dating back a century or more, while others are undergoing renovations to become modern lofts and workspaces. Former home to pioneers and independent thinkers like Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, Rochester has worked hard to preserve and honor its landmarks. Residents have three main sources of transportation in and around Rochester: bus, taxi or personal vehicle. Rochester does not have a subway system and is not much of a pedestrian area, so local residents rely heavily on their cars for transportation. Thanks to its low cost of living, great schools and available jobs, Rochester is a great fit for families. Nearly a quarter of the population is under 20 years old. | Rochester is New York’s third largest metropolitan area with a unique blend of history and innovation. Unemployment rate is 11.3% as of June 2020. Though the university itself is the 2nd largest employer in New York area and largest employer in Greater Rochester area. The city has a low cost of living than the US national average. Festivals celebrating artisans like AppleUmpkin, Seabreeze amusement park, lake Ontario, Buffalo Bill’s training camp, and over 3,500 nationally recognized parks make Rochester, NY a lucrative destination. |
| Weather |
Rochester Institute of Technology vs University of Rochester
Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Rochester, New York, is well known for Engineering, Computer Science, Design, and Applied Technology. It is ranked in the #801–850 range in QS World University Rankings 2026 and 601–800 in THE World University Rankings 2025.
The private research university of Rochester, known as the University of Rochester (UR), is famous for Medicine, Business, Engineering, and Music (Eastman School of Music). UR is ranked considerably higher, at about #174 in QS 2026 and #201 in THE 2025, providing it with a better international reputation than RIT.
RIT was established in 1829 and has around 19,000 students with a strong emphasis on experiential learning, co-op education, and industry ties.
UR, founded in 1850, has around 12,000 students with an emphasis on research, curriculum flexibility, and interdisciplinary study. UR also hosts one of the country's best medical centers.
Acceptance Rate & Admission
RIT accepts about 74% of its applicants, with average GPAs of 3.6 and SAT scores of 1220–1410.
UR is more selective with an acceptance rate of approximately 41%, with average GPAs of 3.8 and SAT scores ranging from 1350–1520. UR's admissions are more competitive, particularly for music and medical programs.
Research Impact & Facilities
RIT is an R2 research university, with excellence in applied research in areas such as imaging science, computer security, and sustainability. The largest co-op program in the U.S. is at RIT.
UR is an R1 research university with top-notch equipment in medicine, optics, data science, and music. UR's robust NIH funding and its partnership with the Eastman School establish it as a biomedical and arts research leader.
Cost & Financial Aid
RIT's cost is roughly $55,000 per year, with significant merit scholarships frequently given to design and STEM students.
UR's cost is a little more at roughly $63,000 per year, with significant need-based aid and competitive merit scholarships. Both colleges cover significant amounts of student need but UR is frequently more generous for high-achieving candidates.
Graduate Studies & Alumni Outcomes
RIT graduates usually pursue careers in engineering, IT, design, and applied science with mid-career salaries of around $90,000 (INR 74 lakh).
UR graduates succeed in medicine, business, research, and music with mid-career salaries of around $100,000 (INR 82 lakh). RIT has its strongest alumni presence in tech and industry, and UR has a strong alumni presence in healthcare, finance, and academia.
