The Rockefeller University logo

The Rockefeller University

New York, NY

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

“Scientia pro bono humani generis”(Science for the benefit of humanity)

1901
Founded
Private graduate-only university
Type
16 acres
Campus
232
Graduate
$2.4B
Endowment
(2024)
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About The Rockefeller University

Pioneering biomedical research and graduate education, shaping scientific frontiers for over a century.

Nestled in the vibrant Upper East Side of Manhattan, The Rockefeller University stands as a beacon of scientific discovery and graduate education. As the oldest biomedical research institute in the United States, founded in 1901, it has a century-long legacy of pushing the boundaries of biological and medical sciences. This private, graduate-only institution is dedicated exclusively to doctoral and postdoctoral education, cultivating an intense, focused environment for the next generation of scientific leaders.

From its inception as The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, the university was envisioned by John D. Rockefeller to elevate American science and medicine, mirroring the groundbreaking work of European institutes. Early on, its staff made major discoveries, with its on-campus Rockefeller Hospital opening in 1910 as America's first clinical research facility. A true pioneer, Rockefeller scientists were instrumental in establishing virology as an independent field and famously demonstrated that genes are made of DNA in the 1940s—a revelation that overturned medical dogma.

Today, The Rockefeller University continues its profound impact on global health and scientific understanding. Its faculty is a distinguished assembly of scientific luminaries, including numerous members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Medicine, and multiple recipients of prestigious Lasker Awards and Nobel Prizes. This vibrant intellectual hub is where cutting-edge research is not just conducted but published in its own acclaimed journals, setting the pace for scientific discourse. For aspiring researchers seeking to contribute to monumental breakthroughs, Rockefeller offers an unparalleled environment dedicated solely to the pursuit of scientific excellence for the benefit of humanity.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Pioneering Institution: Oldest biomedical research institute in the U.S., established in 1901.
  • ✦Exclusive Graduate Focus: Dedicated solely to doctoral and postdoctoral education in biological and medical sciences.
  • ✦Nobel Laureate Hub: A total of 26 Nobel laureates have been affiliated with Rockefeller University.
  • ✦Distinguished Faculty: Faculty includes 37 members of the National Academy of Sciences and 17 members of the National Academy of Medicine.
  • ✦Financial Strength: Boasts a substantial endowment of $2.42 billion (2024), supporting cutting-edge research.
  • ✦Groundbreaking Discoveries: Known for establishing virology as an independent field and demonstrating that genes are made of DNA.

Timeline

1901
Founded as The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research by John D. Rockefeller.
1910
The Rockefeller Hospital opened on campus, America's first facility for clinical research.
1940s
Scientists became the first to demonstrate that genes were made of DNA.
1954
Began awarding the PhD degree, broadening into a university.
1965
The Rockefeller Institute's name was changed to The Rockefeller University.
2016
Richard P. Lifton became the university's eleventh president.
🏛️
125 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at The Rockefeller University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search