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University of Rochester

Rochester, NY

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Meliora("Ever Better" (also, "Always Better"))

Wikipedia
1850
Founded
Private research university
Type
6,488
Total Students
6,764
Undergrad
5,396
Graduate
$3.8B
Endowment
(2025)
$64K
Tuition (In-State)
$64K
Tuition (Out-State)
$30K
Avg Net Price
36%
Acceptance Rate
84%
Graduation Rate
6-year
93%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

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

About University of Rochester

University of Rochester: Driving Research, Cultivating Excellence, Always Better.

Step into a world of innovation and discovery at the University of Rochester, a distinguished private research university nestled by the Genesee River in Rochester, New York. Founded in 1850, the university proudly upholds its motto, "Meliora," meaning "Ever Better" or "Always Better," reflecting its relentless pursuit of excellence. As an R1: Doctoral University with "Very high research activity" and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Rochester stands as a powerhouse of academic and scientific advancement, making a significant impact not just locally as Upstate New York's largest private employer, but also on a national and global scale.

The university's rich history is marked by groundbreaking moments, from the admission of its first female students in 1900, championed by suffragist Susan B. Anthony, to the transformative generosity of figures like George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak. Eastman's patronage led to the creation of the world-renowned Eastman School of Music in 1921, followed by the establishment of the medical and dental schools in 1925. Over the decades, Rochester has cultivated exceptional academic strengths, particularly noted for its internationally recognized Ph.D. programs in Philosophy and a political science department once hailed as the "best doctoral program in the world."

Today, the University of Rochester offers an impressive array of 160 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs across seven schools, fostering a vibrant intellectual community of over 12,000 students. Beyond the classroom, students thrive in a dynamic campus environment, cheering on the Yellowjackets in NCAA Division III athletics. The university continues to expand its cutting-edge facilities, including the Laboratory for Laser Energetics and recent additions like Wegmans Hall for Computer and Data Science. With ongoing campus developments and a commitment to its "Meliora" ethos, Rochester remains dedicated to shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, preparing them to make the world "ever better."

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1850 with the inspiring motto "Meliora" ("Ever Better").
  • A leading private research university, classified R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity, and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).
  • Hosts approximately 12,160 students enrolled in 160 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs across seven schools.
  • Home to the world-renowned Eastman School of Music and a highly-regarded School of Medicine and Dentistry.
  • Operates with a substantial $3.8 billion endowment and is the largest private employer in Upstate New York.
  • Pioneered co-education, admitting its first female students in 1900 with support from Susan B. Anthony.
  • Led by its first female president, Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, appointed in 2019.

Timeline

1850
University of Rochester founded.
1900
First female students admitted, an effort led by Susan B. Anthony.
1921
Eastman School of Music created with support from George Eastman.
1925
Medical and Dental schools established; first PhD awarded.
1930
University moved to its current River Campus.
1944
Became a full member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).
1955
Separate colleges for men and women merged on the River Campus.
2005
Commenced the $1.2 billion Meliora Challenge capital campaign, exceeding its goal by 2016.
2019
Sarah C. Mangelsdorf became the first woman to serve as university president.
2024
Received a record $50 million donation from Tom Golisano for a new institute and expanded care for intellectual and developmental disabilities.
🏛️
176 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within University of Rochester

🏫

Eastman School of Music

A prestigious music conservatory offering undergraduate and graduate education in composition, theory, performance, and other music fields.

🏥

School of Medicine and Dentistry

A medical and dental school known for its research and clinical programs, featuring the competitive Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS) program and the Eastman Institute for Oral Health.

💉

School of Nursing

A nursing school located on the campus of the University of Rochester Medical Center.

📚

Warner School of Education

The university's graduate school of education, located in LeChase Hall on the River Campus.

💼

Simon Business School

The graduate business school, based in Schlegel and Gleason Halls on the River Campus, known for its free market philosophy and grounding in economic analysis.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Nicole Sampson
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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