Staten Island vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

Compare College of Staten Island CUNY in Staten Island, NY with University of Rochester in Rochester, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Rochester is larger than Staten Island based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 11,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of Staten Island CUNY is located in Staten Island, NY (Large City setting); University of Rochester is in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting).
• College of Staten Island CUNY is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of Staten Island CUNY 17:1; University of Rochester 9:1.

Staten Island vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Staten Island or U of R? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at College of Staten Island CUNY than U of R ($6,525 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Rochester are 6.4% lower than at College of Staten Island CUNY ($19,792 vs. $21,155).
• University of Rochester is 795.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Staten Island (about $59,590 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $7,490.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 334.5% higher at U of R than at College of Staten Island CUNY (about $51,640 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $15,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Staten Island CUNY than at University of Rochester (80% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 433.7% larger than aid received by College of Staten Island CUNY students ($45,500 vs. $8,526).

Staten Island vs. U of R Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Staten Island or U of R? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between U of R and Staten Island.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 410 points higher than at Staten Island (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Staten Island CUNY 890/1250; University of Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Staten Island - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman U of R students have a 0.75 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Staten Island (3.0).
• Staten Island has a higher acceptance rate (92.3%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at Staten Island vs. 15.4% at U of R.

Staten Island vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Staten Island and U of R? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Rochester's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than College of Staten Island CUNY's (48%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $25,900 more per year than Staten Island graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $45,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Staten Island CUNY graduates have a $10,513 lower median loan debt than U of R graduates ($13,987 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Staten Island graduates have an estimated $109 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than U of R graduates ($144 vs. $253).
• More U of R graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Staten Island students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 49%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.