U of R vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Rochester is larger than Union College based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 2,065 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Rochester is located in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting); Union College is in Schenectady, NY (Small City setting).
• University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Rochester 9:1; Union College 9:1.

U of R vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of R or Union College? 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 University of Rochester than Union College ($40,462 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union College are 14.1% lower than at University of Rochester ($17,010 vs. $19,792).
• Union College is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than U of R (about $1,959 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at Union College than at University of Rochester (about $1,959 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union College than at University of Rochester (96% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 7% larger than aid received by Union College students ($45,500 vs. $42,534).

U of R vs. Union College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of R or Union College? 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 Union College and U of R.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 80 points higher than at Union College (1400).
• Incoming U of R students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Union College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 1410/1540; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 31/34; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Union College - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027; Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman U of R students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Union College (3.5).
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.4% at U of R vs. 13.9% at Union College.

U of R vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of R and Union College? 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).

• Union College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than University of Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from Union College earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than U of R graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,200 vs. $71,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, U of R graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Union College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 79%)

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.