Colleges in Rochester, NY: All 6 Schools

Rochester, New York, is known for its scenic views of Lake Ontario, industrial history, and snowy winters. And Rochester is also a great place to earn a college degree.

The Empire State boasts many great colleges and universities. But the thought of paying New York prices can worry cost-conscious college students. There’s good news — Rochester is one of the most affordable cities in New York State.

Learning more about Rochester colleges can help you find the best fit for your budget, interests, and career goals.

Looking for colleges in Rochester? New York has great public universities and private colleges. Here are some of the most popular colleges in Rochester, NY.

We’ve created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Rochester. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.

The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). All data is from 2022. Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not included in this list.

Earning a bachelor’s degree can boost your earning potential and qualify you for many New York jobs. Many of the highest-paying jobs in Rochester require a college degree. The following table includes some of the highest-paying careers that require a bachelor’s degree.

It’s no secret that studying in New York can be expensive. New York City has one of the highest costs of living in the country. But there’s good news for Rochester college students. This upstate New York city has a lower-than-average cost of living.

According to Payscale, living in Rochester costs 1% less than the national average. Even better, housing costs are 5% lower, while utilities are 10% lower. You’ll also find that groceries are cheaper than average in Rochester.

While Rochester reports a median rent price of $1,300, college students can save money by living with roommates. Taking advantage of student discounts and financial aid can also help college students afford their degrees.

The Rochester area is home to six colleges. The city’s largest college, Rochester Institute of Technology, brings over 16,500 students to the city, while the University of Rochester enrolls over 12,000. The area’s largest public university, SUNY Brockport, is the most affordable college in the area.

The cheapest college in Rochester is SUNY Brockport, which is located less than 20 miles west of Rochester. A public institution, SUNY Brockport charges New York residents around $7,000 per year in tuition. Students can expect a net price of around $16,000 at the college.

Rochester, New York is a great place to earn a degree or launch a career. Located in scenic upstate New York, Rochester boasts many high-paying jobs that require a college degree. Rochester is also home to six colleges and universities, including an affordable public university.