Rochester Institute of Technology vs University of Rochester: which has better ROI?
University of Rochester has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $117,112 in 3.8 years versus 4.9 years at Rochester Institute of Technology, on median earnings of $79,042 vs $76,571 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Rochester Institute of Technology | University of Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $34,906 | $29,278 |
| Total net cost | $139,624 | $117,112 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $76,571 | $79,042 |
| Median debt | $26,778 | $21,000 |
| Payback | 4.9 yrs | 3.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $424,596 | $496,528 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Rochester Institute of Technology or University of Rochester?
University of Rochester, at $29,278 a year after aid versus $34,906 — a gap of $5,628 a year, or $22,512 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Rochester Institute of Technology or University of Rochester graduates earn more?
University of Rochester graduates report a median $79,042 ten years after entry, $2,471 more than the $76,571 at Rochester Institute of Technology. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Rochester Institute of Technology or University of Rochester?
University of Rochester: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $26,778 at Rochester Institute of Technology, a difference of $5,778. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
85% of students finish at University of Rochester, against 70% at Rochester Institute of Technology. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.