The University of Rochester is a private research university in upstate New York. It is best known for optics, the Eastman School of Music, the Simon Business School, medicine, engineering and data science, with a flexible curriculum and a free fifth year for eligible undergraduates. Choose it for a top-250 research university with strong graduate outcomes and merit aid.
Rochester, New York, United States
Official website: rochester.edu
#236
Top 50 (U.S. News)
Home to the first optics programme in the US, founded in 1929
13 associated with the university
$45,000 – $68,000
International students, undergraduate and master's programmes, before scholarships
$16,000 – $22,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on rochester.edu before you apply.
MS Data Science
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
MS Business Analytics (Simon)
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
MS Finance (Simon)
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
MS Electrical and Computer Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
Institute of Optics — the first and largest optics programme in the US.
Eastman School of Music — one of the top conservatories in the world.
Rochester Curriculum — no required general-education courses, so students shape their own degree.
Take Five — a tuition-free fifth year for undergraduates who want to study beyond their major.
Graduates join Amazon, Google, Deloitte, JPMorgan, Corning and the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Simon MS graduates report placement rates above 90% within six months.
STEM-designated Simon, data science and engineering master's graduates can work in the US for three years on OPT.
Optics alumni work at L3Harris, Corning, Apple and laser and photonics firms worldwide.
Undergrad
5 Jan 2027
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Limited programmes
The River Campus sits in a bend of the Genesee River, with the domed Rush Rhees Library at its centre, the medical centre across the road and Simon and the engineering buildings a short walk away.
Rochester is a mid-sized city on Lake Ontario with low rent, a strong photonics and healthcare economy and snowy winters. The Finger Lakes wine region and Niagara Falls are about an hour away.
Form I-20 issued by the University of Rochester
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
For fall 2027 undergraduate entry, Early Decision I closes 1 November 2026, and Early Decision II and Regular Decision both close 5 January 2027. Graduate deadlines vary: Simon business master's run rounds from October to May, and data science, computer science and engineering master's close between January and March.
Undergraduates start in the fall (late August). Most master's programmes, including data science, computer science, business analytics, finance and electrical and computer engineering, admit for fall only, with a small number of engineering programmes also taking spring (January) entrants. Check your programme's page to confirm.
You need an F-1 student visa. The International Services Office issues your Form I-20 after you accept the offer and submit proof of funding. Then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and book an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Data science, computer science, business analytics, finance and electrical and computer engineering attract the most international applicants. Graduate admission needs a strong bachelor's degree, TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0, and the GRE or GMAT for some programmes. Undergraduate admission is selective, with an acceptance rate around 35%.
Yes. International undergraduates are automatically considered for merit scholarships, and Rochester also offers need-based aid to a limited number of international applicants. Simon offers partial merit scholarships to most admitted master's students, and engineering and data science programmes offer tuition awards. Check the financial aid pages for details.
