University of Rochester Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on January 28, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~40%
- Middle 50% ACT: 31–34
- Middle 50% SAT: 1420–1500
- Average GPA (HS): 3.77
Source: University of Rochester Common Data Set (CDS 2024–2025). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall. Note: Rochester is test-optional, and about half of enrolled students in recent cycles did not submit scores.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of Rochester at a Glance
– Some “High School Awards” (Bausch + Lomb, etc.) are best thought of as fee waivers + merit consideration (often a minimum merit floor), not stackable cash on top of top-tier awards.
https://www.rochester.edu/
https://admissions.rochester.edu/
https://www.rochester.edu/financial-aid/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-rochester/tuition-and-costs
https://www.rochester.edu/provost/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CDS_2024-2025-completed-for-web.pdf
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Rochester (2026–2027)
These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus. Because Rochester is a private university, in-state and out-of-state students pay the same rates.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $70,482 | $70,482 |
| Housing & Meals (on campus) | $20,466 | $20,466 |
| Total (Direct / Billed) | $90,948 | $90,948 |
Why only these items? We show the costs you typically pay directly to the University of Rochester — tuition, required fees, housing, and meals. Other indirect expenses are part of the school’s official cost of attendance but are not billed by the university:
- Books & supplies (≈ $1,300)
- Transportation (≈ $1,000–$1,500)
- Personal & miscellaneous expenses (≈ $2,000)
📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
The average net price is approximately $40,900 per year after grants and scholarships (IPEDS).
That figure is much lower than the $90K+ sticker price because Rochester meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Families with lower incomes often pay significantly less — in recent federal data, students from households under $30,000 averaged closer to $14,000 per year.
Use Rochester’s Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate, and see how net price differs from sticker price in our
Net Price & Student Aid Index (SAI) Guide.
- The University of Rochester requires the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA for institutional grants and need-based aid.
- Submitting the CSS Profile is essential to be considered for Rochester-funded grants and some competitive scholarships.
- For Regular Decision applicants, the priority deadline is typically February 15 (earlier for Early Decision).
Not sure what the CSS Profile is or how it differs from the FAFSA?
👉 Read our plain-English CSS Profile Guide for Parents
- “100% need met” doesn’t mean “cheap.” It means Rochester covers the gap between cost and what their formula says your family can pay — which can still be higher than families expect.
- CSS Profile goes deeper than FAFSA. Home equity and non-custodial parent information can affect eligibility for institutional aid.
- Partner programs don’t “stack” as extra cash. Promise/Posse/Say Yes typically fill remaining tuition first — focus on your final net cost, not the scholarship label.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at the University of Rochester
Why is Rochester’s sticker price so high?
Like many private research universities, Rochester’s published cost reflects small class sizes, extensive research facilities, and residential housing. However, most students do not pay the full sticker price thanks to institutional grants and need-based aid.
Is there any difference between in-state and out-of-state costs?
No. Rochester is a private university, so all students pay the same tuition and housing rates regardless of residency.
How important is the CSS Profile for aid?
Very. Rochester uses the CSS Profile to award institutional grants and to determine demonstrated financial need. Families who skip the CSS Profile typically receive far less aid.
Does Rochester meet full financial need?
Yes. Rochester meets 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students using a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal loans.
What costs can scholarships actually reduce?
Merit and need-based scholarships are first applied to tuition, but they can also help cover housing and meals. Some fees, travel costs, and personal expenses typically remain out-of-pocket.
Is the $40,900 net price a guarantee?
No. It’s a federal average across all income levels. Your actual cost could be much lower or higher depending on family income, assets, and eligibility for institutional aid.
https://www.rochester.edu/financial-aid/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-rochester/tuition-and-costs
https://www.rochester.edu/provost/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CDS_2024-2025-completed-for-web.pdf
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at University of Rochester (2026–2027)
At the University of Rochester, most “merit scholarships” are automatically considered during the admission review — there is typically no separate scholarship application. Applying by the December 1 priority scholarship deadline is the single biggest lever for maximizing merit consideration.
Rochester is test-optional and allows ACT/SAT superscoring. If your scores are below Rochester’s middle 50% range, applying test-optional can be a smart move — but if your scores are strong, submitting them may help strengthen both admissions and merit consideration.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dean’s Scholarship |
Typically $10,000–$30,000/yr* (Most merit awards average around ~$14,000/yr.) |
First-year applicants; automatic consideration with admission application | No | Yes (typically 4 years, with satisfactory academic progress) | Strong academic students with rigorous coursework; roughly ~3.7+ GPA* and often ACT ~31+ / SAT ~1420+* when scores are submitted | Dec 1 (priority for merit) |
| Genesee Scholarship |
Typically $10,000–$30,000/yr* (Most merit awards average around ~$14,000/yr.) |
First-year applicants; automatic consideration with admission application | No | Yes (typically 4 years, with satisfactory academic progress) | High-achieving applicants with consistent grades in advanced classes; often ~top 20–25% academically* of admitted pool | Dec 1 (priority for merit) |
| Prince Street Scholarship |
Typically $15,000–$30,000/yr* (Higher-end merit tier; amount varies by applicant.) |
First-year applicants; automatic consideration with admission application | No | Yes (typically 4 years, with satisfactory academic progress) | Applicants with standout academics + “fit” factors (course rigor, recommendations, intellectual curiosity); often ~3.8+ GPA* (or equivalent rigor) and strong writing | Dec 1 (priority for merit) |
| Rush Rhees Scholarship |
Typically $10,000–$30,000/yr* (Most merit awards average around ~$14,000/yr.) |
First-year applicants; automatic consideration with admission application | No | Yes (typically 4 years, with satisfactory academic progress) | Strong academic profile + clear “direction” (goals, initiative, leadership); often ~3.7+ GPA* with strong course rigor | Dec 1 (priority for merit) |
| Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship |
Often around $5,000/yr* (Transfer recognition for inducted PTK members; confirm current amount.) |
Transfer students who are inducted members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) | No | Usually yes (renewal depends on policy + enrollment status) | Community college transfers with verified PTK membership and strong academics (typically ~3.5+ GPA* at prior institution) | With transfer admission application |
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
Disclaimer: Award amounts and selection volumes can change annually depending on funding and the applicant pool. Rochester typically awards one institutional merit scholarship per student, and some named scholarships may reflect different “tiers” of the same merit program rather than stackable awards.
Rochester is not a “big automatic discount” school. If your family will qualify for need-based aid, Rochester can be surprisingly workable — because they say they meet 100% of demonstrated need. If your family won’t qualify for much need-based aid, most students should expect merit to be modest compared to merit-heavy colleges.
Rule of thumb: If Rochester’s Net Price Calculator comes back above your comfort zone, it’s unlikely that merit alone will pull it down by $20K+ per year.
FAQ — Automatic Merit Scholarships at the University of Rochester
Do I have to submit a separate scholarship application for merit aid?
Usually no. Rochester’s main merit scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process. The most important step is meeting the December 1 priority scholarship deadline so your application receives the highest scholarship consideration.
What does “priority scholarship deadline” actually mean?
It’s Rochester’s non-binding “gold date” for students who want to maximize merit consideration and receive an earlier decision. If you apply after December 1, you may still be admitted — you’re just less likely to be considered for the strongest merit offers.
If Rochester is test-optional, do scores matter for merit?
They can, but they’re not required. Students with strong ACT/SAT scores may choose to submit them to strengthen their file. Students below the typical middle 50% range often benefit from applying test-optional and leaning into grades, rigor, writing, recommendations, and activities.
Does Rochester superscore ACT and SAT?
Yes. Rochester indicates it superscores both exams, meaning they consider your best section scores across test dates.
Can you receive more than one Rochester merit scholarship?
Typically, no. Rochester notes that students are usually eligible for only one institutional merit scholarship, even if they are strong candidates for multiple named awards.
What’s the most realistic merit range to expect?
Rochester reports that about half of admitted students receive a merit scholarship, and the average merit award is around $14,000 per year. Higher awards do exist, but they’re less common and depend on the total strength of the applicant pool.
https://www.rochester.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://admissions.rochester.edu/applying/dates-and-deadlines/
https://www.rochester.edu/provost/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CDS_2024-2025-completed-for-web.pdf
https://sites.monroecc.edu/phithetakappa/files/2017/10/nys-scholarship-directory.pdf
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships at University of Rochester (2026–2027)
The University of Rochester offers one true flagship scholarship. This award is highly competitive, covers nearly all college costs, and is reserved for students who combine exceptional academics with significant financial need and personal resilience.
Rochester does not offer multiple full-ride or full-tuition merit programs. If your student is not a fit for the scholarship below, their financial aid package will typically be built from need-based grants + standard merit, not additional competitive awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alan and Jane Handler Endowed Scholarship |
Full ride Covers tuition, required fees, housing, meals, books, personal expenses, and transportation |
First-year applicants with high academic achievement and demonstrated financial need; CSS Profile and FAFSA required | No (automatic consideration) | Yes — 4 years (with academic progress) | A very small group of students with strong academics and compelling life context (resilience, responsibility, leadership through adversity); typically high need | Dec 1 (priority) |
Disclaimer: The Handler Scholarship is extremely selective and non-stackable. Students who receive it typically do not receive additional Rochester merit awards. Award availability and selection criteria may change annually.
FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at the University of Rochester
Is the Handler Scholarship purely merit-based?
No. While recipients are academically strong, the Handler Scholarship is also need-aware.
Rochester looks for students who have excelled academically while navigating financial or personal challenges.
Do I need to apply separately for the Handler Scholarship?
No. Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission and submit both the FAFSA and CSS Profile
by the December 1 priority deadline.
How many students receive the Handler Scholarship?
Rochester does not publish an official number, but it is typically awarded to
a very small cohort each year, making it one of the most selective awards on campus.
If my student doesn’t get Handler, are there other “full ride” options?
No. Handler is Rochester’s only full-ride style scholarship.
Other admitted students receive financial aid through a combination of
need-based grants and standard merit scholarships.
Can international students receive the Handler Scholarship?
Yes. International students may be considered, but the scholarship is still need-aware and extremely competitive,
and requires submission of all required financial aid documentation.
https://admissions.rochester.edu/handler-scholarship/
https://www.rochester.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://www.rochester.edu/provost/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CDS_2024-2025-completed-for-web.pdf
🎖 Honors & Special Programs at the University of Rochester (2026–2027)
The University of Rochester does not have a traditional, centralized Honors College. Instead, honors opportunities are offered through selective academic programs, departmental honors tracks, and research-focused cohorts. For many students, these pathways provide more meaningful benefits than a one-size-fits-all honors label.
Honors at Rochester are earned through depth — research, writing, and faculty mentorship — rather than automatic admission to an honors college. There is no GPA-only honors admission tied to freshman entry.
| Program | Scholarship / Benefit | Eligibility | Separate App? | Who Actually Gets In? | Why It Matters | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meliora Scholars (Humanities) | $1,000 senior-year research stipend + faculty mentorship | Humanities majors with strong writing and research interest | Yes (program-based selection) | Students with sustained academic curiosity and faculty support | Recognized research experience; strong signal for grad school | Typically sophomore/junior year |
| Departmental Honors | Honors designation on transcript and diploma | Department-specific GPA + thesis or capstone project | Yes (department approval) | Upper-division students with strong faculty relationships | Demonstrates depth and mastery in a major | Junior–senior year |
| Undergraduate Research Opportunities | Paid research, grants, or course credit (amount varies) | Open to students across disciplines; competitive placements | Often yes (proposal or faculty match) | Students who actively seek faculty mentorship early | Hands-on research at an R1 institution | As early as first year |
| Take Five Scholars Program | Tuition-free fifth year (select tracks) | Accepted juniors pursuing interdisciplinary study | Yes (competitive) | Strong academic performers with clear academic vision | Adds an extra credential without added tuition | Junior year application |
FAQ — Honors & Programs at the University of Rochester
Is there an Honors College at Rochester?
No. Rochester uses a distributed honors model, where recognition comes from departments, programs, and research experiences rather than a single honors college.
Do honors programs come with extra scholarship money?
Usually no. Honors pathways at Rochester focus on academic enrichment, research access, and faculty mentorship rather than additional merit aid.
Is this better or worse than a traditional Honors College?
It depends on the student. For research-oriented or graduate-school-bound students, Rochester’s model often provides stronger academic signals than generic honors coursework.
When should students start thinking about honors pathways?
Early. Students who engage faculty and research opportunities in their first or second year tend to access the strongest honors options later.
Does honors status affect financial aid?
Not directly. Honors recognition is academic, not financial, and typically does not change scholarship amounts.
https://www.rochester.edu/academics/
https://www.sas.rochester.edu/humanities/students/meliora-scholars.html
https://www.rochester.edu/college/ccas/academics/research.html
https://takefive.rochester.edu/
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Rochester is known for pairing serious academic depth with an unusually flexible curriculum. Rather than locking students into rigid tracks, Rochester encourages exploration across disciplines — a model that works especially well for students who are intellectually curious, research-minded, or considering graduate or professional school. Families often associate Rochester with elite research and science, but its strengths extend well beyond the lab.
Optics & Photonics (Institute of Optics) — Rochester is considered a global leader in optics and optical engineering. The Institute of Optics is the first optics program in the world and maintains deep industry and research ties with companies and national labs, making it a top destination for students pursuing advanced work in imaging, lasers, and photonics.
- Engineering & Applied Sciences: Particularly strong in biomedical, optical, electrical, and mechanical engineering, with early access to undergraduate research at an R1 research university.
- Brain & Cognitive Sciences: A nationally respected interdisciplinary program blending neuroscience, psychology, computer science, and philosophy — popular with pre-med and research-oriented students.
- Business & Economics: The Simon Business School and undergraduate economics programs are well known for quantitative rigor and strong placement in analytics, finance, and consulting pipelines.
- Music & the Arts (Eastman connection): While Eastman School of Music is a separate division, Rochester undergraduates benefit from cross-registration opportunities, performances, and a campus culture deeply connected to one of the top music conservatories in the world.
🔗 Official University of Rochester Links
Use the University of Rochester’s official resources below to confirm admissions policies, scholarship details, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, eligibility rules, and award terms.
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Undergraduate Admissions:
Home
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Application Options & Deadlines (ED / RD):
Dates & Deadlines
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Scholarships & Institutional Financial Aid:
https://www.rochester.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/ -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://www.rochester.edu/financial-aid/prospective-undergraduates/ -
Net Price Calculator:
Undergraduate Cost Calculators
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Common Data Set (CDS):
https://www.rochester.edu/provost/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CDS_2024-2025-completed-for-web.pdf