About the University of Rochester

Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

9:1

STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO

See why we’re unique

1850

FOUNDED IN

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12,000+

STUDENTS

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Rochester at a glance

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. Our diverse community includes more than 1,000 faculty, 12,000 students, and 30,000 staff.

Leadership and administration

The University is led by President Sarah C. Mangelsdorf with support from her senior leadership team. The Board of Trustees provides oversight.

Meet the leadership team

Our community

Rochester is a high-tech powerhouse with a thriving arts scene. If you’re new to the city and region, there’s much to discover.

Explore the “Flower City”

Meliora signage on University of Rochester campus

Our symbols and traditions

In 1851 Rochester adopted its motto Meliora—a Latin word for “ever better.” It’s more than a motto for us. It’s our past, present, and our vision for the future.

Why we love dandelions

University of Rochester student studies in a library on campus.

2030 Strategic Plan: Boundless Possibility

The University has established bold and transformational goals through its strategic plan, which will guide the University of Rochester toward framing and solving the greatest challenges of the future. Spanning research, academics, health care, employee success, and finance and operational models, the plan illustrates our continued commitment to being Ever Better.

A future with Boundless Possibility

The arts at Rochester

The performing and visual arts are essential to developing creative thinkers and engaged citizens. From the classroom to the stage, arts are an essential part of the Rochester experience.

Explore arts

Musician performing - University of Rochester

What sets Rochester apart

The freedom to study what you love means students can pursue and connect a wide range of interests—from math to music to modern dance.

Tier one research student in lab at University of Rochester

Undergraduate research

More than 75% of undergraduates do research on their own, in teams, or as part of faculty-directed projects.

Explore research

Yanssel Garcia at University of Rochester

There’s only one required course

Our unique curriculum puts students in the driver’s seat and gives them autonomy.

Explore curriculum

Student works in a computer lab at University of Rochester

Amazing value

Rochester is near the top of multiple U.S. News & World Report ranking lists, based on quality and value.

See our international and national rankings

2020 Nobel Prize: Harvey J. Alter '56, '60M (MD)

Our points of pride

Rochester alumnus Harvey J. Alter ’56, ’60M (MD) shares the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for making “a decisive contribution to the fight against blood-borne hepatitis, a major global health problem.”

View all our Nobel laureates