Discover the University of Rochester

Making the world ever better

As a world-leading research institution, the University of Rochester brings creative problem-solvers together across disciplines to pursue bold questions that lead to big impact. We advance research. We pursue lifesaving cures. And we accelerate innovations that make our lives—and the future—ever better.

13
Nobel Prizes
13
Pulitzer Prizes
Tier 1
Best medical school for research

Picture yourself at URochester

Whether you aim to inspire as an educator, save lives as a biomedical researcher, or drive change as a business leader, you’ll connect with likeminded thinkers—and gain the knowledge and experiences to move your career and community forward.

My time at URochester has been a time of growth and exploration. The endless opportunities between the open curriculum and student organizations have allowed me to create my own unique experience and my own fun journey.

John Conduah’26

John Conduah, a bearded man in a yellow shirt, poses for the photo with a friendly expression.

Students relax on the grass in front of the University of Rochester library, enjoying a sunny day outdoors.

Education your way

There’s only one required course for undergraduates.

A female scientist in a lab coat conducts research in a laboratory at the University of Rochester.

Research is in our DNA

Students, faculty, and staff all collaborate to make discoveries.

A panoramic view of Rochester from a hilltop, showcasing the skyline and urban landscape, with the University of Rochester nearby.

The city we call home

We’re nestled between the Genesee River and downtown Rochester.

A woman at a desk with a laptop, focused on her work, representing academic life at the University of Rochester.

Amazing value

We’re near the top of multiple rankings based on quality and value.

Academics, ever better

Three University of Rochester students sitting on a bench, collaborating on a laptop outdoors.

At URochester, you can mix business and biology, music and math, engineering and education—our undergraduate and graduate programs, combined with your spirit of exploration, lead to innovations that transform lives.

Our schools and programs

Ever wonder: why not both?

At the University of Rochester, there’s no need to “pick a lane.” Here, art meets analytics, science meets soul, and curiosity leads to unexpected outcomes. It’s a home where thinkers and doers, scholars and starters, healers and leaders come together to create a world that’s ever better.

The University of Rochester at a glance

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. Our community includes more than 1,000 faculty, 11,000 students, and 30,000 staff.

President Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, wearing a blue blazer and black shirt, stands in front of a bookshelf at the University of Rochester.

Leadership

The University is led by President Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, with oversight from the Board of Trustees.

A woman and child embrace a cheerful mascot at a University of Rochester event, showcasing joy and community spirit.

Symbols and traditions

In 1851, we adopted our motto Meliora—a Latin word for “ever better.”

Aerial view of the University of Rochester, showcasing the cityscape and surrounding landscape from above.

Points of pride

From Nobel winners to Pulitzer Prizes, we’re tackling the world’s greatest challenges.

A group of individuals gathers outside the University of Rochester's capitol building, lighting candles in remembrance.

Vision and values

Our mission is to learn, discover, heal, create—and make the world ever better.

The arts at URochester

A University of Rochester Eastman School of Music student holds a violin beneath an ornate ceiling.

From the Eastman School of Music, to our River Campus classrooms, to the stage, to our Memorial Art Gallery, the arts are an essential part of the URochester experience—because when we spark wonder and pursue creativity, we create a fulfilling experience that soothes the soul.

Explore arts

University of Rochester: your questions, answered

What makes the University of Rochester unique?

There’s a lot to love about the University of Rochester! A few specific things that make URochester unique are:

Transdisciplinary excellence: URochester has seven distinct schools, a medical center, an art museum, and even a laser lab! From humanities to healthcare, business to education, and music to engineering, the University of Rochester enables cross-discipline learning, and accelerates innovation and impact.
Flexible undergraduate curriculum: Most URochester undergraduates have only one required course, so students can chart an educational path as unique as they are.
Tier 1 research: As a leading research university, URochester students, faculty, and staff use cutting-edge facilities and labs to power discoveries.

Is the University of Rochester a research university?

Yes! The University of Rochester is a Tier 1 research university as designated by the Association of American Universities (AAU). Tier 1 means that University of Rochester students, faculty, and staff conduct some of the highest volume of research activity in the US. Learn more about research at URochester.

What is the University of Rochester’s mission and values?

The University of Rochester’s mission is to learn, discover, heal, create—and make the world ever better.

The University of Rochester’s motto, Meliora, which means “ever better: in Latin. Meliora truly embodies the University’s mission and values.

Embedded in the Meliora ideal are the University of Rochester’s values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability.

Learn more about the Univeristy of Rochester’s mission and values

Where is the University of Rochester located?

The University of Rochester is in Rochester, NY. The primary academic and medical campuses are nestled right next to downtown Rochester. And, the Eastman School of Music campus and Memorial Art Gallery are in the heart of downtown. Explore maps and navigating campus.

Rochester itself is in Western New York, just south of Lake Ontario (one of the Great Lakes) and about an hour west of Buffalo. It's about a six-hour drive to New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia.