Academics

The University of Rochester has a 9:1 student to faculty ratio. While specific class sizes will vary from lecture halls to close-knit smaller groups, the 9:1 ratio gives you a good idea of what you can expect.

In terms of size of incoming groups of students: The Class of 2028 had about 1,200 students enrolled.

Broadly, the University has about 12,000 total students annually: About 6,500 undergraduate students, and about 5,500 graduate students.

The University of Rochester has a flexible undergraduate curriculum that most of its undergraduate students can take advantage of.

There’s only one truly required course: A primary writing class called Mastery of Written Communication. There are about 50 different sections of this course each semester to choose from!

Majors fall in one of three areas of learning: Humanities; social sciences; and natural sciences and engineering. Each specific major has general requirements, and students usually declare their major as a sophomore.

Lastly, students cluster in two remaining areas. Clusters are sets of three thematically-related courses—students may choose from over 250 existing clusters, or design their own cluster!

Students gain both freedom and structure with the University of Rochester’s flexible undergraduate curriculum—enabling exploration while being guided by strong advising.

The URochester curriculum is flexible enough that many students pursue multiple minors, or sometimes even double- or triple-major!

About 95% of undergraduate students participate in experiential learning during their time at the University of Rochester—which includes internships, research, or study abroad opportunities.

For internships specifically, the Gwen M. Greene Center for Career Education & Connections provides pivotal services and resources to prepare students for their future.

Many students also conduct research at the University of Rochester Medical Center or work in one of the University’s labs—and as a leading research institution, URochester is uniquely positioned to give students hands-on research experience.

In addition, there are 70+ study abroad programs available—so students can learn wherever and however they’d like!

Yes! As a tier 1 research institution, the University of Rochester has a uniquely high volume of research activity—and student researchers get involved as early as the undergraduate (and even pre-college!) level. URochester is home to 500+ labs, 130+ research centers and institutes, and is even home to the largest laser in the world at an academic campus.

There are 70+ education abroad programs that students can take part in across 35+ countries.

95% of students participate in experiential learning while at URochester, which includes study abroad, research, and internships.

With over two-thirds of students being from out of state, and more than 20% of first-year students being first-generation college students, URochester is a place where diverse perspectives come together—strengthening learning, connection, and discovery.

For the class of 2024, the four-year graduation rate was 72%, and the six-year graduation rate was 85%. But perhaps most importantly, 95% of undergraduates report a positive career outcome.

95% of undergraduates report a positive career outcome, going on to have success at companies like Nvidia, Amazon, Google, Goldman Sachs, or even continuing their studies with advanced degrees and certificates. Explore more undergraduate-reported outcomes, and check out stories from recent alumni.