Points of Pride

Rush Rhees entrance with library tower, and green lush trees on either side

Points of Pride

As one of the world’s leading research universities, the University of Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries.

Since 1850, we’ve been addressing global challenges, fueling innovation and creativity, and making the world ever better.

Here’s some of what sets us apart . . .

Top employers

Amazon, Ernst & Young, Google, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft are some of the top employers of recent University of Rochester graduating classes.

Graduation caps being thrown into the air

Top employers

Amazon, Ernst & Young, Google, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft are some of the top employers of recent University of Rochester graduating classes.

First in optics.

The University’s Institute of Optics was the nation’s first optical science, engineering, and design program and has granted over half of all degrees in optics awarded in the United States.

Most powerful laser systems.

The Laboratory for Laser Energetics is the largest university-based US Department of Energy program in the nation and home to the largest and most powerful laser systems found at any academic institution in the world.

Woman in white lab coat lying again't a steel cover surface full of circles

Most powerful laser systems.

Computer monitor, key board, and a printer printing out music sheets

Largest music library.

The Eastman School of Music’s Sibley Music Library is the largest academic music library in North America, with 344,000 books and scores and 84,000 recordings.

Memorial Art Gallery.

Referred to as the “mini MET,” the University’s Memorial Art Gallery’s permanent collection of more than 12,000 objects has been called the state’s best-balanced collection outside New York City.

Memorial Art Gallery.

Tech start-ups.

The University has launched 62 high-technology startup firms since 1996 based on advances such as an algorithm used for image rendering on virtually every printer and computer screen.

Top business school.

Simon Business School ranks #1 for ROI in the US¹, #2 for most diverse Top-50 MBA program², and #25 for best business school in the US³.

¹ The Economist, 2022
² U.S. News & World Report, 2022
³ Bloomberg Business, 2023

A meeting of 4 people with a woman pointing at a whiteboard, as others watch at conference desk

Top business school.

Simon Business School ranks #1 for ROI in the US¹, #2 for most diverse Top-50 MBA program², and #25 for best business school in the US³.

¹ The Economist, 2022
² U.S. News & World Report, 2022
³ Bloomberg Business, 2023

Hands wearing blue gloves pushing a syringe/needle into a vile.

Medical breakthroughs.

Our faculty and alumni have contributed to the research behind the first vaccine designed to prevent cancer, the human papilloma vaccine; developed the technology behind vaccines to protect against meningitis and pneumonia; have been on the front line of fighting HIV/AIDS; and played a central role in the development of nine FDA-approved treatments for neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases.

Urban education.

The Warner School of Education pioneers urban education strategies that emphasize community engagement, culturally responsive teaching, transformational leadership, equitable resource access, and critical learning skills for all students.

A classroom of student watching their teacher lecture

Urban education.

downward shot of 2 people sitting at a desk looking at a laptop

Rochester Curriculum.

With our unique, flexible undergraduate curriculum, students build their own programs of study—there is no core curriculum and no general education requirements.

Awards + honors.

73

GRAMMY
AWARDS

23

GUGGENHEIM
FELLOWS

13

NOBEL
PRIZES

13

PULITZER
PRIZES

2

MACARTHUR
FELLOWS

73

GRAMMY
AWARDS

23

GUGGENHEIM
FELLOWS

13

NOBEL
PRIZES

13

PULITZER
PRIZES

2

MACARTHUR
FELLOWS

Source: University of Rochester Points of Pride

By the numbers.

12,160

37,119

students enrolled
University-wide

people employed
across the University
+ its affiliates

By the numbers.

12,160

students enrolled
University-wide

37,119

people employed
across the University
+ its affiliates

Rush Rhees library tower against an evening sky

7th largest employer in New York State.

102 patents, 40 license agreements, 77 innovation disclosures in 2022.

More than $475M in federal support, including more than $100 million for the Laboratory for Laser Energetics.

International students

And scholars at the University of Rochester contributed $238M to the local economy in 2021, supporting 2,655 jobs. The University of Rochester has the 2nd largest percentage of international students of any institution in the nation.

Source: University of Rochester Office of Government and Community Relations 2023–24 and 2024–25 fact sheets and the Office of Research and Project Administration FY23 annual report

May 2024