Lake Superior State University vs. Rochester University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI with Rochester University in Rochester Hills, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lake Superior State University is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (1,567 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting); Rochester University is in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Superior State University 13:1; Rochester University 13:1.

Lake Superior State University vs. Rochester University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Superior State University or Rochester University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lake Superior State University than Rochester University ($12,339 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 8.5% lower than at Lake Superior State University ($10,486 vs. $11,459).
• Rochester University is 96.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $14,306 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 96.1% higher at Rochester University than at Lake Superior State University (about $14,306 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at Lake Superior State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rochester University students is 34.5% larger than aid received by Lake Superior State University students ($19,674 vs. $14,632).

Lake Superior State University vs. Rochester University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Superior State University or Rochester University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Rochester University and Lake Superior State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Superior State University (1110) is 160 points higher than at Rochester University (950).
• Incoming Lake Superior State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Rochester University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 1000/1225; Rochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 19/26; Rochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Superior State University - Not reported; Rochester University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Lake Superior State University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Rochester University (3.13).

Lake Superior State University vs. Rochester University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Superior State University and Rochester University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Rochester University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Lake Superior State University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $1,153 lower median loan debt than Rochester University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,403).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rochester University graduates ($240 vs. $252).
• More Lake Superior State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 45%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.