Rochester University vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rochester University in Rochester Hills, MI with Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rochester University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (1,193 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rochester University is located in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rochester University 13:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

Rochester University vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rochester University or Bluffton 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 Bluffton University than Rochester University ($20,429 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 14.2% lower than at Bluffton University ($10,486 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 28% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rochester University (about $8,166 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28% higher at Bluffton University than at Rochester University (about $8,166 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University as at Bluffton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 60% larger than aid received by Rochester University students ($31,481 vs. $19,674).

Rochester University vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rochester University or Bluffton 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 Bluffton University and Rochester University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluffton University (1000) is 50 points higher than at Rochester University (950).
• Incoming Rochester University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 840/1060; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 17/23; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rochester University - Test-free; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bluffton University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Rochester University vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

Rochester University vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rochester University and Bluffton 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).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Rochester University's (42%).
• Graduates from Bluffton University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $2,597 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($24,403 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.