Rochester University vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

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

Nelson University is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (1,794 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rochester University is located in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rochester University 13:1; Nelson University 15:1.

Rochester University vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rochester University or Nelson 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 Rochester University than Nelson University ($21,611 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 8.5% lower than at Rochester University ($9,598 vs. $10,486).
• Rochester University is 16.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nelson University (about $4,132 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.5% higher at Rochester University than at Nelson University (about $4,132 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at Nelson University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rochester University students is 62.9% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($19,674 vs. $12,075).

Rochester University vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nelson University (990) is 40 points higher than at Rochester University (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 840/1060; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rochester University - Test-free; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Nelson University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.19) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Nelson University (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Rochester University vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

Rochester University vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rochester University and Nelson 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 Nelson University's (37%).
• Graduates from Rochester University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,100 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $1,847 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($24,403 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($252 vs. $271).
• More Nelson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.