Rochester University vs. UWM

Comparable Facts

Compare Rochester University in Rochester Hills, MI with University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (22,450 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rochester University is located in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting); University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rochester University 13:1; University of Wisconsin Milwaukee 17:1.

Rochester University vs. UWM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rochester University or UWM? 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 University of Wisconsin Milwaukee than Rochester University ($16,263 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 10.3% lower than at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee ($10,486 vs. $11,684).
• Rochester University is 180.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than UWM (about $18,798 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $10,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.4% higher at Rochester University than at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (about $6,798 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $22,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rochester University students is 210% larger than aid received by University of Wisconsin Milwaukee students ($19,674 vs. $6,347).

Rochester University vs. UWM Admissions comparison

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

• Incoming UWM students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Rochester University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 17/23; University of Wisconsin Milwaukee 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rochester University - Test-free; UWM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UWM Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UWM students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.16) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than UWM (90.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Rochester University vs. 23.8% at UWM.

Rochester University vs. UWM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rochester University and UWM? 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 University of Wisconsin Milwaukee's (40%).
• Graduates from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,100 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $555 lower median loan debt than UWM graduates ($24,403 vs. $24,958).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UWM graduates ($252 vs. $258).
• More UWM graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.