U of R vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Rochester in Rochester, NY with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Rochester is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Rochester is located in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Rochester 9:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

U of R vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of R or Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College than U of R ($34,739 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 26.5% lower than at University of Rochester ($14,548 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 6.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $4,275 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.8% higher at U of R than at Muhlenberg College (about $4,275 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at University of Rochester (99% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 6.9% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($45,500 vs. $42,545).

U of R vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of R or Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College and U of R.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 150 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming U of R students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Muhlenberg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 1410/1540; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 31/34; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of R - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman U of R students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.4% at U of R vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

U of R vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of R and Muhlenberg College? 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than University of Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $1,990 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($24,500 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, U of R graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($253 vs. $273).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 79%)

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.