School Overview
Seven Schools
School of Arts, Sciences & Engineering: The largest school at Rochester, comprising the College of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Eastman School of Music: The most renowned school at Rochester, highly esteemed in the U.S. It offers both undergraduate and graduate education, with programs in composition, music theory, music performance, etc.
Warner School of Education and Human Development: Offers graduate programs only, located on the University of Rochester's River Campus.
School of Medicine and Dentistry: Offers graduate and clinical education, located at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
School of Nursing: Also located at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Simon Business School: Located on the River Campus.
What sets the university apart is its curriculum. There are no major restrictions or requirements for incoming students; instead, students are encouraged to explore courses broadly based on their interests. The university guarantees that 100% of students can study in the knowledge areas they are passionate about.
As a result, students often graduate from the University of Rochester with double or even triple degrees. Among the faculty and alumni, eight professors are Nobel laureates and eleven scholars have won Pulitzer Prizes.
Key Data
In-state tuition: $48,280
Average living expenses: $14,988
Four-year graduation rate: 88.2%
Average annual salary of graduates: $45,800
Out-of-state tuition: $48,280
Undergraduate enrollment: 6,125
Student retention rate: 96.1%
Five Popular Business Majors
Full-Time MBA
This program is designed for those who have already been working for some time. The curriculum emphasizes the use of analytical methods and logical reasoning to solve problems, build capabilities to interpret and forecast markets, and become decision-makers for organizations and individuals. It also offers 11 concentrations for students’ future development, including finance, consulting, marketing, and healthcare management, allowing them to delve into various fields. Completion of the degree typically takes about two years, and it is best to submit applications by early January each year.
MS in Finance
The Simon Business School's finance specialty was ranked 2nd in the Financial Times' 2017 rankings. It not only provides students with a degree of high value, but also equips them with sharp problem-solving skills essential for their future careers in finance. The program emphasizes analytical skills, building quantitative models, and other practically oriented capabilities. As a STEM-designated program, it allows students to benefit from extended internship periods and practical opportunities.
Students can complete the master's program through an 11-month academic track, or opt for a 17-month track that combines academics with practical experience. For future career planning, the program offers three concentrations: Corporate Finance, Investment Management, and Risk Management. Applications are accepted no later than May each year, and international students are advised to apply early.
MS in Accountancy(MS in Accountancy)
The program features a 150-credit-hour accounting curriculum, primarily designed to prepare students for the New York State CPA exam, yet it goes far beyond typical exam preparation. Simon’s leadership in accounting, economics, and finance means you will learn from some of the best professors in the world.
Complete your degree quickly through a 10-month track, or gain practical experience through a 17-month internship track. Whichever path you choose, you'll gain a deeper understanding of auditing, regulations, and financial analysis prospects. Applications are accepted no later than May each year, and international students are advised to apply early.
MS in Marketing Analytics
At Simon Business School, you will learn strategies to become a leading talent in evidence-based information, insights, and answers. Complete your degree quickly through a 10-month track, or gain practical experience through a 17-month internship track. Simon's marketing program is designated as a STEM program, allowing international students to stay in the U.S. longer for internships and work.
Furthermore, Simon’s economics- and data-driven approach will help students discover how the power of information drives power in the field of marketing analytics. The school’s expert faculty and rigorous curriculum will train you to understand, interpret, and communicate big data, so you'll be well prepared for careers in marketing, market research, pricing, business analytics, or sales management. Applications are accepted no later than May each year, and international students are advised to apply early.
MS in Business Analytics
The school’s expertise in analytics, combined with its economics-based curriculum, gives students the theory and practice to become sought-after financial analysts. Our business analytics program is designed to help you unearth the insights from big data that companies need; the business analytics curriculum will enhance your understanding of the business world and equip you with practical and effective tools to solve complex business problems.
Complete your degree quickly through a 10-month track, or gain practical experience through a 17-month internship track. Simon’s marketing program is designated as a STEM program, allowing international students to stay in the U.S. longer for internships and work. Applications are accepted no later than May each year, and international students are advised to apply early.
Student Life
Transportation
The suburban River Campus and Medical Center are adjacent to each other, forming a relatively self-contained campus and community. Although located in the suburbs, the school runs a number of shuttle bus lines with extensive coverage, connecting off-campus housing, supermarkets, and other amenities.
The university provides convenient shuttle services. Graduate students frequently use the Red, Blue, and Green lines, while undergraduates also take the Gold, Orange, and Gray lines. The Red Line goes to Downtown and the Eastman School of Music; the Blue Line serves College Town, Goler, UPK, WPK; the Green Line goes to Wegmans and Marketplace Mall. During breaks such as summer or Christmas, shuttle schedules are adjusted.
If riding the bus is inconvenient, consider using a bicycle for transportation. Be sure to wear full protective gear and carefully read the New York State DMV regulations on bicycles! The RTS buses in Rochester run strictly according to online schedules and routes, so it is recommended to arrive five minutes early at the bus stop. In Rochester, taxis need to be booked in advance. Taxis are metered, and you just need to add a 15%–20% tip.
Safety
The university's Department of Public Safety provides proactive community services for more than 25,000 students, faculty, and staff. Each year, the department receives over 300,000 calls for service (averaging over 800 per day). In September 2016, the department added highly qualified staff members who are proficient in multiple languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish. Security personnel patrol university properties seven days a week, including the River Campus, Medical Center, South Campus, and the Eastman School.
In addition to responding to emergencies (fires, crimes, etc.), public safety personnel offer a wide range of non-emergency services, including crime prevention training, issuance of “Safety Alert Notices,” personal safety escorts, office space security surveys, landscape and exterior lighting assessments, and more. First-year students are required to live on campus and can choose from residence halls such as Susan B. Anthony Hall, the Quad, Gilbert, Hoeing, Lovejoy, and Tiernan Halls. Upperclass students may choose to live in suite-style or apartment-style housing on campus.
Dining
The on-campus dining options truly cater to college life and meet all students’ needs. Whether it’s grabbing a cup of coffee on the way to class, having a slice of pizza after a late-night study session, or enjoying a Sunday brunch with friends, all these dining choices are covered by the school's meal plan.
The Commons offers a variety of lunch and dinner options, from sandwiches to sushi, pizza, bagels, and wraps. There is also a Starbucks on the third floor of Wilson Commons. Danforth Fresh Food Company is a traditional all-you-care-to-eat dining hall located on the first floor of the freshman residence hall Susan B. Anthony Hall. Hillside Market offers espresso, groceries, hot food, and more; it's a place where students can study, chat, and eat together.
A 10-minute walk from campus there is a Chinese grocery store; about a 10-minute drive away, there are two Chinese grocery stores, a Korean grocery store, and large American supermarkets like Wegmans and Tops. Students with Canadian visas can even drive to Toronto's Chinatown for shopping. Most students live in university housing, which is available for both single students and families. All campus housing includes free heating.
If you live in an apartment-style dormitory, the kitchens come fully equipped with an electric stove and oven, so cooking for yourself can be more economical and satisfy your Chinese palate. The advantages of living on campus include proximity to classes and access to free shuttles, which is very convenient if you don’t have a car. Even for students who usually don’t cook, you can eat in the dining halls. Most students end up buying a car here, because in the U.S., a driver’s license is almost equivalent to an ID, so you’ll probably need to get one whether or not you drive.
Recreation and Entertainment
The main student activity center on campus, Wilson Commons, is a beautifully designed multi-functional building by the renowned architect I.M. Pei. The first floor houses a dining hall; the second, third, and fourth floors feature various activity rooms, dance studios, lounges, and more. Many student clubs and organizations frequently hold events of all types here.
The University of Rochester’s two main campuses are located in the suburbs, while one of the best music schools in the nation, the Eastman School of Music, is in the downtown area (reachable by shuttle). Eastman also frequently hosts free small-scale concerts, and occasionally the Philharmonic Orchestra performs there, making it a place with great musical character.
Additionally, Rochester is situated near the Great Lakes (Lake Ontario). In your free time, a 20-minute drive will take you to the lakefront to enjoy the views and relax while watching the sunset~









