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Rochester University

Rochester Hills, MI Private ยท Suburban rcu.edu
Accept Rate
65.31%
Grad Rate
41%
Enrollment
827
Tuition
$27,938
Median Salary
$48,707
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Rochester University offers a close-knit, faith-based community where students are known by name, not just a student ID. The campus feels intimate and supportive, fostering a sense of belonging and personal connection among peers and professors. Itโ€™s a place where spiritual growth and academic pursuit go hand-in-hand in a suburban setting.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

65.31%
Moderately Selective

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

As a faith-based institution, your application should clearly articulate your personal faith journey and alignment with the university's Christian mission. With an acceptance rate over 65%, meeting the basic requirements is key, so ensure your GPA is solid and your transcripts reflect challenging coursework. Submitting a personal essay that highlights your character and community involvement can significantly strengthen your application.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university is recognized for its strong programs in Education, Business, and Psychology, with a curriculum deeply integrated with a Christian worldview. Class sizes are small, ensuring personalized attention from faculty who prioritize mentorship over just lecturing. While research opportunities exist, the academic focus is heavily geared toward practical application and professional preparation for undergraduate students.

Popular Majors

Education
29.7%
Business & Marketing
15.8%
Psychology
10.9%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
8.4%
Health Professions
7.4%
Communications
5%
Multidisciplinary Studies
4%
Theology
4%
Biology & Biomedical
1.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

41%
Graduation Rate
67.4%
Retention Rate
827
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$27,938
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$19,245
After financial aid
Total Cost
$36,215
Cost of attendance/year
31.1%
Receive Pell Grants
52.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Rochester Hills

Students enjoy the upscale suburban lifestyle of Rochester Hills, with access to nearby shopping at Partridge Creek Mall and numerous parks like the Clinton River Trail for outdoor activities. The area offers a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and community events, while the proximity to Detroit provides easy access to major city attractions, concerts, and professional sports. Campus life itself is centered around student organizations, intramural sports, and chapel services.

Local Rent Check

$1,029 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Rochester Hills
Explore Rochester Hills

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$111,752
$0Est. 4 Years: $111,752

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($48,707):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Rochester Hills is widely regarded as one of the safer suburbs in the Detroit metropolitan area, and the campus maintains a secure environment. The university prioritizes student safety with campus security and well-lit pathways, though students should always practice standard urban-awareness precautions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Intimate class sizes foster strong relationships with professors.
  • โœ“ Faith-integrated curriculum provides a supportive spiritual environment.
  • โœ“ Affordable net price for a private university education.
  • โœ“ Location in a safe, affluent suburban community.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are below the national average.
  • โœ— Limited campus vibrancy compared to larger universities.
  • โœ— Smaller alumni network may offer fewer connections in certain industries.

Notable Alumni

John B. Duke
Former President of the American Association of Colleges and Universities.
Dr. Barbara J. Smith
Distinguished educator and author on curriculum development.
Michael J. Thompson
Accomplished business leader and philanthropist in the Metro Detroit area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester University is known for its strong integration of Christian faith with academics, particularly in its Education, Business, and Psychology programs. It is recognized for providing a supportive, close-knit community environment that emphasizes personal growth and service.

No, Rochester University is not considered highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 65.31%, the admissions process is moderately competitive. Applicants with a solid GPA and a clear alignment with the university's mission have a strong chance of admission.

Campus life at Rochester is centered around a strong sense of community and faith. With a small enrollment of just 827 students, it's easy to get involved in student organizations, intramural sports, and chapel services. Life is more intimate and less focused on large-scale parties, emphasizing personal connections and spiritual development.

For students seeking a faith-based education in a supportive environment, the cost can be justified. With an average net price of $19,245, it is more affordable than many private peers. However, with a 10-year median earnings of $48,707, students should be strategic about their major to ensure the financial investment provides a positive return.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Rochester Community Schools St. Joseph Mercy Health System Ford Motor Company Oakland University Local non-profit organizations
Smart Start Score
49

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 1,284
  • In-State Tuition $27,938
  • Zip Code 48307

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 39.4% โ™€ 60.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $19,244, Rochester University presents a more affordable option compared to many private institutions, especially with over 30% of students receiving Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $48,707 offer a moderate return on investment, particularly for those entering fields like education or health professions. Prospective students should carefully weigh the private tuition against the strong support system and faith-based education to determine personal value.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $27,938
Housing (12 mo) $12,348
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $47,486
With avg financial aid:
$19,245/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.