University of Minnesota-Rochester logo

University of Minnesota-Rochester

Rochester, MN Public ยท Urban Est. 2006 r.umn.edu
Accept Rate
71.83%
Grad Rate
57.7%
Enrollment
568
Avg SAT
1220
Tuition
$14,400
Median Salary
$69,020
Overall Grade
C+
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
B+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

University of Minnesota-Rochester offers an intimate, high-touch educational experience where students are not just a number. The small campus size fosters a close-knit community feel, with a strong focus on collaborative learning and peer support. It feels like a tight-knit academic family rather than a sprawling university.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

71.83%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1220

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2675th Pctl
2227
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight any healthcare-related volunteer work, shadowing, or science coursework in your application to demonstrate alignment with the campus's focus. Given the 71.83% acceptance rate, a strong GPA in core subjects is more critical than perfect test scores, though an SAT score around the 1220 average is competitive. Clearly articulate your interest in the collaborative, health-focused learning community in your personal statement.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1220
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

UMR specializes in health professions, leveraging its location in the world-renowned Mayo Clinic city to provide exceptional pre-professional pathways. The curriculum emphasizes active, collaborative learning with small class sizes that ensure direct access to faculty. Students benefit from unique research and clinical immersion opportunities often integrated with local healthcare systems.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
100%

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

By The Numbers

57.7%
Graduation Rate
72.1%
Retention Rate
568
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
$14,400
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$12,785
After financial aid
Total Cost
$27,237
Cost of attendance/year
35.6%
Receive Pell Grants
49.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Rochester

Student life in Rochester is defined by the city's unique status as a global medical hub, offering a sophisticated yet manageable urban environment. Students enjoy access to the vibrant downtown scene, including the famous Mayo Clinic artisans' market, diverse restaurants, and the Apache Mall. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby trails and the Zumbro River, while the city's extensive skyway system provides a welcome escape during Minnesota winters.

Local Rent Check

$927 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Rochester
Explore Rochester

Reality Check

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

$57,600
$0Est. 4 Years: $57,600

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($69,020):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in the heart of downtown Rochester, which is generally considered a safe and well-monitored area with a strong community presence. University Public Safety provides 24/7 patrols and emergency services, and the city's infrastructure is highly walkable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Unbeatable access to Mayo Clinic resources for research, internships, and career networking.
  • โœ“ Extremely affordable flat-rate tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students.
  • โœ“ Small, collaborative class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty.
  • โœ“ Focus on high-demand health professions leads to excellent career outcomes.

Cons

  • โœ— Limited program variety, with a heavy emphasis on health sciences.
  • โœ— Campus life is more subdued compared to larger, traditional college towns.
  • โœ— The urban setting offers fewer classic 'big university' amenities like large stadiums or sprawling campuses.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Michael K. K. Le
Co-founder and CEO of Catena Labs, a healthcare technology venture studio, and a leader in digital health innovation.
Dr. Andrew P. J. Olson
A respected physician and researcher contributing to advancements in emergency medicine and clinical practice.
Dr. R. J. M. M. K. Singh
A prominent figure in the field of biomedical informatics, contributing to data-driven healthcare solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

UMR is primarily known for its intense focus on preparing students for careers in the health sciences, particularly through its unique proximity to the Mayo Clinic. The university's curriculum is built around problem-based and active learning, fostering collaboration over competition. Its small size and urban setting create a distinct, integrated learning environment unlike any other in the University of Minnesota system.

With an acceptance rate of 71.83%, the University of Minnesota-Rochester is considered moderately selective. While it is not highly exclusive, admission is not guaranteed. Applicants should have a strong high school GPA, particularly in science and math courses, and an average SAT score of 1220 is typical for the enrolled class.

Campus life is intimate and community-oriented, with a student body of only 568 students. Life is deeply integrated with the city of Rochester, meaning students often engage with the wider community for work, internships, and social activities. While there are student clubs and organizations, the social scene is quieter and more student-driven than at a large party school, focusing on academic collaboration and exploring the city.

Yes, for students pursuing a career in health professions, UMR represents an outstanding financial investment. The combination of affordable, flat-rate tuition ($14,400) and strong post-graduation earnings (10-year median of $69,020) yields an excellent return on investment. The direct pipeline to high-demand healthcare careers in a city dominated by a world-class medical center significantly enhances its value.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Mayo Clinic IBM Watson Health Rochester Regional Health Boston Scientific 3M
Smart Start Score
68

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

University Facts

  • Founded 2006
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 656
  • In-State Tuition $14,400
  • Zip Code 55904

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 21.1% โ™€ 78.9%

The Money Talk

With a flat tuition rate of $14,400 for both in-state and out-of-state students and an average net price of $12,785, UMR offers exceptional financial value. The 10-year median earnings of $69,020, particularly for a health professions degree, suggest a strong return on investment. For students aiming for healthcare careers, avoiding high private-school debt makes this a financially savvy choice.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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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 $14,400
Housing (12 mo) $11,124
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $32,724
With avg financial aid:
$12,785/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.