Best Colleges in Rochester
Graduate in a New York Minute
The New York arts scene starts here
New York is known for its high rent and fast-paced city life. But, tucked away in Rochester, you’ll find 2 major universities with affordable living nearby. Self-described as “putting the ‘roc’ in Rochester,” the city is home to a vibrant urban music scene, which created a culture that has spilled over into academics. Many creative students are attending the universities for music, art, and theatre. Other majors popular in New York schools include business management, computer engineering, information technology, and mechanics. For those who love Rochester and wish to hang around post-graduation, there’s good news. Many major American companies are headquartered here, including Bausch & Lomb, Western Union, Selden Motor Vehicle Company, and Harris Interactive.
Rochester is home to a few great breweries as well as 11 bars and countless restaurants. On your days off from studying, enjoy one of the many outdoor activities including hiking, biking, paddling, boating on the Erie Canal, or spending a day at Seabreeze Amusement Park. Soak in some culture with one of the best collections of museums on the East Coast, including the Rochester Museum & Science Center. The Park Avenue Neighborhood has a desirable shopping destination with a trendy vibe and delicious lunch options. Be sure to stop by Stever’s Chocolates for dessert, or peruse the Rochester Public Market, voted America’s Favorite Farmer’s Market in 2010.* Since Rochester is one of the most affordable housing markets in New York state, many college graduates opt to stay in the area to raise a family. At the end of the day, Rochester is an economical, friendly town with plenty of memories waiting to be made.
*American Farmland Trust, 2010 *www.visitrochester.com *Wikipedia, “Rochester Area Colleges”
Best Four Year Universities in Rochester
| Rank | School Name | Location | Description | Rating | ||
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| 1 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY |
Rochester Institute of Technology offers 214 Degree programs. It's a large private university in a large suburb. In 2015, 3,968 students graduated with students earning 2,688 Bachelor's degrees, 1,038 Master's degrees, 133 Associate's degrees, 76 Certificates degrees, and 33 Doctoral degrees. | Based on 36 Reviews |
Read more: Rochester Institute of Technology Reviews
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| 2 | SUNY College at Geneseo | Geneseo, NY |
SUNY College at Geneseo offers 109 Degree programs. It's a medium sized public university in a far away town. In 2015, 1,291 students graduated with students earning 1,217 Bachelor's degrees, and 74 Master's degrees. | Based on 12 Reviews |
Read more: SUNY College at Geneseo Reviews
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| 3 | University of Rochester | Rochester, NY |
University of Rochester offers 339 Degree programs. It's a medium sized private university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 3,793 students graduated with students earning 1,975 Bachelor's degrees, 1,407 Master's degrees, 402 Doctoral degrees, and 9 Certificates degrees. | Based on 16 Reviews |
Read more: University of Rochester Reviews
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| 4 | Widener University-Main Campus | Chester, PA |
Widener University-Main Campus offers 124 Degree programs. It's a medium sized private university in a large suburb. In 2015, 1,298 students graduated with students earning 694 Bachelor's degrees, 421 Master's degrees, 170 Doctoral degrees, and 13 Associate's degrees. | Based on 8 Reviews |
Read more: Widener University-Main Campus Reviews
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| 5 | SUNY College at Brockport | Brockport, NY |
SUNY College at Brockport offers 166 Degree programs. It's a medium sized public university in a outlying town. In 2015, 2,669 students graduated with students earning 2,252 Bachelor's degrees, 364 Master's degrees, and 53 Certificates degrees. | Based on 16 Reviews |
Read more: SUNY College at Brockport Reviews
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| 6 | Saint John Fisher College | Rochester, NY |
Saint John Fisher College offers 107 Degree programs. It's a medium sized private university in a large suburb. In 2015, 1,217 students graduated with students earning 857 Bachelor's degrees, 243 Master's degrees, 109 Doctoral degrees, and 8 Certificates degrees. |
Read more: Saint John Fisher College Reviews
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| 7 | Nazareth College | Rochester, NY |
Nazareth College offers 136 Degree programs. It's a small private university in a large suburb. In 2015, 996 students graduated with students earning 599 Bachelor's degrees, 299 Master's degrees, and 98 Doctoral degrees. | Based on 4 Reviews |
Read more: Nazareth College Reviews
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| 8 | Roberts Wesleyan College | Rochester, NY |
Roberts Wesleyan College offers 107 Degree programs. It's a small private university in a large suburb. In 2015, 721 students graduated with students earning 489 Bachelor's degrees, 232 Master's degrees. |
Read more: Roberts Wesleyan College Reviews
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| 9 | University of Minnesota-Rochester | Rochester, MN |
University of Minnesota-Rochester offers 2 Degree programs. It's a very small public university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 218 students graduated with students earning 218 Bachelor's degrees. |
Read more: University of Minnesota-Rochester Reviews
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| 10 | Keuka College | Keuka Park, NY |
Keuka College offers 52 Degree programs. It's a small private university in a far away town. In 2015, 755 students graduated with students earning 595 Bachelor's degrees, 160 Master's degrees. | Based on 4 Reviews |
Read more: Keuka College Reviews
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Best Community Colleges in Rochester
| Rank | School Name | Location | Description | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monroe Community College | Rochester, NY |
Monroe Community College offers 120 Degree programs. It's a very large public college in a large suburb. In 2015, 2,813 students graduated with students earning 2,485 Associate's degrees, and 328 Certificates degrees. |
Read more: Monroe Community College Reviews
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| 2 | Finger Lakes Community College | Canandaigua, NY |
Finger Lakes Community College offers 78 Degree programs. It's a medium sized public college in a outlying rural. In 2015, 925 students graduated with students earning 876 Associate's degrees, and 49 Certificates degrees. |
Read more: Finger Lakes Community College Reviews
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| 3 | Rochester Community and Technical College | Rochester, MN |
Rochester Community and Technical College offers 139 Degree programs. It's a medium sized public college in a mid sized city. In 2015, 1,359 students graduated with students earning 879 Associate's degrees, and 480 Certificates degrees. | |||
| 4 | Bryant & Stratton College-Henrietta | Rochester, NY |
Bryant & Stratton College-Henrietta offers 17 Degree programs. It's a very small private college in a large suburb. In 2015, 113 students graduated with students earning 111 Associate's degrees, and 2 Certificates degrees. |
Read more: Bryant & Stratton College-Henrietta Reviews
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| 5 | Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing | Geneva, NY |
Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing offers 3 Degree programs. It's a very small private college in a far away town. In 2015, 67 students graduated with students earning 67 Associate's degrees. |
List of all Colleges in Rochester
Top Schools offering Specific Degrees in Rochester
Questions About Going to College in Rochester
How are the career opportunities for college graduates in Rochester?
“The Big Three” of Xerox, Eastman Kodak, and Bausch & Lomb dominated Rochester’s economy for many years. Though these companies have downsized considerably, they still seek talent in areas such as engineering, customer service, IT, management, and research and development. The educated pool of candidates produced by the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology has helped lure new employers to the area, especially high-tech companies and startups. Healthcare remains a particularly strong industry.
What major companies/industries are hiring what type of graduates/skills in Rochester?
With more than 20,000 employees involved in higher education, research, and healthcare, the University of Rochester ranks as the city’s largest employer. Other healthcare opportunities can be found with Rochester General Health System, Unity Health System, and Lifetime Healthcare. Grads interested in human resources may be hired by Paychex Inc. Grocery giant Wegmans also has its corporate office in Rochester and places second among area businesses in number of employees.
Is Rochester more of a college town or a great place to start a career and family?
With 210,000 residents, Rochester ranks as New York’s third largest city. While not a college town in the traditional sense, Rochester’s institutions of higher learning certainly influence the area’s cultural scene and employment opportunities. Grads who stay in Rochester enjoy a cost of living below the national average and a commute that’s about 12 minutes less than a typical New Yorker’s.
What do locals like to do for fun?
After a harsh Rochester winter, nothing beats a summer day at Ontario Beach Park. In all seasons (indoors in the winter), people flock to the city-run Rochester Public Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to pick up everything from local produce to ethnic delicacies. Families love the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong Museum, while golfers enjoy the courses in the city Golf.com ranked first in golf affordability. And you’d be hard-pressed to find a resident who hasn’t stopped at least once at Nick Tahou Hots for a “garbage plate” – a tower of macaroni salad, fries, hamburgers or hot dogs, and hot sauce.
What's the dating scene like in Rochester? Will I meet my perfect mate?
You might find your “picture perfect” partner in the city where George Eastman invented the Kodak camera. Meet an artsy type at a performance by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra or Garth Fagan Dance. Or join a tour and tasting at Genesee Brew House or Black Button Distilling – you’ll at least be guaranteed great local drinks!