Rochester Institute of Technology

What are the graduation rates for students at Rochester Institute of Technology?

Rochester Institute of Technology demonstrates strong overall graduation outcomes, with a graduation rate of 71%, placing it within the top 25% nationally. When broken down by gender, the rate for men is slightly lower at 68%, while women graduate at a rate of 77%, ranking within the top 20%. This disparity indicates a higher success rate among female students at the institution.

Despite the high overall graduation rate, the four-year graduation rate is significantly lower at 28%, situating the institution in the bottom 25%. This suggests that while many students take longer than four years to graduate, a majority complete their degrees within six years. Indeed, the six-year graduation rate stands at 73%, which is in the top 20%, reflecting successful degree completion over a more extended period.

The university also reports a high retention rate of 88%, meaning that most first-year students continue to their second year, ranking well within the top 20%. This retention is often a positive signal for prospective students, indicating satisfactory student engagement and institutional support during the initial college experience.

While detailed graduation rates by major are not available, the institution offers a wide range of popular programs with varying enrollments, including Computer and Information Sciences, Engineering, and Visual and Performing Arts. Prospective students might consider that the general patterns of graduation and retention suggest solid academic support across diverse fields of study.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Rochester Institute of Technology?

Graduates from Rochester Institute of Technology show a diverse range of earning potential depending on their field of study. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in computer science and related disciplines. For example, computer science graduates report median earnings around $84,771, while those in computer/information technology administration and management earn approximately $80,382. Similarly, graduates specializing in computer engineering earn about $77,470, and computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make roughly $72,401.

Engineering fields overall provide competitive salaries. Chemical engineering graduates earn around $68,569, and mechanical engineering graduates receive about $67,544. Other engineering-related programs such as biomedical/medical engineering and electrical, electronics, and communications engineering offer earnings close to $66,107 and $73,256 respectively. Even graduates with technician-focused engineering degrees, such as computer engineering technologies/technicians and electrical engineering technologies/technicians, have median incomes near $73,827 and $69,599.

Students graduating with degrees related to applied sciences and mathematics also find noteworthy earning prospects. Physical sciences graduates earn around $74,681, while applied mathematics degree holders gain approximately $47,849. In business-related fields, management information systems and services graduates can expect salaries near $56,226, and finance and financial management services graduates make about $47,974.

Other fields such as graphic communications and public relations, advertising, and applied communication show median earnings of $51,726 and $35,717, respectively. Degrees in allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions yield approximately $59,088, reflecting solid compensation in the healthcare-related areas.

Graduates in liberal arts and social sciences typically see more modest earnings, with liberal arts and sciences general studies and humanities majors earning roughly $36,322, and psychology graduates making about $29,661. Meanwhile, criminal justice and corrections graduates earn approximately $31,112.

The data reflects that students pursuing STEM and technology-oriented degrees at Rochester Institute of Technology generally enjoy some of the strongest financial outcomes among graduates. Business and health-related programs also provide solid economic value, though earnings can vary widely depending on the specific career path chosen.