Founded in 1850, the University of Rochester is a leading private research institution located in Rochester, New York. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, emphasizing interdisciplinary study and research.
| Acronym | UR |
| Nickname | Yellowjacket |
| Motto / Slogan | Meliora |
| Colour | Blue and Yellow |
| Mascot | Rocky the Yellowjacket |
| Founded | 1850 |
| Location | Monroe town, New York, United States |
| Address | 186 Cumberland St, Rochester, NY 14609, United States |
The University of Rochester’s mission reflects its commitment to academic excellence, research impact, and positive global change.
The University of Rochester will continue to frame and solve the greatest challenges of the future.
We are a community in which all who work, teach, create, and provide care are welcome and respected, and where all can pursue and achieve their highest objectives for themselves, their community, and the world.
Steeped in Rochester’s rich history of social justice and entrepreneurial spirit, we will always be an inclusive, equitable, sustainable, and responsive organization at every level.
URochester students conduct research everywhere—in the lab and in the field, independently and with industry partners, in our local communities and all over the world. They make world-changing discoveries, while also making an educational experience all their own.
The Rochester Curriculum gives most of our undergraduates flexibility to build their own program—studying what they love, without compromise. The Rochester Curriculum’s primary writing requirement teaches communication skills that benefit undergraduate students throughout college—and well beyond, too.
Life at URochester offers an energizing blend of culture, innovation, nature, and wonder—opening even more opportunities to explore and grow. From joining a club or team to hanging out with friends on the Quad to performing at a city festival, you’ll find people and experiences that make this place feel like yours.
UR offers a lively campus environment with over 275 student clubs and organizations, sports teams, arts events, and more, helping students build community and explore varied interests.
URochester gives you the freedom to learn by doing. Through unique experiences in and out of the classroom, you can challenge expectations and pursue new directions—because exploration leads to innovations that transform lives.
Entry requirements vary by program and course. Check the program page for requirements.
International Students:
Learn more about international student admissions on our dedicated website.
Application processes may vary by school, especially for graduate students. Explore school-specific resources, and program requirements.
UNDERGRADUATE:
POSTGRADUATE:
Email: [email protected]
Phone : (585) 275-3221, (585) 461-4595
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Since her appointment as president in 2019, she has increased the University’s investment and growth in research and clinical enterprises, overseen record annual fundraising, led efforts to overhaul the institution’s human resources infrastructure and compensation programs, and created new leadership positions to better engage with the Greater Rochester community.
In addition, she led the development of the University’s 2030 Strategic Plan, Boundless Possibility, to help define the University of Rochester as a global research university of the future. In recognition of her leadership of the institution, she was appointed to a second term in 2024. President Mangelsdorf is a recognized leader among the institution’s peer institutions in the Association of American Universities, the Consortium on Financing Higher Education, the EDGE Consortium, and other organizations.
The collegiate division was granted a charter by the State of New York in 1846, after which its name was changed to Madison University. John Wilder and the... read more
Asahel C. Kendrick, professor of Greek, was among the faculty that departed Madison University for Rochester. Kendrick served as acting president while a national search was conducted. He reprised this role until 1853, when Martin Brewer Anderson of the Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Massachusetts was selected to fill the inaugural posting.
The University of Rochester's new charter was awarded by the Regents of the State of New York on January 31, 1850. The charter stipulated that the university have $100,000 in endowment within five years, upon which the charter would be reaffirmed. An initial gift of $10,000 was pledged by John Wilder, which helped catalyze significant gifts from individuals and institutions.
Classes began that November, with approximately 60 students enrolled, including 28 transfers from Madison. From 1850 to 1862, the university was housed in the old United States Hotel in downtown Rochester on Buffalo Street near Elizabeth Street (now West Main Street near the I-490 overpass).