4 Cheapest Universities in Rochester for International Students

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In Rochester, New York, there are a handful of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Rochester, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 4 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Rochester, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Rochester for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Rochester ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Roberts Wesleyan College 34,800 USD 25%
Nazareth University 37,400 USD 19%
Rochester Institute of Technology 53,800 USD -16%
University of Rochester 58,300 USD - 58,600 USD -26%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 46,100 USD for universities in Rochester.

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1. Roberts Wesleyan College

Roberts Wesleyan College was founded in 1866 in Rochester, New York as a private higher educational institute. They offer undergraduate and graduate programs on-campus and online, as well as allowing students from in and out of the United States to study in their school. The school focuses on a Christ-centered academic and social tradition, allowing students to take part in religious-guided activities in athletics, academics, or recreational areas. Their current report shows a total of 1780 enrollees with 1,293 undergraduates, and 487 graduates of different ethnicities and races such as Hispanics, Native Hawaiians, African-Americans, and Asians.

2. Nazareth University

Nazareth University (formerly Nazareth College), founded in 1924, became a university in 2023. This private co-educational institution in Rochester, New York fosters a community bound by mission and values, intellectually and personally nurturing students. Since the early 1970s, it has been a religiously independent school, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students to explore their academic pursuits and personal growth.

Nazareth University provides tours and reviews for prospective students who come to visit. Transfer and exchange programs also occur in the college, allowing relationships among students in and out of the United States to form. A graduate school is also available at Nazareth University, giving a chance to students to pursue education even after finishing their undergraduate degree programs.

3. Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) offers comprehensive study programs in technology, art, and design. The university continues to supply and develop innovative, relevant, and industry-specific academic programs. It is fully committed to providing its students with the highest standards of teaching and research. Additionally, RIT has long-term partnerships with companies and universities abroad to give its students opportunities to expand their knowledge and undergo extensive training.

4. University of Rochester

The University of Rochester is a premier private university in New York state. As a research-intensive institution, the university dedicates a significant portion of funding to impactful projects. Various undergraduate and graduate programs are offered, including medicine, music, arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and many more. Besides welcoming thousands of students yearly, the university employs thousands of faculty and staff, making it one of the state’s largest employers.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Rochester for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Rochester ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Roberts Wesleyan College 11,100 USD - 13,500 USD 54%
Nazareth University 11,500 USD - 15,700 USD 52%
University of Rochester 17,300 USD - 71,000 USD 27%
Rochester Institute of Technology 54,200 USD -130%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 23,500 USD for universities in Rochester.

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1. Roberts Wesleyan College

Roberts Wesleyan College was founded in 1866 in Rochester, New York as a private higher educational institute. They offer undergraduate and graduate programs on-campus and online, as well as allowing students from in and out of the United States to study in their school. The school focuses on a Christ-centered academic and social tradition, allowing students to take part in religious-guided activities in athletics, academics, or recreational areas. Their current report shows a total of 1780 enrollees with 1,293 undergraduates, and 487 graduates of different ethnicities and races such as Hispanics, Native Hawaiians, African-Americans, and Asians.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Roberts Wesleyan College should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 11,025 USD to 13,425 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Nazareth University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Nazareth University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Nazareth University is 11,475 USD to 15,675 USD.

Nazareth University (formerly Nazareth College), founded in 1924, became a university in 2023. This private co-educational institution in Rochester, New York fosters a community bound by mission and values, intellectually and personally nurturing students. Since the early 1970s, it has been a religiously independent school, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students to explore their academic pursuits and personal growth.

Nazareth University provides tours and reviews for prospective students who come to visit. Transfer and exchange programs also occur in the college, allowing relationships among students in and out of the United States to form. A graduate school is also available at Nazareth University, giving a chance to students to pursue education even after finishing their undergraduate degree programs.

3. University of Rochester

The University of Rochester is a premier private university in New York state. As a research-intensive institution, the university dedicates a significant portion of funding to impactful projects. Various undergraduate and graduate programs are offered, including medicine, music, arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and many more. Besides welcoming thousands of students yearly, the university employs thousands of faculty and staff, making it one of the state’s largest employers.

The tuition fee at University of Rochester for incoming international master’s students is 17,250 USD to 71,000 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Rochester Institute of Technology

Another affordable university to consider in Rochester is Rochester Institute of Technology.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) offers comprehensive study programs in technology, art, and design. The university continues to supply and develop innovative, relevant, and industry-specific academic programs. It is fully committed to providing its students with the highest standards of teaching and research. Additionally, RIT has long-term partnerships with companies and universities abroad to give its students opportunities to expand their knowledge and undergo extensive training.

The tuition fee in Rochester Institute of Technology for master’s program for foreign students starts from 54,176 USD.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Rochester, New York?

Applying to cheap universities in Rochester requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Rochester?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Rochester. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Rochester is the Nazareth University, which offers Art Education , Italian, and Music Composition to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Nazareth University offers Education , Music, and Social Work .


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in United States, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United States as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Rochester for international students was helpful!