Brigham Young University vs Rochester Institute of Technology
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Brigham Young University comes out ahead: 94/100 to 75/100, a 19-point edge over Rochester Institute of Technology. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Brigham Young University runs $15,564 a year against $34,906 at Rochester Institute of Technology - $19,342 more a year, or about $77,368 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Rochester Institute of Technology graduates earn a median $76,571 against $75,790 at Brigham Young University. The cost earns itself back in 5 years at Brigham Young University and 6.7 years at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Brigham Young University owing a median $11,069 versus $26,778 at Rochester Institute of Technology. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.24 and 0.53 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Brigham Young University | Rochester Institute of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $6,688 | $59,274 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $6,688 | $59,274 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,564 | $34,906 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $62,256 | $139,624 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $46,600 | $50,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $75,790 | $76,571 |
| Graduation Rate | 81.0% | 69.9% |
| Payback Period | 5 yr | 6.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $11,069 | $26,778 |
| Monthly Payment | $117 | $284 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.24 | 0.53 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 87.0% | 86.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 84.3% | 78.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 67.8% | 66.9% |
| Enrollment | 32,952 | 13,215 |
| SAT Range | 1270-1460 | 1300-1460 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Brigham Young Univer... | Rochester Institute ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $10,444 | $24,680 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,112 | $24,820 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,062 | $28,874 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $16,378 | $34,510 |
| $110,001+ | $20,542 | $44,970 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Brigham Young Univer... | Rochester Institute ... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $142,800 | $135,702 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $118,606 | $138,679 |
| Computer Engineering | $133,111 | $123,027 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $129,879 | $72,313 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $113,338 | $100,367 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $105,544 | $68,524 |
| Electrical Engineering | $99,774 | $105,068 |
| Chemical Engineering | $101,726 | $94,641 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $45,018 | $100,680 |
| Accounting | $96,632 | $72,830 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $90,634 | $93,065 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $80,841 | $57,748 |
| Physics | $73,747 | $75,281 |
| Biotechnology | $42,178 | $74,613 |
| Graphic Communications | $73,941 | $55,122 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Brigham Young Univer... | Rochester Institute ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 94 | 66 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 94 | 85 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 97 | 67 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 90 | 78 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 90 | 89 |
| Overall ROI Score | 94 | 75 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Brigham Young University clearly outperforms Rochester Institute of Technology (94 vs 75), a 19-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Rochester Institute of Technology brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Brigham Young University.
Want to personalize these numbers?
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Brigham Young University
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Rochester Institute of Technology
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.