BA Physics and Astronomy at University of Rochester

Programme overview

The department offers BA and BS degrees in physics and in physics and astronomy; the BA gives a broad overview and flexibility to double major, while the BS is intensive and gives stronger preparation for graduate school in physics or a related field.

Faculty: School of Arts & Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (Spring entry via Spring Regular Decision) | Location: Rochester, NY, United States

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to the University of Rochester (Arts, Sciences & Engineering), not a separate programme application: Common Application or Coalition application with a $50 application fee, secondary school transcript (grades 9-11), one teacher recommendation and a school report; SAT/ACT scores are optional (test-optional policy). First-year deadlines: Early Decision I November 1, Early Decision II January 5, Regular Decision January 5; Spring Regular Decision October 15.

USD 71,750 a year (2026-27). Flat full-time undergraduate tuition for 2026-27 ($35,875 per semester) at the School of Arts & Sciences, Hajim School, Simon and Eastman School of Music; the same rate applies to all full-time undergraduates regardless of residency. Excludes mandatory fe Source

First-year entry terms: fall (Early Decision I Nov 1, Early Decision II Jan 5, Regular Decision Jan 5) and spring (spring regular decision, Oct 15). Combined Degree Programs are not available for a spring start. Transfer students may enter in the fall or spring semester.

First-year deadlines: Early Decision I November 1 (notification mid-December), priority scholarship deadline December 1 (notification late February), Early Decision II January 5 (notification early February), Regular Decision January 5 (notification April 1; reply May 1), spring Regular Decision October 15 (notification December 1). Supporting materials are due December 1 (ED I), February 1 (ED II), February 15 (RD) and November 15 (spring RD).

Transfer deadlines: fall semester March 15 and spring semester October 15 (priority consideration); supplemental materials due June 15 (fall) and December 1 (spring). Transfer applicants apply through the Common Application.

First-year applicants apply through the Common Application or the Coalition for College Application; applicants to the Eastman School of Music bachelor of music apply directly through the Eastman application. The application fee is $50 (fee waivers available for undergraduate applicants). The University is test-optional: SAT/ACT scores are not required.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.rochester.edu/applying/how-to-apply/

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