< BACK to CDI TOOLRochester’s economic strength was built on the commercialization of inventions by the tech sector of the 20th century. George Eastman, the founder of Eastman Kodak, invested in the city, and his endowment at the University of Rochester has provided lasting benefits; today over 30 percent of 25-64-year-olds have a BA. Moreover, his endowment at the Eastman School of Music has benefited the entire nation. Today, students will find a city with a relatively strong economy, leading to its No. 8 ranking for economic climate (high innovation, low unemployment, low rents).