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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY·Private nonprofit·5,714 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $86,000 within 10 years; strong 84% graduation rate.

63%
Accept
5,714
Students
$36,228
Net Price
84%
Grad Rate
$86,000
Earnings
10 yr
$23,750
Debt

About This School

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private nonprofit institution located in Troy, New York with approximately 5,714 undergraduate students enrolled. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 63%. The average net price after financial aid is $36,228 per year. The graduation rate is 84%, and the typical graduate earns $86,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a private research-university in Troy, New York, United States, is the oldest technological university in the English-speaking world and in the Western Hemisphere. Stephen Van Rensselaer and Amos Eaton established RPI in 1824 for the "application of science to the common purposes of life".

This is a strong option for students serious about engineering, science, or tech, where a median salary of $86,000 ten years out and relatively modest debt of $22,000 at graduation suggest a solid return on investment. The 83% graduation rate and 89% freshman retention are respectable, and the 58% acceptance rate means it's selective without being a long shot for well-prepared applicants. The $33,000 average net price is real money, so run your financial aid numbers carefully — but the outcomes data suggests students who finish here tend to land well.

Founded
1824
Setting
Small city
Avg Faculty Salary
$13,820

Popular Programs

Engineering43%
Computer Science21%
Business & Marketing6%
Biological Sciences4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Health Professions1%
Psychology1%
Social Sciences1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Ivar GiæverDennis TitoRaymond TomlinsonJack SwigertEunice Newton FooteGregory Reid WisemanDavid HayterKevin A. LynchHenry Augustus RowlandRichard MastracchioMarcian HoffGeorge Washington Gale Ferris, Jr.

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1456
Reading 75th %ile740
Math 75th %ile770

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite33

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$64,081
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,081
Avg Net Price
$36,228
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$24,078
$30–48k$26,289
$48–75k$28,212
$75–110k$36,230
$110k+$42,541

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants20%
Median debt at graduation$23,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
84%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
91%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$86,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,750
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$69,100
Female graduates$60,500

Gap: 12% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$66,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$86,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.6x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White45%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian22%
Two or more races6%
International7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,714 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

110 8th St

Troy, NY 12180-3590

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New York

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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