Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Overview

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Troy, NY. It has an enrollment of 5,579 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 53.02%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $31,456. Tuition is $58,526.00 without financial aid.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 89.21% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Website

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 53.02%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required.

• The average SAT score was 1450.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 33.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $31,456.

The average tuition is:

• $18,024, when family income is less than $30,000

• $19,136, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $24,779, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $31,613, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $41,203, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 44.96% of students received a federal student loan and 17.89% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $58,526.00 without financial aid.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Net Price Calculator

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Majors/Salaries

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Architecture. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,316
• Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,005
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $87,532
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Master’s Degree) – $88,198
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $92,277
• Computer Science. (Master’s Degree) – $119,061
• Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,140
• Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $88,506
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,101
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $71,854
• Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $68,047
• Civil Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $73,164
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $76,460
• Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,941
• Materials Engineering (Bachelor’s Degree) – $64,990
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $66,798
• Mechanical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $81,702
• Nuclear Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
• Industrial Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $77,213
• Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $88,933
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,478
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,005
• Applied Mathematics. (Master’s Degree) – $81,333
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
• Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,305
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $68,790
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,739
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,821
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $87,973
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $69,338
• Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $79,284

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.11%
• Asian: 17.91%
• Black: 4.93%
• Hispanic: 10.61%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.02%
• Non-resident alien: 14.91%
• Two or more races: 4.95%
• Unknown: 3.91%
• White: 42.66%

At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 0.93% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has a strong sense of school spirit and pride in its athletic programs, especially ice hockey. The campus culture encourages involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, which helps foster a sense of community and enthusiasm among the student body. RPI also has many traditions, such as the Big Red Freakout ice hockey game, which further strengthen the sense of school pride and spirit.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, commonly known as RPI, offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to its students. Here are some of the popular extracurriculars at RPI: 1. Athletics (varsity and club sports) 2. Greek life (fraternities and sororities) 3. Student government 4. Music and performing arts groups 5. Academic and professional clubs 6. Community service and volunteer groups 7. Robotics and engineering clubs 8. Debate and public speaking societies 9. Cultural organizations The institute also offers various leadership opportunities, research programs, and internships that students can participate in.

How are the food choices at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) offers a variety of food options on campus to cater to students’ different dietary needs and preferences. They have several dining halls, cafes, and food courts, serving cuisine ranging from American to Asian to Mediterranean. RPI also has several restaurants that offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher options. Additionally, they have a food delivery service that allows students to have food delivered to their dorm rooms. Overall, RPI prioritizes providing healthy and diverse food options to its students.

Is there Greek life at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

Yes, there is Greek life at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). The university has a strong Greek community that includes over 30 fraternities and sororities. The Greek organizations at RPI provide opportunities for students to network, build leadership skills, and participate in various social activities. However, it’s worth noting that Greek life is not for everyone and students can still have a rewarding college experience at RPI without joining a fraternity or sorority.

What is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute known for?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is a private research university located in Troy, New York. RPI is renowned for its strengths in engineering, science, and technology disciplines, including computer science, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. It is also known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education and research, which is reflected in the university’s unique academic programs and state-of-the-art facilities. In addition to its strong academic programs, RPI is also known for its successful NCAA Division I athletic teams and its rich history as one of the oldest and most respected technological universities in the United States.

What are the most popular school clubs at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, also known as RPI, has a wide variety of student-run clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests and backgrounds. Some of the most popular clubs at RPI include: 1. RPI Ambulance: A student-run ambulance service that provides emergency medical care to the campus and surrounding community. 2. RPI Players: A student-run theater group that produces several shows each year, including plays, musicals, and improv comedy. 3. RPI TV: A student-run television station that produces news, sports, entertainment, and other programs for the RPI community. 4. RPI Outing Club: A student-run organization that sponsors outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, and rock climbing. 5. Alpha Phi Omega: A national service fraternity that provides community service opportunities to Greek and non-Greek students alike. 6. Society of Women Engineers: A professional organization for women in engineering and technology that promotes networking and career development. 7. International Student Association: A group that promotes cultural exchange between international and domestic students and celebrates diversity on campus. 8. RPI Flying Club: A student-run group that promotes aviation and offers flight training to its members. These are just a few examples of the many clubs and organizations available for students at RPI.

Is the campus at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute safe?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is located in Troy, New York, a small city on the banks of the Hudson River. Overall, RPI has a fairly safe campus, with a relatively low crime rate. The Institute takes campus safety very seriously and has a dedicated Department of Public Safety that offers a variety of services designed to ensure the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff. That being said, it’s important to note that no campus can guarantee complete safety, and there have been some reports of crimes on or near the RPI campus, including theft and assault. As with any college or university, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take steps to stay safe, such as traveling in groups, avoiding walking alone at night, and reporting any incidents or safety concerns to campus authorities.