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Troy , NY
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, commonly known as RPI, is a private research university located in Troy, New York. Founded in 1824, it is the oldest technological research university in the United States. RPI is renowned for its strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in these fields.
RPI is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to hands-on learning. The university places a heavy emphasis on experiential learning and practical application of knowledge. Students have numerous opportunities to engage in research projects, internships, co-op programs, and entrepreneurial activities, allowing them to gain real-world experience and prepare for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Moreover, RPI is home to several research centers and institutes that contribute to groundbreaking advancements in various disciplines. The university's faculty members are highly accomplished and well-respected researchers, often collaborating with industry partners and government agencies. RPI's research efforts are focused on areas such as energy, nanotechnology, biotechnology, data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, among others.
In addition to its academic and research excellence, RPI is known for its vibrant campus life and strong sense of community. The university offers a variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that cater to a wide range of interests. RPI also boasts a rich athletic tradition, competing in NCAA Division III sports and offering numerous intramural and club sports for students to participate in. Overall, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute provides a comprehensive and well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for success in their chosen careers in STEM fields.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private four-year college located in Troy, NY. This school follows a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 63%. The freshman retention rate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 91% and the six-year graduation rate is 84%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is January 15. Explore this school's profile to find out the most essential things about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Quick Facts
5,743
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
$64,400
Tuition
14:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
84%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
You need to learn as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the university in order to increase your chances of being accepted. How difficult is it to get admitted to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and what are the admission requirements?
According to the most recent information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 10,906 in 2025. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores if the applicant decides to submit them. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
Out of the number of those who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 49% and ACT scores 11%. 74% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 25% between 1,200 and 1,399 and 1% between 1,000 and 1,199. The percent of incoming freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 82, 17 between 24-29 and 1 in the range between 18-23.
The ACT composite average score for all the enrolled students in 2025 was 32 while the average GPA was 3.8. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; the same goes for your ACT score.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 704 for the admitted students, while the average SAT Math score was 735.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by January 15.
Retention Rate
The percentage of new students at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. That information can tell you if the majority of new students liked their first year enough to come back.
As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was 91%, which is an outstanding retention rate only the most prestigious institutions have.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It provides valuable insight into the percentage of students who complete their studies within a designated timeframe. At this school, the rate of students graduating within six years is 84%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
Making the decision of which school is the optimal place for you is not easy. You can better understand the culture and life of the school by learning more about the student body.
Main Student Body
In 2025, the school enrolled 7,049 students.
That year, the school had an out-of-state student body percentage of 63. There was a total of 5,743 those pursuing undergraduate studies, including 408 international students. The school reported to have a total of 47 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 4,621 male and 2,117 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
Higer Education is committed to expanding the diversity of its student body and improving students' sense of inclusion and belonging. Diversity promotes critical thinking, challenges preconceived notions, and encourages intellectual growth, so it helps students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
This school had 1,233 Asian students and 282 Afro-American students in 2025. 621 undergraduates at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 314 as multirace. The school also had 3 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 1 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 279 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before submitting an application to any college or university, the financial component should be taken into account. Here are some important data on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute costs that most students encounter at this school.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some numbers that can help you better understand the estimated tuition cost for this university.
Tuition in 2025 was $64,400 for full-time domestic students. As Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private institution, tuition is the same for all the accepted students. Fees per academic year required of full-time students totaled $1,624 in 2025.
Books and Supplies
The estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into consideration as another significant financial element. The estimated price of books and supplies for a full-time student of this school is $1,380.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for lodging and meals?
At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the 2025 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $18,560. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2025 reached $9,750 for one academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was also $9,750.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 64,400 |
| Room and Board | $ 18,560 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,380 |
| Total Expense | $ 84,340 |
Financial Aid
Be it a grant, loan, scholarship, or work-study program, any type of financial help can be a great deal for a number of students. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based aid available at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
The most recent records show that 1,031 freshmen received some sort of financial help.
Need-based
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.
3,439 students received some form of need-based financial aid. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution totaled $9,943,859, and state $2,382,038. The students of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $148,791,760, and external in the amount of $7,873,380.
$32,191
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 3,405 students overall (including freshmen) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2025. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 1,028 full-time freshmen. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $9,943,859 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $3,036,422. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $63,942,411. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $1,781,413 USD.
Open Applications
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Majors
Faculty
14:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
In 2025, this ratio at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was 14:1. That means that there were 14 times more students than teachers at this school. According to the most recent information, there are 526 faculty members at this school. Out of that number, there were 381 men and 145 women.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Find out some info about students' life at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Its campus is 297 acres in size.
Student Organizations
Participating in multiple student organizations can add depth and fulfillment to your educational journey.
According to the most recent information, there are 210 open-membership organizations at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Sororities and fraternities are included in that number. 24 percent of male and 14 of female students take part in in different organizations at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The student organization that gathers the largest number of students is RPI Ambulance, followed by Black Students Alliance and Outing Club. Other popular organizations at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are Rensselaer Music Association and Humans vs Zombies.
For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club. Interested in media and communication? Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, there are many amenities required for a pleasant and safe life on campus.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a security patrol that operates around the clock. There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services and Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
All in all, campus life at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Career Counselling
At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Acquiring information about the potential income after graduation can help you decide if a specific school is the right one for your career aspirations.
The average base annual starting salary of the students who were employed within six months of graduation at this institution is 83,575 USD.
$83,575
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is located in Troy, NY.
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According to the latest information, the tuition for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 64,400 USD a year.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent reported acceptance rate for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 63%.
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According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 91%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
