Iowa state vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rensselaer polytechnic institute is the more selective of the two (63.5% vs 88.7% acceptance). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $64,081 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Iowa state for: lower tuition.
Choose Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rensselaer polytechnic institute is more selective (63.5% vs 88.7% acceptance); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher median SAT (1456 vs 1204).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $63K); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher 6-year graduation rate (83.6% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $64,081); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 15,819 |
| International students | 8% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 98% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 78% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | $40 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into Rensselaer polytechnic institute. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Iowa state or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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