North carolina vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
North carolina is the more selective of the two (15.3% vs 63.5% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #501-600). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 North carolina for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
North carolina is more selective (15.3% vs 63.5% acceptance); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher median SAT (1456 vs 1439).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $72K); North carolina has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.2% vs 83.6%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $64,081); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 15,819 |
| International students | 9% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into North carolina. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do North carolina or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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