Penn vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Penn is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 63.5% acceptance). Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#14 vs #501-600). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $102K). Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 vs $68,686 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 Penn for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: lower tuition, a larger aid package, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Penn is more selective (5.4% vs 63.5% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1456).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $102K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 83.6%).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 vs $68,686); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $70,971).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Penn | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #14 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 68% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 65,236 | 15,819 |
| International students | 24% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $111K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 96.5% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 98.8% | 98% |
| Median debt | $15,715 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $68,686 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $70,971 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,558 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 24,023 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Penn or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into Penn. Penn accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Penn or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $102K.
How much is tuition at Penn vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,686 per year at Penn and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for Penn or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Penn and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Penn or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #14 for Penn vs #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
Which university offers more financial aid — Penn or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $70,971 at Penn and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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