Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Central florida — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Central florida is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 63.5% acceptance). Central florida ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #401-500). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $58K). Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 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 Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Central florida for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Central florida is more selective (40.1% vs 63.5% acceptance); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher median SAT (1456 vs 1269).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $58K); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher 6-year graduation rate (83.6% vs 78%).
Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $64,081); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rensselaer polytechnic institute | Central florida |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 63.5% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 39.7% | 33.5% |
| Median SAT | 1456 | 1269 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 15,819 | 55,135 |
| International students | 19% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $58K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $51K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $86K |
| Graduation rate | 83.6% | 78% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 92.3% |
| Median debt | $23,750 | $18,190 |
| Tuition · year | $64,081 | $22,467 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,097 | $11,814 |
| % of need met | 100% | 65% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,149 | $20,529 |
| Application fee | $75 | $30 |
| Enrollment | 6,761 | 69,338 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Central florida?
It's harder to get into Central florida. Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5% of applicants, while Central florida accepts 40.1%.
Do Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Central florida graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Central florida?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $22,467 per year at Central florida.
What SAT score do you need for Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Central florida?
The median admitted SAT score is 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and 1269 at Central florida; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Central florida?
Central florida ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs #401-500 for Central florida.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Central florida?
The average aid package is $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $11,814 at Central florida.
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