Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Connecticut — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Connecticut is the more selective of the two (52.4% vs 63.5% acceptance). Connecticut ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #301-400). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $74K). Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 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 Connecticut for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Connecticut is more selective (52.4% vs 63.5% acceptance); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher median SAT (1456 vs 1348).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $74K); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher 6-year graduation rate (83.6% vs 83.3%).
Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 vs $64,081); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $21,535).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rensselaer polytechnic institute | Connecticut |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 63.5% | 52.4% |
| Yield rate | 39.7% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1456 | 1348 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 15,819 | 55,479 |
| International students | 19% | 11% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $74K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $66K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $109K |
| Graduation rate | 83.6% | 83.3% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 92% |
| Median debt | $23,750 | $21,500 |
| Tuition · year | $64,081 | $43,712 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,097 | $21,535 |
| % of need met | 100% | 61.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,149 | $28,506 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 6,761 | 28,306 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Connecticut?
It's harder to get into Connecticut. Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5% of applicants, while Connecticut accepts 52.4%.
Do Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Connecticut graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $74K.
How much is tuition at Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Connecticut?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $43,712 per year at Connecticut.
What SAT score do you need for Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Connecticut?
The median admitted SAT score is 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and 1348 at Connecticut; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Connecticut?
Connecticut ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs #301-400 for Connecticut.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Connecticut?
The average aid package is $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $21,535 at Connecticut.
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