Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Iowa state — 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 Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Iowa state for: lower tuition.
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 | Rensselaer polytechnic institute | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 63.5% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 39.7% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1456 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 15,819 | 23,095 |
| International students | 19% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 83.6% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $23,750 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $64,081 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,097 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,149 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 6,761 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Rensselaer polytechnic institute. Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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