Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 63.5% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #33). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $89K). Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 vs $68,322 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, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
Choose Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 63.5% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1456).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $89K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 83.6%).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 vs $68,322); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rensselaer polytechnic institute | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | — | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 63.5% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 39.7% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1456 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 15,819 | 49,474 |
| International students | 19% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 83.6% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98% |
| Median debt | $23,750 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $64,081 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,097 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,149 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 6,761 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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