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