Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Texas at austin — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Texas at austin is the more selective of the two (26.6% vs 63.5% acceptance). Texas at austin ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #45). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $75K). Texas at austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 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, higher retention, a larger aid package.
Choose Texas at austin 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
Texas at austin is more selective (26.6% vs 63.5% acceptance); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher median SAT (1456 vs 1395).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $75K); Texas at austin has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.9% vs 83.6%).
Texas at austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 vs $64,081); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $20,219).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rensselaer polytechnic institute | Texas at austin |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #45 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 63.5% | 26.6% |
| Yield rate | 39.7% | 47.4% |
| Median SAT | 1456 | 1395 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 15,819 | 72,885 |
| International students | 19% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 83.6% | 88.9% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 96.7% |
| Median debt | $23,750 | $20,500 |
| Tuition · year | $64,081 | $44,908 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,097 | $20,219 |
| % of need met | 100% | 75% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,149 | $19,919 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 6,761 | 53,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Texas at austin?
It's harder to get into Texas at austin. Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5% of applicants, while Texas at austin accepts 26.6%.
Do Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Texas at austin graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Texas at austin?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $44,908 per year at Texas at austin.
What SAT score do you need for Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Texas at austin?
The median admitted SAT score is 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and 1395 at Texas at austin; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Texas at austin?
Texas at austin ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs #45 for Texas at austin.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Texas at austin?
The average aid package is $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $20,219 at Texas at austin.
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