Rhode island vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rensselaer polytechnic institute is the more selective of the two (63.5% vs 72.2% acceptance). Rensselaer polytechnic institute ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #501-600). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $70K). Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 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 Rhode island for: lower tuition.
Choose Rensselaer polytechnic institute 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
Rensselaer polytechnic institute is more selective (63.5% vs 72.2% acceptance); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher median SAT (1456 vs 1160).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $70K); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher 6-year graduation rate (83.6% vs 73.3%).
Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 vs $64,081); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $17,388).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | — |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 15,819 |
| International students | 3% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 98% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 60% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | $65 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode island or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into Rensselaer polytechnic institute. Rhode island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Rhode island or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Rhode island vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode island or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode island and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rhode island or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode island vs #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rhode island or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $17,388 at Rhode island and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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