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