Virginia vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Virginia is the more selective of the two (16.8% vs 63.5% acceptance). Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #501-600). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $87K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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 Virginia 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
Virginia is more selective (16.8% vs 63.5% acceptance); Virginia has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1456).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $87K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 83.6%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $64,081); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Virginia | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.8% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 40% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 58,951 | 15,819 |
| International students | 12% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $87K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $130K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 95.6% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 97.9% | 98% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $59,512 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $37,123 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,137 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 26,470 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Virginia or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into Virginia. Virginia accepts 16.8% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Virginia or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $87K.
How much is tuition at Virginia vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $59,512 per year at Virginia and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for Virginia or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Virginia and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Virginia or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Virginia vs #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
Which university offers more financial aid — Virginia or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $37,123 at Virginia and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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