Washington University vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
These are two different admissions games: Washington University admits 12.1% of applications, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute admits 63.5%.
The larger international cohort belongs to Washington University: 9.4% of students against 2.2% (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute).
Average aid for an international student is $68,438 (Washington University) and $48,307 (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute).
The gap in median earnings after a decade favours Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: $102K against $86K.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Washington University is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 63.5% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #501-600). Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $86K). Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,976 vs $69,594 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 Washington University for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Washington University is more selective (12.1% vs 63.5% acceptance); Washington University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1456).
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $86K); Washington University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 83.6%).
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,976 vs $69,594); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $50,402).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington University | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 14.4% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.19 | 3.93 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 14,356 |
| International students | 9.4% | 2.2% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $102K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 91% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $69,594 | $67,976 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $50,402 |
| % of need met | 100% | 66.2% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $39,539 |
| Application fee | $75 | $70 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 7,042 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
It's harder to get into Washington University. Washington University accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Washington University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Washington University vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,594 per year at Washington University and $67,976 per year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
What SAT score do you need for Washington University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Washington University and 1456 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Washington University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington University vs #501-600 for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Which university offers more financial aid - Washington University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington University and $50,402 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
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