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Hobart William Smith Colleges vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Hobart William Smith Colleges is a private university in Geneva, NY, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private institute in Troy, NY. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the more selective of the two, admitting about 63% of applicants against 64% at Hobart William Smith Colleges. Hobart William Smith Colleges is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $31,563 a year against $36,228 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. About 83% of students graduate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, compared with 75% at Hobart William Smith Colleges. Ten years after enrolling, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute alumni earn a median of about $102,051, against $68,831 for Hobart William Smith Colleges.

Hobart William Smith Colleges

Geneva, NY · Private

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Geneva, NY
Troy, NY
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,786
5,714
Acceptance rate
64%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.59–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1385
1375–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,563
$36,228
Full cost / yr
$82,602
$82,404
In-state tuition
$65,117
$64,081
Out-of-state tuition
$65,117
$64,081
Application fee
$0
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,650
$24,078
$30k - $48k
$12,639
$26,289
$48k - $75k
$22,108
$28,212
$75k - $110k
$23,149
$36,230
Over $110k
$39,740
$42,541
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
83%
Freshman retention
86%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,416
$83,054
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,831
$102,051
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$23,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
20%
First-generation students
13%
14%
International students
6%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Dec 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Hobart William Smith Colleges or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute harder to get into?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is harder to get into. It admits about 63% of applicants, compared with 64% at Hobart William Smith Colleges. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Hobart William Smith Colleges or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Hobart William Smith Colleges is cheaper on average. Students pay about $31,563 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,228 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Hobart William Smith Colleges and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Before aid, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute costs about $82,404 a year and Hobart William Smith Colleges about $82,602. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Hobart William Smith Colleges or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Hobart William Smith Colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,650 there, against about $24,078 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Hobart William Smith Colleges or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the larger of the two, with about 5,714 undergraduates against 1,786 at Hobart William Smith Colleges.
Does Hobart William Smith Colleges or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have a better graduation rate?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 75% at Hobart William Smith Colleges.
Do graduates of Hobart William Smith Colleges or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn more?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute alumni earn more on average: a median of about $102,051 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,831 for Hobart William Smith Colleges. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Hobart William Smith Colleges and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute require SAT or ACT scores?
Hobart William Smith Colleges is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Hobart William Smith Colleges and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1385 at Hobart William Smith Colleges and 1375–1510 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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