Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute vs University of Rochester
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private institute in Troy, NY, and University of Rochester is a private university in Rochester, NY. University of Rochester is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 63% at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. University of Rochester is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $29,278 a year against $36,228 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. About 85% of students graduate at University of Rochester, compared with 83% at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Ten years after enrolling, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute alumni earn a median of about $102,051, against $79,042 for University of Rochester.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Troy, NY
Rochester, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,714
6,331
Acceptance rate
63%
40%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.59–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1375–1510
1410–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
31–34
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,228
$29,278
Full cost / yr
$82,404
$85,962
In-state tuition
$64,081
$67,080
Out-of-state tuition
$64,081
$67,080
Application fee
$70
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$24,078
$9,678
$30k - $48k
$26,289
$12,185
$48k - $75k
$28,212
$21,087
$75k - $110k
$36,230
$27,883
Over $110k
$42,541
$46,801
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
85%
Freshman retention
91%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$83,054
$68,333
Median earnings (10 yr)
$102,051
$79,042
Median debt at graduation
$23,750
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
17%
First-generation students
14%
19%
International students
7%
23%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5
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.
- Is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or University of Rochester harder to get into?
- University of Rochester is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 63% 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.
- Which is cheaper, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or University of Rochester?
- University of Rochester is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,278 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and University of Rochester?
- Before aid, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute costs about $82,404 a year and University of Rochester about $85,962. 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, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or University of Rochester?
- University of Rochester. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,678 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, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or University of Rochester?
- University of Rochester is the larger of the two, with about 6,331 undergraduates against 5,714 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
- Does Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or University of Rochester have a better graduation rate?
- University of Rochester has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 83% at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
- Do graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or University of Rochester earn more?
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute alumni earn more on average: a median of about $102,051 ten years after enrolling, against about $79,042 for University of Rochester. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and University of Rochester require SAT or ACT scores?
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Rochester is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and University of Rochester look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1375–1510 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and 1410–1540 at University of Rochester. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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