Caldwell University vs. RPI

Comparable Facts

Compare Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is larger than Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (7,040 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Caldwell University is located in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in Troy, NY (Small City setting).
• Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Caldwell University 12:1; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1.

Caldwell University vs. RPI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caldwell University or RPI? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Caldwell University than RPI ($21,875 vs. $38,887).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 21.7% lower than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ($14,188 vs. $18,120).
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 56.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $23,233 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.9% higher at RPI than at Caldwell University (about $23,233 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students is 34.6% larger than aid received by Caldwell University students ($43,517 vs. $32,340).

Caldwell University vs. RPI Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caldwell University or RPI? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between RPI and Caldwell University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1440) is 190 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Caldwell University 1130/1370; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1375/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRensselaer Polytechnic Institute 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caldwell University - Test optional; RPI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RPI Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RPI students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than RPI (63.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Caldwell University vs. 12.1% at RPI.

Caldwell University vs. RPI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caldwell University and RPI? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of about $35,700 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,500 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($266 vs. $284).
• More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.