Long Island University vs. RPI

Comparable Facts

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

Long Island University is larger than RPI based on total student enrollment (16,689 students vs. 7,040 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Long Island University is located in Brookville, NY (Large Suburban setting); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in Troy, NY (Small City setting).
• Long Island University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Long Island University 15:1; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1.

Long Island University vs. RPI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Long Island 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 Long Island University than RPI ($24,867 vs. $38,887).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Long Island University are 1.5% lower than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ($17,846 vs. $18,120).
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 51% more expensive for in-state tuition than Long Island University (about $21,649 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $42,432.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51% higher at RPI than at Long Island University (about $21,649 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $42,432.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Long Island University than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students is 42% larger than aid received by Long Island University students ($43,517 vs. $30,635).

Long Island University vs. RPI Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Long Island 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 Long Island University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1440) is 210 points higher than at Long Island University (1230).
• Incoming RPI students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 25 at Long Island University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Long Island University 1110/1350; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1375/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Long Island University 21/30; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Long Island University - Test optional; RPI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RPI Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RPI students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at Long Island University (3.36).
• Long Island University has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than RPI (63.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Long Island University vs. 12.1% at RPI.

Long Island University vs. RPI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Long Island 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 Long Island University's (42%).
• Graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of about $27,900 more per year than Long Island University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,500 vs. $54,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Long Island University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Long Island University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($263 vs. $284).
• More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Long Island University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 53%)

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.