Pace University vs. RPI

Comparable Facts

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

Pace University is larger than RPI based on total student enrollment (13,634 students vs. 7,040 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Pace University vs. RPI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pace 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 Pace University than RPI ($34,791 vs. $38,887).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are 19.7% lower than at Pace University ($18,120 vs. $22,553).
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 20.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Pace University (about $10,791 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $53,290.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.2% higher at RPI than at Pace University (about $10,791 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $53,290.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pace University than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students is 23.9% larger than aid received by Pace University students ($43,517 vs. $35,136).

Pace University vs. RPI Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pace University or RPI? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between RPI and Pace University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1440) is 180 points higher than at Pace University (1260).
• Incoming RPI students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (32 vs. 26 at Pace University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Pace University 1180/1340; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1375/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Pace University 24/29; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pace University - Test optional; RPI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pace University Feb 15, 2027; RPI Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman RPI students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at Pace University (3.4).
• Pace University has a higher acceptance rate (75.9%) than RPI (63.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.1% at Pace University vs. 12.1% at RPI.

Pace University vs. RPI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pace University and RPI? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Pace University's (53%).
• Graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of about $19,400 more per year than Pace University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,500 vs. $63,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pace University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Pace University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($258 vs. $284).
• More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pace University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 65%)

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.