RPI vs. PHC

Comparable Facts

Compare Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY with Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is larger than PHC based on total student enrollment (7,040 students vs. 425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is located in Troy, NY (Small City setting); Patrick Henry College is in Purcellville, Virginia (Town Fringe setting).
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Patrick Henry College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1; Patrick Henry College 14:1.

RPI vs. PHC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, RPI or PHC? 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 Patrick Henry College than RPI ($25,869 vs. $38,887).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Patrick Henry College are 39.2% lower than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ($11,020 vs. $18,120).
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 125.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than PHC (about $35,656 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $28,425.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 125.4% higher at RPI than at Patrick Henry College (about $35,656 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $28,425.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Patrick Henry College than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students is 226.1% larger than aid received by Patrick Henry College students ($43,517 vs. $13,345).

RPI vs. PHC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, RPI or PHC? 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 PHC and RPI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1440) is 110 points higher than at PHC (1330).
• Incoming RPI students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at PHC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1375/1510; Patrick Henry College 1240/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 30/34; Patrick Henry College 27/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: RPI - Test optional; PHC - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: RPI Jan 15, 2027; PHC Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RPI students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at PHC (3.83).
• PHC has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than RPI (63.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at RPI vs. 47.6% at PHC.

RPI vs. PHC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for RPI and PHC? 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).

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.