RPI vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

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

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (7,040 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is located in Troy, NY (Small City setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

RPI vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, RPI or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond than RPI ($30,037 vs. $38,887).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 5.4% lower than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ($17,140 vs. $18,120).
• University of Richmond is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than RPI (about $1,149 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $64,081.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at University of Richmond than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (about $1,149 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $64,081.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute than at University of Richmond (95% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Richmond students is 17.3% larger than aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students ($51,039 vs. $43,517).

RPI vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, RPI or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond and RPI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Richmond (1470) is 30 points higher than at RPI (1440).
• Incoming University of Richmond students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at RPI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1375/1510; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 30/34; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: RPI - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RPI Jan 15, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RPI students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at University of Richmond (3.71).
• RPI has a higher acceptance rate (63.5%) than University of Richmond (22.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at RPI vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

RPI vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for RPI and University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond's (83%).
• Graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than University of Richmond graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,500 vs. $73,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have a $6,352 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($21,148 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($218 vs. $284).
• More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 75%)

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.