Simmons University vs. RPI

Comparable Facts

Compare Simmons University in Boston, MA 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 Simmons University based on total student enrollment (7,040 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simmons University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in Troy, NY (Small City setting).
• Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Simmons University 9:1; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1.

Simmons University vs. RPI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simmons 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 Simmons University than RPI ($28,691 vs. $38,887).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simmons University are 2.8% lower than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ($17,618 vs. $18,120).
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 36.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $17,207 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.7% higher at RPI than at Simmons University (about $17,207 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students is 23.9% larger than aid received by Simmons University students ($43,517 vs. $35,123).

Simmons University vs. RPI Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Simmons 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 Simmons University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1440) is 130 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming RPI students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Simmons University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simmons University 1220/1390; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1375/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simmons University 26/34; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simmons University - Test optional; RPI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simmons University Feb 1, 2027; RPI Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RPI students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at Simmons University (3.87).
• Simmons University has a higher acceptance rate (70%) than RPI (63.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.8% at Simmons University vs. 12.1% at RPI.

Simmons University vs. RPI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simmons 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 Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of about $29,700 more per year than Simmons University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,500 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simmons University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Simmons University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($268 vs. $284).
• More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simmons University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 80%)

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.