Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
Located in Troy, New York, approximately 150 miles north of New York City, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is a private technical research university established in 1824, making it the oldest technological research university in the English-speaking world. The 275-acre campus sits on a hillside overlooking the Hudson River, featuring a blend of historic 19th-century buildings and modern research facilities. As a leading engineering and science institution, RPI offers comprehensive programs in engineering, computing, architecture, and management, with particular strengths in computer science, aerospace engineering, and nuclear engineering. The university maintains a selective admission process and requires most undergraduate students to live on campus for their first two years, with housing options ranging from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living. The campus includes the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC), a distinctive technological and architectural achievement that serves as a hub for research and artistic production.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
RPI is rated within the top 23% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#124 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#101 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#14 in Best Colleges in New York
#12 in Best Private Colleges in New York
#152 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#17 in Best Value Colleges in New York
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1330/1500 |
| ACT | 30/34 |
| GPA | 3.88 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2026 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,310 |
| Other Fees | $1,524 |
| Room and Board | $17,530 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,680 |
| Total One Year Cost | $82,404 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 53% |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 9% |
| Business | 8% |
| Engineering Technology | 5% |
| Architecture | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering RPI are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=194824 IPEDS survey data for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Current students may use the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025