Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a 58.4% acceptance rate. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Troy, NY, with a median SAT of 1450 and a median ACT of 33. The average net price is $36,228 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

58.4%

16,283 applicants

SAT Median

1450

Combined score

ACT Median

33

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$36,228

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)133014501510
ACT (composite, 1–36)303334

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.8%

Retention Rate

90.7%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

5,714

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$24,078
$30,001 – $48,000$26,289
$48,001 – $75,000$28,212
$75,001 – $110,000$36,230
$110,000+$42,541

Top Majors at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

MajorDegrees Awarded
Engineering539
Computer & Information Sciences260
Business, Management & Marketing74
Mathematics & Statistics54
Architecture53
Engineering Technologies53
Biological & Biomedical Sciences51
Physical Sciences48
Visual & Performing Arts48
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies19

Financial Aid at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Official website: https://www.rpi.edu/

Admissions: https://admissions.rpi.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

What is the acceptance rate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has an acceptance rate of 58%. it received about 16,283 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1450; the average net price is $36,228 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

Getting into Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is moderately selective — it admits 58% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1450. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

Admitted students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute typically have a median SAT around 1450 and a median ACT around 33. With a 58% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is located in Troy, NY. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

The average net price at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is $36,228 per year after grants and scholarships. about 96% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $43,994 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 91%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1450. With a 58% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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