Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Rochester, New York, is a private research institution with a strong track record in technology and applied sciences. It has around 19,000 students at undergraduate and graduate levels. Admissions are fairly selective with an average acceptance rate of around 71.4%.The six-year graduation rate is approximately 70%, and graduates have positive outcomes with strong alumni achievements in fields of technology, design, and business.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, is one of the oldest research universities offering technology in the U.S. It has a relatively small student population of about 7,000. The admissions are more competitive than RIT, with an acceptance rate of roughly 58.4%. RPI is highly regarded for Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, Business, and Applied Sciences. The six-year graduation rate is roughly 85%, higher than for RIT, and graduates receive good salaries, especially in STEM fields.
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 4.7 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 601 Times Higher Education 2026 # 951 QS World University 2026 # 601 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 501 Times Higher Education 2026 # 695 QS World University 2026 # 401 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 601 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 1001 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 49 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 601 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2023 # 501 for Law by Times Higher Education 2022 |
| Programs | UG Programs -47 PG Programs -54 | UG Programs -34 PG Programs -30 |
| Acceptance Rate | 71.4 % | 58.4 % |
| Exam Score | SAT-1190 TOEFL-88 | SAT-1320 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 52030 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 52092 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 27808 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 55408 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 55500 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 14960 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Masters in Science: $88,000 Bachelor of Science: $83,000 Bachelor of Arts: $77,000 Master (Other): $61,000 | The median starting salary for Rensselaer graduates was found to be $68,400, placing it among the top 10 of all national universities – tied with Princeton University and higher than Georgia Institute of Technology. |
| application requirements | Applicants need to submit official transcripts of their education Submit recommendation letter Submit English language proficiency test scores Students can submit official test scores | Submit official transcripts Submit English language requirements Check program specific requirements |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 100 for Business by US News 2025 # 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 73 for Business by Bloomberg 2024 | # 251 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 401 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 130/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 4.5/6 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 7/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 88/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -82558 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -55500 |
| application dates | - | Jan 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1829 | 1824 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 16:1 |
| Male:Female | 68% Male, 32% Female | 32% Male, 68% Female |
| Location Facts | Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private research university in the town of Henrietta in the Rochester, New York, metropolitan area. | RPI's 275-acre (111 ha) campus sits upon a hill overlooking Troy and the Hudson River. The surrounding area is mostly residential neighborhoods, with the city of Troy lying at the base of the hill. The Institute runs a 15-acre (6.1 ha) campus in Hartford, Connecticut, and a distance learning center in Groton, Connecticut, the latter of which was closed in 2018. |
| Library | RIT Libraries house renowned special collections that enhance teaching, learning, and research in many of RIT's academic programs. The Cary Graphic Arts Collection contains books, manuscripts, printing type specimens, letterpress printing equipment, documents, and other artifacts related to the history of graphic communication. | The mission of the Rensselaer Libraries is to support Rensselaer’s educational and research endeavors. As part of the Division of the Chief Information Officer, the Libraries actively cooperate with other Division units to provide enabling information strategies, resources, services, and technology to the diverse Rensselaer community. |
| Campus Life | In addition to its academic and athletic endeavors, RIT has over 150 student clubs, 10 major student organizations, a diverse interfaith center and 30 different Greek organizations. The university's Gordon Field House and Activities Center is home to competitive and recreational athletics and aquatics, a fitness center, and an auditorium hosting frequent concerts and other entertainment. RIT's dormitories are home to six "Special Interest Houses" — Art House, Computer Science House, Engineering House, House of General Science, Photo House, and Unity House — that provide an environment to live immersed in a specific interest, such as art, engineering, or computing. Members of a special-interest house share their interests with each other and the rest of campus through academic focus and special activities. The College Activities Board, frequently abbreviated as CAB, is a student-run organization responsible for providing "diverse entertainment and activities to enhance student life on the RIT campus." CAB is responsible for annual concerts, class trips, movie screenings, and other frequent events. RIT Dining Services manages a large number of restaurants and food shops, along with the sole dining hall on campus. There are multiple cafeterias and small retail locations throughout the campus, including near the Residence Halls, in the Student Alumni Union, Global Village, and in certain academic buildings. Dining Services at RIT is completely internal and run through the university. RIT Dining Services also provides opportunities for international students to work on campus. | The students of RPI have created and participate in a variety of clubs and organizations funded by the Student Union. About 170 of these organizations are funded by the Student Union, while another thirty, which consist mostly of political and religious organizations, are self-supporting.RPI has around twenty intramural sports organizations, many of which are broken down into different divisions based on level of play. Greek organizations compete in them as well as independent athletes. There are also thirty-nine club sports. Given the university's proximity to the Berkshires, Green Mountains and Adirondacks, the Ski Club and the Outing Club are some of the largest groups on campus. The Ski Club offers weekly trips to local ski areas during the winter months, while the Outing Club offers trips on a weekly basis for a variety of activities. Another notable aspect of student life at RPI is the "First-Year Experience" (FYE) program. Freshman begin their stay at RPI with a week called "Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond" or NRB week. The Office of the First-Year Experience provides several programs that extend to not only freshman, but to all students. These include family weekend, community service days, the Information and Personal Assistance Center (IPAC), and the Community Advocate Program. |
| Hostel | #On campus - $12666 #Off campus (not with family) - $12666 #Off campus (with family) - $2476 | #On campus - $14960 |
| Famous Alumni | Kate Gleason – engineer and businesswoman known both for being a revolutionary in the predominantly male field of engineering and for her philanthropy | John J. Albright (1868), businessman and philanthropist Truman H. Aldrich (1869), civil engineer, also briefly a US State Representative |
| City Life | Rochester, New York, features a unique blend of history and innovation. Many of the homes and commercial buildings in downtown Rochester are original, dating back a century or more, while others are undergoing renovations to become modern lofts and workspaces. Former home to pioneers and independent thinkers like Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, Rochester has worked hard to preserve and honor its landmarks. Residents have three main sources of transportation in and around Rochester: bus, taxi or personal vehicle. Rochester does not have a subway system and is not much of a pedestrian area, so local residents rely heavily on their cars for transportation. Thanks to its low cost of living, great schools and available jobs, Rochester is a great fit for families. Nearly a quarter of the population is under 20 years old. | Troy, NY is an exciting city situated on the banks of the Hudson River in Rensselaer County. Home to two major universities - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Russell Sage College - Troy provides its residents with plenty of outdoor resources perfect for activities like fishing on Tomhannock Reservoir or biking through Onondaga Park. The city itself offers its residents many restaurants, unique shops and other amenities that make living here so enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for great cultural attractions or simply want an urban escape — Troy is sure to please! Troy, NY has an overall above average cost of living thanks largely in part to its high real estate values and tax rates when compared other places within New York and the nation as a whole but can vary depending on neighborhood. |
| Weather |
Rochester Institute of Technology vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Around 951 - 1000 globally (QS 2026), RIT stands out for Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Business, and Design. It is particularly renowned for its co-op programs and career-focused, applied education.Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Placed around 695 in the world (QS 2026), RPI is an older tech-oriented university known for Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, and Physical Sciences. It is more research reputation-strong than RIT, with emphasis on innovation and technology-oriented subjects.
General Information
RIT, established in 1829 and located in Rochester, New York, has ~20,000 students and is recognized for experiential learning, co-op opportunities, and industry partnerships. RPI, established in 1824 in Troy, New York, has ~7,500 students and is among the oldest technological universities in the U.S., with a smaller, research-focused campus culture.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
RIT has a moderately selective admission 71.4% acceptance rate providing good access to technology-oriented programs with a work-oriented focus. RPI is more selective 58.4% acceptance rate, with stricter entry requirements in Engineering, Computer Science, and STEM fields
Research Impact & Facilities
RIT focuses on applied research, technology transfer, and industry partnership, with areas of strength in imaging science, cybersecurity, and sustainability. RPI is more globally engaged with research facilities such as the Rensselaer Nanotechnology Center and excellence in computational sciences, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are expensive private universities. RIT has good co-op programs that pay for themselves in terms of work experience, whereas RPI offers merit scholarships and need-based aid, but it is still one of the more expensive tech schools.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
RIT graduates are sought after by engineering, IT, design, and business employers and frequently get hired through its large co-op network. RPI alumni are respected professionals in engineering, research, and technology leadership, with considerable numbers pursuing a career in STEM research, tech entrepreneurship, and academia.
