Quick Summary
Since 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has been one of United States's prominent private research universitys, based in Troy. Ranked #473 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 6900 students including 16% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Engineering and Technology, Computer Science, Architecture, it maintains an acceptance rate of 65%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the oldest technological research university in the United States, offering high ROI and deep industry integration.
Subject Strengths
Engineering and TechnologyComputer ScienceArchitecturePhysics
Founded1824
TypePrivate Research University
Total Students6900
Intl Students16%
Faculty Ratio12:1
CampusUrban/Suburban
Campus Size265 acres
Affiliated HospitalsSamaritan Hospital, Albany Medical Center
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), ABET
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#473
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401-500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral, Professional Certificates
Programs
30+
PhD Programs
Master of Business Administration, Master of Engineering, Master in Information Technology
Online Programs
Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer AI Center (RAIC), Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), ABET
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate65%
IELTS7
TOEFL88
Min GPA3.5
GREOptional/Program Dependent
GMATOptional/Program Dependent
SATTest-Optional for 2025
ACTTest-Optional for 2025
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Demonstrate a strong foundation in calculus and physics. Highlight collaborative projects and innovation-driven extracurricular activities.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$64,510/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$18,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$60,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$70
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$85,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$37,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral, Professional Certificates programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Computer Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Aeronautical Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Architecture | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Business Analytics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$85,600
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHighly active Co-op and Internship programs
Industry Connections
IBMGoogleGEAmazonLockheed MartinCisco
Notable Alumni
George W.G. Ferris Jr., Steven J. Sasson, Ted Hoff, Raymond Tomlinson
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
East Campus Athletic Village, Houston Field House, Mueller Center
Student Clubs
200+ clubs including RPI Players, Embedded Hardware Club, and Greek Life
Library Resources
Folsom Library, Architecture Library, Digital Collections
Exchange Programs
REACH (Rensselaer Education Abroad)
Summer Programs
The Arch (Mandatory summer semester for rising juniors)