Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, United States
- Cost of Living$ 22,584
- Tuition Fee From$ 43,350
- Country Rank-
- Batch Strength8,142
- Global Diversity-
- Gender Ratio-
Overview
About
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is a private research university located in Troy, New York. It was founded in 1824 by Stephen Van Rensselaer and Amos Eaton and is the oldest technological university in the English-speaking world. RPI has a student body of approximately 5,579 undergraduate and 1,333 graduate students and is known for its strong programs in engineering, science, and technology.
It has a diverse and international student body, with students representing all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The university is located in the capital region of New York state and is within easy driving distance of New York City, Boston, and Montreal.
RPI has a strong tradition of experiential learning, and students have the opportunity to participate in co-op and internship programs, as well as research projects and study abroad programs. The university is also home to a number of student organizations and clubs, including academic and professional societies, cultural and diversity groups, recreational, and sports clubs, and alumni associations.
Rensselaer's five schools offer over 40 undergraduate programs, 40 graduate programs, and 28 doctorate programs. Interdisciplinary programs, amplified programs, specialist programs, Graduate Level Advanced Manufacturing Certificates, and 38 Co-Terminal Degree Programs are available. Popular programs include MBA, Aerospace Engineering, Quantitative Finance & Risk Analytics, and others.
The university is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Darrin Fresh Water Institute, the Center for Automation Technologies and Systems, and the Center for Energy and the Environment.
Ranking
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute rankings provide valuable insights into the relative quality and performance of higher education institutions worldwide. These rankings are typically compiled based on various criteria and methodologies, including academic reputation, research output, faculty qualifications, student-to-faculty ratio, international diversity, and employer reputation. Institutions are often ranked both nationally and internationally, allowing prospective students, researchers, and stakeholders to compare universities and make informed decisions. Some notable EduRank 2024 rankings for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy are mentioned as below:
- #1 of 2 in Troy
- #9 of 221 in New York State
- #35 of 1,024 for Product and Industrial Design
- #135 of 2,597 in North America
- #311 of 14,131 in the World
- #116 of 2,496 in the United States
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2025
#601 - 610
-
2023
#461
#698
Facilities
The campus, comprised of 275 acres at 110th Street and 8th Avenue in Troy (NY), houses a total of 746 research labs, studios, and technology spaces. Other prominent structures on campus include a stadium, field houses, a swimming pool, and residential halls that house the students. Open space for different athletic activities is also available. There are libraries for group and individual study as well as cafeterias nurturing all nutritional needs of the university population.
Housing Facilities
On campus, there are 13 freshmen halls, six sophomore suites and apartments, three junior apartments, one senior/co-term apartment, five Arch suites, and traditional halls, for a total of 28 residence buildings. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduate students are asked to find accommodation off-campus. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's on-campus residency has the CLASS (Clustered Learning, Advocacy, and Support for Students) model. On-campus residence applications are submitted through the Rensselaer Residence Life's Online Services Portal.
Library Facilities
RPI has several library facilities on its campus, including the Folsom Library, the Architecture Library, and the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) Library. The Folsom Library, located in the center of campus, is the main library and serves as a resource for all academic disciplines. It houses over 1.4 million volumes, as well as electronic resources and special collections. The Architecture Library, located in the Greene Building, is a specialized library for the School of Architecture. The EMPAC Library, located in the EMPAC building, supports research and study in the areas of music, theater, dance, film, and other related fields. All libraries are open to RPI students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the community with a valid library card.
Dining Facilities
The main dining hall, called the Commons, is located in the centre of campus and offers a wide variety of menu options, including a salad bar, deli, grill, and international cuisine. In addition to the Commons, RPI also has several retail dining options located throughout campus, such as Starbucks, Subway, and a convenience store. Additionally, RPI offers a meal plan program for students, which allows them to purchase meals at any of the dining locations on campus. Some of the options are also open to the public with some restrictions and open hours.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Acceptance Rate
RPI is a highly rated private college located in Troy, New York in the Albany Area. It is a mid-size institution with an acceptance rate of 65%. The acceptance rate refers to the percentage of applicants who are admitted to RPI out of the total number of applicants who applied during a specific admissions cycle. It is a measure of how selective an institution or program is in its admissions process. A lower acceptance rate typically indicates a higher level of competition for admission, while a higher acceptance rate suggests that the institution or program is less selective and admits a larger proportion of applicants.
Entry Requirements
Whether you're a first-time applicant to the Colorado School of Mines, an undergraduate student seeking advanced status, or a returning student re-enrolling after a break, the admissions standards are the same for all applicants. Admission to this university requires an application fee payment of 70 USD along with other entry forms. Each applicant must provide the following:
- SAT Subject Tests (if applicable)
- Official transcripts from each college and high school attended (in English or with translations)
- 3 teacher recommendations
- Official test scores from the TOEFL iBT(88), IELTS (7.0) and PTE (59)— all tests must be taken within 2 years of your application date
- Post Graduate students are asked to attach their work experience proof along with the rest of the details
- A valid Passport
- LOR
- Statement of Purpose
- Any other country-specific or course-specific requirements
Fees
Tuition fees at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy vary depending on the program and enrollment status. Undergraduate students enrolled in a standard program and taking 12 to 23 credit hours per semester are charged $52,550.00 per academic year. Graduate students pay $55,600.00 annually for full-time tuition, enabling registration for 12 to 16 credit hours each fall and spring semester. Additionally, part-time tuition for graduate students in Troy is $2,520 per credit hour, while for those based in Hartford, it is $2,010 per credit hour. Various fees, including an activity fee, health center fee, and orientation fee, are also applicable, contributing to the total cost of attendance at RPI.
- M.S Computer Science - $60,360 /Yr
- M.Eng - $60,360 /Yr
- M.B.A- $60,360 /Yr
Placements
The school has an active alumni association that is always looking for ways to help students in their job searches. The association is also responsible for bringing in speakers from various industries, which gives students a chance to network with professionals working in various fields. The average annual salary of a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduate is 71,300 USD, as per PayScale.
Scholarship
Scholarships play a crucial role in making higher education more accessible to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. They help mitigate the rising costs of tuition and expenses, ensuring that deserving students have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals regardless of financial constraints. Check some of them here:
Scholarship |
Grant |
Eligibility |
QS Leadership Scholarship |
$10,000 |
Level Of Study-Masters |
Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship |
$1,000 |
Level Of Study-Bachelors |
KC Mahindra Scholarship |
$1,000,000 |
Level Of Study-Masters |
ASID Foundation Legacy Scholarships |
$4,000 |
Level Of Study-Bachelors |
University of Alabama Scholarships |
Variable Amount |
Level Of Study-Bachelors |
Often, prospective students must show proof of financial backing while applying for an Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute degree. Even though a lot of people might be able to afford the entire fee, some students need either scholarships or loan support. For students looking into scholarships, UniScholars is the one-stop destination for them. Once the students talk to one of the counsellors through UniScholars, students can rest assured about their application thereon.
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations in Troy, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
Troy, New York is a great city for students. It is home to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). The school has its own unique vibe and provides many opportunities for students to explore the city. There are plenty of bars and restaurants that are within walking distance from campus where you can get great food at reasonable prices. There are also several breweries in the area that offer tours as well as cheap drinks for students. The city is an up-and-coming college town with a vibrant nightlife scene and a low cost of living compared to other major cities in New York state. The cost of living in Troy is very reasonable compared to other cities in the region.
Items |
Cost |
---|---|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
$1,105 |
On-Campus Accommodation |
$366 |
Transportation |
$60 |
Food Cost |
$540 |
Groceries |
$49 |
Clothing |
$80 |
Entertainment Cost |
$48 |
Total Off-Campus Accommodation |
$1,882 |
Total On-Campus Accommodation |
$1,143 |
Total |
$22,584 |