Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Is It Worth It?
Troy, New York · Private Nonprofit · Website
ROI Score
6.0
Net Price/Year
$36,228
avg with financial aid
10yr Earnings
$102,051
median, all graduates
Median Debt
$23,750
at graduation
Is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Worth It?
Graduates earn a median of $102,051 per year ten years after enrollment. With an average net price of $36,228 per year, the total estimated cost for a four-year degree is approximately $144,912.
Based on median earnings, the degree typically pays for itself in approximately 1.4 years.
The median graduate leaves with $23,750 in debt, which represents about 23%of one year's earnings at the 10-year mark.
Note: These figures reflect all graduates regardless of major. Individual outcomes vary significantly by field of study, career choices, and personal circumstances.
Earnings vs. Debt
Net Price by Family Income
Admissions Snapshot
Acceptance Rate
63.5%
Avg SAT
1456
ACT Midpoint
33
Enrollment
5,714
Completion & Retention
6-Year Graduation Rate
83.4%
National avg: ~60%
Retention Rate
90.7%
First-year students returning
3yr Repayment Rate
189900.0%
Grads making progress on loans
Cost Breakdown
In-State Tuition
$64,081
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,081
Avg Net Price
$36,228
After grants/scholarships
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute worth the money?
Based on federal data, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn a median of $102,051 ten years after enrollment, with a median debt of $23,750 at graduation. The ROI score is 6.0.
What do Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn?
The median earnings for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates is $83,054 six years after enrollment and $102,051 ten years after enrollment, according to the College Scorecard.
What is the acceptance rate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
The acceptance rate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 63.5%.
How much debt do Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates have?
The median debt at graduation for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students is $23,750.
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings data reflects median earnings 10 years after enrollment for all graduates. Debt figures reflect median debt at graduation for completers. Individual outcomes may vary.