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Colleges / Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY 4-Year Private
Acceptance Rate57%
Acceptance Rate57%

About RPI

As the first technological research university in the nation, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has been at the forefront of scientific and technological advances since 1824. RPI alumni have been behind many key innovations that have changed the world, including the discovery of baking powder, the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, the development of sunscreen, the invention of the digital camera, and more.

With a focus on five signature areas of research, our students and faculty tackle the most pressing issues of our time. The Institute is made up of more than 30 research centers and key research platforms, such as the Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, dedicated to interdisciplinary biotechnology research the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center, dedicated to the convergence of the arts, science, and technology and the Institute for Energy, the Built Environment, and Smart Systems (EBESS), dedicated to tackling climate change by decarbonizing urban environments at the systems level. RPI is also home to AiMOS, the most powerful supercomputer at a private university, which facilitates critical artificial intelligence research.

We offer more than 140 programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels across five schools, including the School of Architecture, the School of Engineering, the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, the Lally School of Management and the School of Science. Our accelerated degree program, ACCEL, gives students the option to earn a bachelor's degree in just three years or a bachelor's and master's degree in just four years, while still maintaining their financial aid and the key aspects of the college experience.

RPI is a community of talented and passionate individuals who work every day to change lives and advance society. Join us on our journey to change the world!

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, nonprofit school in the suburb of Troy, New York. RPI was founded in 1824. The college enrolls around 6,947 students a year, including 5,614 undergrads.

RPI Acceptance Rate

It is very difficult to get into RPI. RPI admitted 57% of all applicants in 2022. In 2022, 16,661 students applied to RPI and 9,539 were admitted.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Admissions Facts At-A-Glance
Overall Acceptance Rate 57%
Early Decision Acceptance Rate 70%
Early Action Acceptance Rate 96%
Average GPA 3.9
Test Optional Yes
Applicants Submitting ACT scores 96%
Applicants Submitting SAT scores 67%

Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

Admissions

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Community Forums

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Go See RPI

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is locatedin the town of Troy, New York, in the city of Albany.

If you are interested in seeing RPI for yourself, plan a visit. The best way to reach campus is to take New York State Thruway to Troy, or book a flight to the nearest airport, Albany International.

You can also take a virtual campus tour to get a sense of what Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Troy are like without leaving home.

College Info

110 8th Street Troy, NY 12180-3590

Campus Setting: Suburban

RPI Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Jan 15

Transfer Applications are Due

Jun 1

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to RPI is Jan 15.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to RPI is Jun 1.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a member of the Coalition for College.

More than an application, the Coalition provides free tools and resources to help students through the college admissions process, beginning as early as 9th grade.

Learn More

RPI ACT Scores

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ACT Range

29 - 34

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

ACT Score

Estimated Chance

34 and Above

Good

29 to 34

Avg

29 and Less

Low

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ACT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median ACT score of an admitted student to RPI is 30. Students with an ACT score of 34 and above have a good chance of getting into RPI. Students with an ACT score that falls between 29 and 34 have an average chance of getting admitted, and students with an ACT score of 29 or below have a low chance of being offered admission.

RPI SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

1310 - 1460

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Math SAT Range

680 - 780

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Reading SAT Range

620 - 720

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

SAT Score

Estimated Chance

1460 and Above

Good

1310 to 1460

Avg

1310 and Less

Low

SAT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median SAT score for RPI students is 1393. Applicants with SAT scores of 1460 and above have a good chance of being admitted to RPI, while applicants with SAT scores between 1310 to 1460 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 1310 have a low chance of being offered a spot at RPI.

RPI Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees

Unknown

In State

Unknown

Out-of-State
Cost Breakdown
In State
Out-of-State
State Tuition
Unknown
Unknown
Fees
Unknown
Unknown
Housing
Unknown
Unknown
Books
Unknown
Unknown

Student Life

Wondering what life at RPI is like? There are approximately 6,774 students enrolled at RPI, including 5,614 undergraduate students and 1,160 graduate students. 99% percent of students attend school full-time, 36% percent are from NY and 64% percent of students are from other states.

99%

Full Time

1%

Part Time

36%

In State

64%

Out-of-State

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

6,774

Campus Setting

Suburban

Acceptance Rate

57%

Tuition and Fees

In State

Unknown

Out-of-State

Unknown

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Jan 15
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