Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, based in Troy, NY, provides students with a comprehensive academic experience. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, it is ranked #64 among National Universities. It is also recognized as #135 in Best Value Schools. The school features a city setting and serves 5,743 undergraduate students. Admissions are accessible yet competitive, with an acceptance rate of 63%. Admitted students typically present SAT scores of 1375-1510 and ACT scores of 30-34. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.8. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from close interaction with professors and hands-on learning opportunities. About 46% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. Popular majors among students include Engineering (43%), Computer Science (21%), and Business and Management (6%). Graduates in Engineering earn a median salary of $98,049 after entering the workforce. Annual tuition and fees are $66,024, with room and board adding approximately $18,560. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $34,399. Approximately 87% of students complete their degree within four years. The application deadline is Jan. 15.