Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) vs Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

Case Western Reserve University and Rochester Institute of Technology, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Case Western, located in the vibrant city of Cleveland, Ohio, boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its highly selective admissions process. Rochester Institute of Technology, situated in the picturesque town of Henrietta, New York, is known for its focus on career-oriented programs, reflected in its higher acceptance rate. While Case Western excels in fields like engineering, social sciences, and biomedical sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology shines in areas such as engineering, computing, and design. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and career goals.

	Case Western Reserve University	Rochester Institute of Technology
Overview
Location	Cleveland, Ohio	Rochester, New York
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	94.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	30.2%	71.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1410 - 1530	1270 - 1450
ACT range	32 - 35	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%	39.0%
Students submitting ACT score	31.0%	12.0%
Total number of applicants	33,232	21,923
Total number of admissions given out	10,049	15,645
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,606	3,355
Yield rate	16.0%	21.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$74,114	$69,232
Average net price	$38,166	$35,012
Tuition	$54,020	$52,030
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,584 Meal plan: $6,898	Room/dormitory: $8,392 Meal plan: $7,000
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	81.0% Average amount $33,761	100.0% Average amount $31,960
Students receiving federal student loan	61.0% Average amount $5,091	62.0% Average amount $5,197
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $11,016	16.0% Average amount $19,624

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,792 Men 52.5% Women 47.5%	14,000 Men 66.5% Women 33.5%
Graduate students	6,350 Men 45.1% Women 54.9%	2,790 Men 62.1% Women 37.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	79.8%	53.2%
International students	19.2%	11.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	4,494	6,543
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Ohio New York Illinois Pennsylvania California	New York Pennsylvania New Jersey Connecticut Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Legal Profession	Computer and Information Science Engineering Visual & Performing Arts Engineering Technologies Business
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	84.4%	69.0%
Dropout rate	15.1%	29.1%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $166,462 Year 2: $165,486 Year 3: $172,180 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $162,463 Year 3: $149,793 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $93,570 Year 2: $106,935 Year 3: $130,724 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,016 Year 2: $104,192 Year 3: $106,740 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $106,684 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,427 Year 2: $85,860 Year 3: $102,295 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $91,016 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $89,798 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,820 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $88,856 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,006 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $87,454 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,394 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $87,134	Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,382 Year 2: $89,006 Year 3: $104,341 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,806 Year 2: $98,137 Year 3: $98,068 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,771 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $93,116 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,470 Year 2: $79,389 Year 3: $92,303 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,401 Year 2: $72,901 Year 3: $87,280 Industrial Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,111 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $85,564 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,226 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $82,398 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,931 Year 2: $75,623 Year 3: $81,980 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,306 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $79,663 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,256 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $79,347

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)?

CWRU is a private research university with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between its engineering, medical, and business schools. RIT, also a private university, is known for its career-focused education, particularly in technology, art, and design, and its co-op program is a major draw. CWRU is located in a more urban setting within Cleveland's University Circle, while RIT has a suburban campus in Rochester, New York. CWRU tends to be more research-oriented overall, while RIT is more focused on practical application and career readiness.
Which school is better for engineering?

Both CWRU and RIT have strong engineering programs, but they cater to different preferences. CWRU's engineering programs are highly research-intensive and often involve collaboration with the university's medical school, making it a good fit for students interested in biomedical engineering or research-focused careers. RIT's engineering programs are more hands-on and career-oriented, with a strong emphasis on co-op experiences. RIT is particularly well-regarded for its programs in areas like microelectronic engineering and imaging science. Consider your preferred learning style and career goals when deciding.
How do the co-op programs at CWRU and RIT compare?

RIT's co-op program is a defining feature of the university and is one of the largest and oldest in the nation. It's highly structured and integrated into many academic programs, providing students with significant real-world work experience. CWRU also offers co-op opportunities, but they are not as central to the academic experience as they are at RIT. If gaining extensive work experience during your studies is a top priority, RIT is likely the better choice.
What is the campus environment like at CWRU versus RIT?

CWRU is located in University Circle, a vibrant cultural and educational hub in Cleveland, Ohio. This provides students with access to museums, concert halls, and other cultural attractions. The campus itself is relatively compact and walkable. RIT's campus is located in a suburban setting in Rochester, New York. It's a larger campus with more of a traditional college feel. While not as immediately surrounded by cultural institutions as CWRU, RIT offers a wide range of on-campus activities and clubs.
Which school is stronger in computer science?

Both CWRU and RIT offer strong computer science programs. CWRU's program benefits from the university's overall research focus and its proximity to the medical school, leading to opportunities in areas like bioinformatics and medical imaging. RIT's computer science program is more practically oriented, with a strong emphasis on software development and cybersecurity. RIT also has a well-regarded game design and development program. The 'better' program depends on your specific interests within computer science.
How do the costs of attending CWRU and RIT compare?

Both CWRU and RIT are private universities, and their tuition costs are comparable. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as financial aid, scholarships, and living expenses. It's essential to compare the financial aid packages offered by each school based on your individual circumstances. Also, consider the cost of living in Cleveland versus Rochester when budgeting for your education.
What are the admission requirements for CWRU and RIT?

Both CWRU and RIT have selective admissions processes. They consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (though many programs are test-optional), essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. CWRU tends to be slightly more selective overall. Both schools value students who demonstrate a strong academic record and a passion for their chosen field of study. Check each university's website for the most up-to-date admission requirements and deadlines.
Which school is better for students interested in art and design?

RIT is generally considered to be stronger in art and design. Its College of Art and Design offers a wide range of programs, including graphic design, industrial design, photography, and film and animation. RIT's focus on career preparation and its strong industry connections make it a popular choice for aspiring artists and designers. CWRU does not have a dedicated art and design school, although it offers some related courses and programs.
How do the research opportunities compare between CWRU and RIT?

CWRU is a research-intensive university, and research opportunities are abundant, particularly in STEM fields. Students can participate in research projects with faculty members, often starting as early as their freshman year. RIT also offers research opportunities, but the emphasis is generally more on applied research and development, often in collaboration with industry partners. If you are primarily interested in fundamental research, CWRU may be a better fit. If you prefer applied research with practical applications, RIT could be a better choice.
What is the student life like at CWRU and RIT?

CWRU's student life is centered around its urban location in University Circle, offering access to cultural events, museums, and a diverse range of restaurants and entertainment options. The university has a strong sense of community, with numerous student organizations and activities. RIT's student life is more focused on the campus environment, with a wide range of clubs, sports, and on-campus events. RIT is known for its strong sense of community and its welcoming atmosphere for students from diverse backgrounds. Both schools offer a vibrant and engaging student experience, but the specific flavor differs based on their location and institutional focus.

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