RPI Troy vs Florida Tech

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) are two distinct universities with unique offerings. RPI, located in Troy, New York, is a private research university with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). FIT, situated in Melbourne, Florida, is a private research university known for its programs in engineering, aeronautics, and space sciences. While both institutions provide high-quality education, they differ in several aspects, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. This side-by-side comparison will delve into these differences, helping prospective students make informed decisions about their higher education journey.

	Florida Institute of Technology	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Overview
Location	Melbourne, Florida	Troy, New York
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
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	82.0%	89.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	65.9%	53.0%
Application fees	$50	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1140 - 1340	1360 - 1520
ACT range	24 - 30	32 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	68.0%	43.0%
Students submitting ACT score	30.0%	15.0%
Total number of applicants	10,650	17,498
Total number of admissions given out	7,016	9,277
Admitted students who chose to enroll	756	1,322
Yield rate	10.8%	14.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$61,442	$77,763
Average net price	$32,314	$40,070
Tuition	$42,346	$57,100
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,416 Meal plan: $5,980	Room/dormitory: $9,119 Meal plan: $7,260
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $25,807	97.0% Average amount $35,754
Students receiving federal student loan	48.0% Average amount $5,481	52.0% Average amount $5,116
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $24,026	10.0% Average amount $24,172

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,491 Men 69.4% Women 30.6%	5,614 Men 69.0% Women 31.0%
Graduate students	4,339 Men 35.7% Women 64.3%	1,160 Men 69.1% Women 30.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	54.8%	N/A
International students	19.3%	19.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	2,017	3,930
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida New York New Jersey Maryland Pennsylvania	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Psychology Business Transportation and Logistics Computer and Information Science	Engineering Computer and Information Science Business Mathematics and Statistics Physical Science
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	66.3%	84.2%
Dropout rate	32.8%	14.9%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,395 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $85,054 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,500 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $83,998 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,306 Year 2: $75,787 Year 3: $81,479 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,475 Year 2: $67,324 Year 3: $80,057 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,264 Year 2: $65,557 Year 3: $79,253 Air Transportation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $61,064 Year 3: $77,183 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,682 Year 2: $65,486 Year 3: $76,785 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,184 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $74,804 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,992 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $73,267 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,647 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $71,506	Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,746 Year 2: $119,061 Year 3: $127,865 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,880 Year 2: $92,277 Year 3: $111,450 Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,042 Year 2: $88,933 Year 3: $99,954 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,265 Year 2: $87,973 Year 3: $94,503 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,333 Year 2: $79,284 Year 3: $93,665 Applied Mathematics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $81,333 Year 3: $90,716 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,826 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $88,913 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,471 Year 2: $81,702 Year 3: $85,953 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,066 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $84,973 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,458 Year 2: $77,213 Year 3: $84,039

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech)?

RPI, located in Troy, New York, is a larger, older, and more research-focused institution with a broader range of programs, particularly strong in engineering, science, and architecture. Florida Tech, situated in Melbourne, Florida, is a smaller, more specialized university with a strong emphasis on STEM fields, especially aerospace engineering, ocean engineering, and related sciences. RPI has a more established national reputation, while Florida Tech is known for its hands-on learning and close ties to the space industry.
Which school is better for engineering programs?

Both RPI and Florida Tech are excellent choices for engineering. RPI offers a wider variety of engineering disciplines and has a stronger research focus, making it a good fit for students interested in advanced research and development. Florida Tech excels in aerospace, ocean, and mechanical engineering, providing students with practical, hands-on experience and connections to the aerospace industry. The 'better' choice depends on your specific engineering interest and career goals.
How do the locations of RPI and Florida Tech differ, and how might that affect my college experience?

RPI is located in Troy, New York, a small city near Albany, offering a blend of urban and suburban experiences with access to the cultural and recreational opportunities of the Capital Region. The climate in Troy features four distinct seasons, including cold winters. Florida Tech is in Melbourne, Florida, a coastal city known for its beaches and warm weather. The location provides opportunities for outdoor activities year-round and close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Your preference for climate and urban vs. coastal environment will influence your choice.
What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each school?

RPI has a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 13:1, while Florida Tech's is around 12:1. This indicates that both institutions offer relatively small class sizes and opportunities for personalized attention from professors. However, RPI, being a larger school, may have some larger introductory lecture courses, while Florida Tech's smaller size generally translates to more intimate learning environments across all levels.
How do the research opportunities compare between RPI and Florida Tech?

RPI is a major research university with extensive research facilities and funding across various fields, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cutting-edge research. Florida Tech also provides research opportunities, particularly in areas related to aerospace, oceanography, and engineering, often in collaboration with local industries and government agencies. While RPI's research scope is broader, Florida Tech offers focused research experiences in its areas of expertise.
What are the tuition costs and financial aid options at RPI and Florida Tech?

Tuition costs at both RPI and Florida Tech are relatively high, reflecting their status as private institutions. It's best to check their respective websites for the most up-to-date figures. Both schools offer a range of financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and student loans. The amount of aid you receive will depend on your academic record and financial situation, so it's crucial to apply for financial aid at both institutions to compare your potential aid packages.
Which school has a stronger focus on career placement and internships?

Both RPI and Florida Tech have strong career placement services and emphasize internships. RPI benefits from its extensive alumni network and location near major tech hubs, providing access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities. Florida Tech's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and other aerospace companies gives its students a distinct advantage in securing internships and jobs in the aerospace industry. Your specific career interests will influence which school offers better placement opportunities for you.
How do the campus cultures differ between RPI and Florida Tech?

RPI's campus culture is known for its rigorous academic environment and strong emphasis on STEM fields. It has a more traditional college town feel, with a mix of academic buildings, residential halls, and student life activities. Florida Tech's campus culture is more relaxed and reflects its coastal location. It has a strong sense of community, with a focus on outdoor activities and a close-knit student body. The 'best' campus culture depends on your personal preferences and learning style.
What types of extracurricular activities and student organizations are available at each school?

Both RPI and Florida Tech offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and student organizations. RPI has a larger and more diverse selection of clubs and organizations, reflecting its larger student body. These include academic clubs, sports teams, performing arts groups, and cultural organizations. Florida Tech also offers a variety of clubs and organizations, with a particular emphasis on STEM-related activities, such as robotics clubs, aerospace engineering clubs, and oceanography clubs. Both schools provide opportunities for students to get involved and pursue their interests outside of the classroom.
How do the graduate programs at RPI and Florida Tech compare?

RPI offers a comprehensive range of graduate programs across various disciplines, particularly in engineering, science, architecture, and management. It is a major research university with a strong focus on graduate education. Florida Tech's graduate programs are more specialized, focusing on STEM fields, especially aerospace engineering, ocean engineering, and related sciences. If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree, consider which school offers the specific program you are looking for and whether its research focus aligns with your interests.

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