RPI Troy vs Kettering University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Kettering University, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. RPI, located in Troy, New York, boasts a lower acceptance rate of 33%, while Kettering University, situated in Flint, Michigan, has a higher acceptance rate of 75%. RPI's student body is more diverse, with international students comprising 15% of the population, compared to Kettering's 5%. Both universities excel in engineering and technology programs, with RPI offering a wider range of engineering majors and Kettering specializing in automotive and mechanical engineering. RPI's graduation rate stands at 84%, while Kettering's is slightly lower at 79%. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Kettering University	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Overview
Location	Flint, Michigan	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	88.0%	89.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.6%	53.0%
Application fees		Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1140 - 1340	1360 - 1520
ACT range	25 - 31	32 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	59.0%	43.0%
Students submitting ACT score	17.0%	15.0%
Total number of applicants	1,777	17,498
Total number of admissions given out	1,521	9,277
Admitted students who chose to enroll	305	1,322
Yield rate	20.1%	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	$58,080	$77,763
Average net price	$34,760	$40,070
Tuition	$44,380	$57,100
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,100 Meal plan: $3,300	Room/dormitory: $9,119 Meal plan: $7,260
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $23,320	97.0% Average amount $35,754
Students receiving federal student loan	84.0% Average amount $5,563	52.0% Average amount $5,116
Students taking out private loans	17.0% Average amount $21,569	10.0% Average amount $24,172

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,516 Men 79.0% Women 21.0%	5,614 Men 69.0% Women 31.0%
Graduate students	342 Men 78.4% Women 21.6%	1,160 Men 69.1% Women 30.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	6.2%	19.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	437	3,930
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Computer and Information Science Engineering Technologies Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Engineering Computer and Information Science Business Mathematics and Statistics Physical Science
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.6%	84.2%
Dropout rate	29.0%	14.9%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $104,767 Year 2: $114,595 Year 3: $121,468 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,787 Year 2: $103,746 Year 3: $111,080 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,471 Year 2: $80,255 Year 3: $85,093 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,274 Year 2: $77,715 Year 3: $84,585 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,900 Year 2: $78,612 Year 3: $84,558 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $77,610 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,152 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: N/A Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,914 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Engineering Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $105,083 Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $54,713 Year 3: N/A	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 primary differences between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Kettering University?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is a comprehensive technological research university offering a wide range of programs in engineering, science, architecture, humanities, and business. It emphasizes research and theoretical knowledge. Kettering University, on the other hand, focuses primarily on engineering, science, and management, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning through its cooperative education (co-op) program. Kettering's curriculum is heavily industry-focused, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce.
How do the co-op programs at RPI and Kettering University compare?

Kettering University's co-op program is a cornerstone of its educational model. Students alternate between academic terms and full-time work experiences with partner companies, gaining significant real-world experience throughout their undergraduate studies. RPI also offers co-op opportunities, but it's not a required component of all programs and may not be as deeply integrated into the curriculum as it is at Kettering. RPI's co-op is more of an optional enhancement to the academic experience.
Which school is better for students interested in research?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is generally considered stronger in research. It's a research-intensive university with numerous research centers and institutes, offering students opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects across various disciplines. While Kettering University also supports research, its primary focus is on applied learning and industry-relevant projects rather than fundamental research.
How do the campus environments differ between RPI and Kettering?

RPI has a more traditional campus environment with a wider range of student activities, clubs, and organizations, reflecting its broader academic scope. It's located in Troy, New York, a city with a rich history and a growing arts and culture scene. Kettering University has a more focused campus environment centered around engineering and technology. Located in Flint, Michigan, Kettering's campus is smaller and more geared towards students deeply immersed in their technical fields.
What types of programs are offered at each university?

RPI offers a broad spectrum of programs, including engineering, science, architecture, humanities, social sciences, and business. Kettering University primarily focuses on engineering, science, and management programs, with a strong emphasis on automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. If you're looking for a wider range of academic disciplines, RPI is the better choice. If you're specifically interested in engineering or management with a focus on industry application, Kettering is a strong option.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare?

Both RPI and Kettering University have strong career services departments. Kettering's mandatory co-op program often leads to high job placement rates upon graduation, as students gain significant work experience and build relationships with potential employers. RPI also boasts excellent job placement rates, leveraging its strong reputation and extensive alumni network. Both schools actively connect students with internships and full-time job opportunities.
What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each institution?

RPI generally has larger class sizes compared to Kettering University. RPI's student-to-faculty ratio is around 13:1, while Kettering's is approximately 14:1. Kettering's smaller class sizes can foster a more personalized learning environment, allowing for greater interaction with professors. However, both institutions are committed to providing quality instruction and support to their students.
How do the tuition costs and financial aid opportunities compare between RPI and Kettering?

Tuition costs at both RPI and Kettering University are significant, reflecting their status as private institutions. RPI's tuition is generally higher than Kettering's. Both universities offer various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The specific financial aid package you receive will depend on your individual circumstances and academic qualifications. It's essential to explore the financial aid resources available at both institutions to determine which offers the most favorable package for you.
Which school is better for students interested in automotive engineering?

Kettering University is widely recognized as a leading institution for automotive engineering. Its curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for careers in the automotive industry, and its co-op program provides invaluable hands-on experience with automotive companies. While RPI also offers mechanical engineering programs, Kettering's focus and industry connections make it a stronger choice for students specifically interested in automotive engineering.
What are the key similarities between RPI and Kettering University?

Both RPI and Kettering University are highly respected institutions with a strong focus on STEM education. They both offer rigorous academic programs, emphasize hands-on learning, and prepare students for successful careers in their respective fields. Both universities also have a strong alumni network and a commitment to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Kettering University

Harvey Mudd College