RPI Troy vs Roger Williams University (RWU)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Roger Williams University (RWU) are two distinct institutions of higher learning with unique offerings and characteristics. RPI, located in Troy, New York, is a private research university renowned for its engineering, science, and technology programs, while RWU, situated in Bristol, Rhode Island, is a private liberal arts university known for its strong focus on experiential learning and career preparation. With acceptance rates of 33% and 72%, respectively, RPI's selectivity is higher than RWU's. RPI's student body is more diverse, with international students comprising 17% of the population compared to RWU's 3%. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors at RPI including engineering, computer science, and business, and popular majors at RWU including business, nursing, and psychology. RPI boasts a higher graduation rate of 86% compared to RWU

	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	Roger Williams University
Overview
Location	Troy, New York	Bristol, Rhode Island
Campus setting	City: Small	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	89.0%	81.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	53.0%	91.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1360 - 1520	N/A
ACT range	32 - 34	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	43.0%
Students submitting ACT score	15.0%
Total number of applicants	17,498	8,163
Total number of admissions given out	9,277	7,427
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,322	1,003
Yield rate	14.3%	13.5%
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	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$77,763	$55,774
Average net price	$40,070	$36,537
Tuition	$57,100	$39,264
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,119 Meal plan: $7,260	Room/dormitory: $9,048 Meal plan: $6,964
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	97.0% Average amount $35,754	100.0% Average amount $20,225
Students receiving federal student loan	52.0% Average amount $5,116	68.0% Average amount $3,862
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $24,172	25.0% Average amount $21,353

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,614 Men 69.0% Women 31.0%	4,207 Men 50.3% Women 49.7%
Graduate students	1,160 Men 69.1% Women 30.9%	322 Men 41.6% Women 58.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	85.3%
International students	19.5%	0.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,930	2,992
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Mississippi Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Hampshire

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Computer and Information Science Business Mathematics and Statistics Physical Science	Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Architecture Legal Profession Education
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	84.2%	70.3%
Dropout rate	14.9%	4.4%
Transferred out	N/A	24.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,169 Year 2: $68,618 Year 3: $77,956 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,538 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $75,485 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,964 Year 2: $63,749 Year 3: $72,394 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,912 Year 2: $62,154 Year 3: $68,684 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,141 Year 2: $51,607 Year 3: $67,010 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $48,000 Year 2: $53,219 Year 3: $63,422 Architecture (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,522 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $62,148 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,968 Year 2: $45,383 Year 3: $59,897 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,654 Year 2: $48,600 Year 3: $54,833 Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,588 Year 2: $39,369 Year 3: $54,118

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Roger Williams University (RWU)?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is a highly ranked technological research university, renowned for its STEM programs, particularly in engineering, science, and architecture. Roger Williams University (RWU) offers a broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on liberal arts, professional studies (like architecture, business, and law), and experiential learning.
How do the campus environments and locations differ between RPI and RWU?

RPI is located in Troy, New York, a small city with a rich history and a growing tech scene. The campus is more urban and focused. Roger Williams University is situated in Bristol, Rhode Island, a coastal town offering a more traditional New England college experience with beautiful waterfront views and a strong sense of community.
What is the typical student body size and student-faculty ratio at each institution?

RPI has a larger student body, typically around 7,000 undergraduates and graduate students combined, with a student-faculty ratio of approximately 13:1. RWU has a smaller, more intimate learning environment with around 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a student-faculty ratio of about 15:1.
How do the research opportunities compare between RPI and RWU?

RPI is a major research university, offering extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students across various STEM fields. RWU, while not as research-intensive as RPI, provides research opportunities, particularly within specific departments and through faculty-mentored projects, often with a focus on practical application and community engagement.
What are the strengths of RPI's and RWU's architecture programs?

RPI's School of Architecture is known for its technologically advanced approach, integrating digital design, fabrication, and sustainable practices. RWU's School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation emphasizes hands-on learning, community-based projects, and a strong foundation in design principles, with a focus on real-world application and social responsibility.
How do the career services and internship opportunities differ between the two universities?

RPI's Career Center leverages its strong industry connections to provide students with access to internships and job opportunities in technology and engineering sectors. RWU's Career Investment and Experiential Learning Center focuses on providing students with diverse internship opportunities across various fields, including business, law, and the arts, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and professional development.
What is the general atmosphere and campus culture like at RPI and RWU?

RPI has a more academically rigorous and technically focused atmosphere, attracting students passionate about STEM fields. RWU offers a more relaxed and community-oriented environment, with a strong emphasis on student involvement, campus activities, and a vibrant social scene.
How do the costs of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board) compare between RPI and RWU?

Generally, RPI tends to have a higher cost of attendance compared to RWU. However, the actual cost can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, financial aid packages, and scholarship opportunities. It's best to consult the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date and personalized cost estimates.
What types of financial aid and scholarships are available at RPI and RWU?

Both RPI and RWU offer a range of financial aid options, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, federal student loans, and work-study programs. The specific eligibility criteria and award amounts vary, so it's recommended to explore the financial aid sections of their respective websites and contact their financial aid offices for personalized guidance.
What are some popular extracurricular activities and student organizations at each university?

RPI boasts a wide array of clubs and organizations catering to STEM interests, including robotics clubs, programming teams, and engineering societies, as well as a strong Greek life presence. RWU offers a diverse range of clubs and organizations, including student government, performing arts groups, athletic teams, and community service organizations, fostering a vibrant and engaged campus community.
How do the athletic programs compare between RPI and RWU?

RPI competes in NCAA Division III athletics, with a focus on sports like hockey, lacrosse, and football. RWU also competes in NCAA Division III, offering a variety of sports, including wrestling, sailing, and basketball. Both universities provide opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level while pursuing their academic goals.
What are the admission requirements and acceptance rates for RPI and RWU?

RPI is generally more selective than RWU, with a lower acceptance rate. RPI typically requires strong academic performance in math and science, as well as high standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply). RWU also considers academic performance, but may place a greater emphasis on a holistic review of applicants, including essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. Check each school's admission website for the most current requirements.

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