RPI Troy vs Stevens Tech

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Stevens Institute of Technology (Stevens) stand out as two esteemed institutions of higher learning, each offering a unique educational experience. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and innovation, they differ in several key aspects. RPI boasts a slightly higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body from across the globe. Stevens, on the other hand, maintains a smaller student population, fostering a close-knit community. When it comes to academics, RPI offers a broader range of undergraduate programs, including popular majors like engineering, science, and business. Stevens specializes in STEM fields, with a strong focus on engineering, technology, and design. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve deeper into the distinctions between these two exceptional institutions and discover which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	Stevens Institute of Technology
Overview
Location	Troy, New York	Hoboken, New Jersey
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%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	53.0%	52.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1360 - 1520	1370 - 1510
ACT range	32 - 34	31 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	43.0%	38.0%
Students submitting ACT score	15.0%	11.0%
Total number of applicants	17,498	11,320
Total number of admissions given out	9,277	5,965
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,322	1,091
Yield rate	14.3%	18.3%
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	$77,763	$75,770
Average net price	$40,070	$40,828
Tuition	$57,100	$54,780
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,119 Meal plan: $7,260	Room/dormitory: $9,400 Meal plan: $7,200
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	97.0% Average amount $35,754	98.0% Average amount $32,015
Students receiving federal student loan	52.0% Average amount $5,116	53.0% Average amount $5,154
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $24,172	13.0% Average amount $24,116

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,614 Men 69.0% Women 31.0%	4,064 Men 69.9% Women 30.1%
Graduate students	1,160 Men 69.1% Women 30.9%	4,223 Men 73.0% Women 27.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	36.3%
International students	19.5%	30.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,930	1,351
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	New Jersey New York Pennsylvania California Connecticut

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

Outcome
Graduation rate	84.2%	87.3%
Dropout rate	14.9%	12.4%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
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	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,386 Year 2: $125,611 Year 3: $130,651 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,973 Year 2: $95,295 Year 3: $108,102 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,827 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $102,092 Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,084 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $88,104 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,943 Year 2: $77,213 Year 3: $87,433 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,349 Year 2: $73,635 Year 3: $86,958 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,389 Year 2: $77,213 Year 3: $86,264 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,293 Year 2: $72,689 Year 3: $84,204 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,771 Year 2: $74,702 Year 3: $81,434 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,800 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $81,346

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic strengths of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Stevens Institute of Technology?

RPI is renowned for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, and architecture, with a focus on research and innovation. Stevens excels in engineering, particularly in areas like systems engineering, financial engineering, and maritime engineering, and also has a growing reputation in areas like cybersecurity and data science. Both institutions offer rigorous STEM-focused curricula.
How do the campus environments of RPI and Stevens differ?

RPI's campus is located in Troy, New York, a city setting with a more traditional college town feel, offering a blend of historical architecture and modern facilities. Stevens is situated in Hoboken, New Jersey, a vibrant urban environment just across the Hudson River from New York City, providing easy access to the city's cultural and professional opportunities. Stevens' campus is more compact and integrated into the city.
What is the student body like at RPI and Stevens?

Both universities attract highly motivated students with a strong interest in STEM fields. RPI's student body is known for its collaborative spirit and active involvement in extracurricular activities, including a strong Greek life presence. Stevens' student body is similarly driven, with a focus on practical application and entrepreneurship, and a diverse range of student organizations.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare at RPI and Stevens?

Both institutions have robust career services departments that provide students with resources for internships, job placement, and career development. Stevens, due to its proximity to New York City, often has a slight advantage in terms of access to internships and job opportunities in finance, technology, and engineering. RPI also has strong industry connections, particularly in the Northeast, and offers extensive co-op programs.
What is the research focus at RPI and Stevens?

RPI is a major research university with significant investment in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and materials science. Stevens is also a research-intensive institution, with a focus on areas such as cybersecurity, financial systems, and coastal engineering. Both universities provide ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects.
How do the tuition and financial aid packages compare between RPI and Stevens?

Tuition costs are generally comparable at both institutions. Financial aid packages, including scholarships and grants, are available at both RPI and Stevens to help make education more affordable. It's recommended to review the specific financial aid offerings and net price calculators on each university's website to get a personalized estimate.
What are the extracurricular activities and campus life like at RPI and Stevens?

RPI offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a strong Greek life presence, numerous student clubs, and Division III athletics. Stevens provides a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, including engineering societies, performing arts groups, and Division III athletics. Both universities encourage student involvement and offer opportunities for social and personal development.
Which university is better for a student interested in entrepreneurship?

Both universities foster an entrepreneurial spirit. Stevens, with its location near New York City and its focus on practical application, may offer slightly more immediate access to startup opportunities and venture capital. RPI also has a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, with resources and programs to support student ventures.
How does the location impact the student experience at RPI and Stevens?

RPI's location in Troy, NY, provides a more traditional college town experience, with a close-knit community and access to outdoor activities. Stevens' location in Hoboken, NJ, offers the advantages of a major metropolitan area, including access to cultural events, internships, and job opportunities in New York City. The choice depends on your preferred lifestyle and career goals.
What are the key differences in the engineering programs at RPI and Stevens?

RPI's engineering programs are broad and research-focused, with a strong emphasis on fundamental principles and interdisciplinary collaboration. Stevens is known for its specialized engineering programs, particularly in systems engineering, financial engineering, and maritime engineering, with a focus on practical application and industry relevance. The best choice depends on your specific engineering interests.

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