Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) vs Villanova University

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Villanova University are two distinct institutions of higher learning that offer unique educational experiences. RIT, a private research university in Rochester, New York, is renowned for its strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Villanova, a private Catholic university in Villanova, Pennsylvania, excels in the liberal arts, business, and nursing. With acceptance rates of 77% and 63%, respectively, both universities welcome a diverse student body. RIT's student population is more international, with 15% international students compared to Villanova's 4%. While RIT's most popular majors include engineering, computer science, and imaging science, Villanova's strengths lie in business, nursing, and engineering. Both universities boast impressive graduation rates, with RIT at 84% and Villanova at 89%. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions and make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Rochester Institute of Technology	Villanova University
Overview
Location	Rochester, New York	Villanova, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	Suburb: 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	88.0%	96.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation		Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	71.4%	25.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1270 - 1450	1350 - 1490
ACT range	28 - 33	31 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%	28.0%
Students submitting ACT score	12.0%	17.0%
Total number of applicants	21,923	24,410
Total number of admissions given out	15,645	6,162
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,355	1,772
Yield rate	21.4%	28.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$69,232	$77,806
Average net price	$35,012	$33,123
Tuition	$52,030	$58,290
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,392 Meal plan: $7,000	Room/dormitory: $8,236 Meal plan: $7,150
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $31,960	52.0% Average amount $43,106
Students receiving federal student loan	62.0% Average amount $5,197	34.0% Average amount $5,267
Students taking out private loans	16.0% Average amount $19,624	7.0% Average amount $29,933

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,000 Men 66.5% Women 33.5%	7,032 Men 45.6% Women 54.4%
Graduate students	2,790 Men 62.1% Women 37.9%	3,838 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	53.2%	80.7%
International students	11.4%	3.6%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	6,543	5,400
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York Pennsylvania New Jersey Connecticut Maryland	New Jersey Pennsylvania New York Connecticut Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Computer and Information Science Engineering Visual & Performing Arts Engineering Technologies Business	Business Engineering Health Professions Legal Profession Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	11:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.0%	91.3%
Dropout rate	29.1%	1.5%
Transferred out	N/A	7.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $114,668 Year 2: $165,766 Year 3: $171,511 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $124,137 Year 2: $100,740 Year 3: $121,765 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,590 Year 2: $109,095 Year 3: $118,365 Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,687 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $106,587 Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,782 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $91,484 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,757 Year 2: $73,579 Year 3: $88,419 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,583 Year 2: $80,218 Year 3: $88,254 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,297 Year 2: $71,947 Year 3: $86,990 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,492 Year 2: $72,214 Year 3: $85,108 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,115 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $84,596

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic strengths of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Villanova University?

RIT excels in technology-focused fields, including engineering, computer science, and imaging science, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning through co-ops and hands-on projects. Villanova is renowned for its strong programs in business, nursing, engineering, and the liberal arts, offering a well-rounded education with a focus on academic rigor and a strong sense of community.
How does the campus environment differ between RIT and Villanova?

RIT has a large, modern campus with a focus on technology and innovation, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse student body. Villanova boasts a more traditional, picturesque campus with a strong emphasis on community and a close-knit atmosphere, reflecting its Catholic Augustinian heritage.
What is the cost of attendance at RIT versus Villanova?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between RIT and Villanova. However, specific costs can vary depending on the program of study, housing choices, and financial aid packages. It's recommended to consult the official university websites for the most up-to-date and detailed financial information.
What are the career services and co-op/internship opportunities like at RIT and Villanova?

RIT is known for its robust co-op program, providing students with extensive opportunities for practical experience in their fields. Career services at RIT are highly focused on connecting students with industry partners. Villanova also offers strong career services, with a focus on internships and job placement, particularly in business and engineering, leveraging its strong alumni network.
How do the student populations and campus cultures compare?

RIT has a diverse student body with a significant focus on STEM fields and a culture of innovation and collaboration. Villanova has a more traditional campus culture, with a strong emphasis on community, service, and a vibrant social scene, often centered around athletics and campus events.
What are the athletic programs like at RIT and Villanova?

Villanova is a Division I school with a strong athletic program, particularly in basketball, which has achieved national prominence. RIT competes at the Division III level in most sports, with a strong focus on ice hockey, and offers a wide range of club and intramural sports.
What are the housing options like at RIT and Villanova?

Both RIT and Villanova offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. Villanova's housing is often considered more traditional, while RIT offers a mix of modern and traditional options. Both universities generally require freshmen to live on campus.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

RIT is located in Rochester, New York, a city with a strong technology and manufacturing base, providing students with access to industry opportunities. Villanova is situated in the suburbs of Philadelphia, offering easy access to a major metropolitan area with numerous cultural, social, and professional opportunities.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity of RIT and Villanova?

Both RIT and Villanova are selective institutions. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Villanova generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate than RIT, indicating a higher level of selectivity.
Which university is better for a student interested in a specific field, such as engineering or business?

RIT is an excellent choice for students interested in engineering, computer science, and other technology-related fields. Villanova is a strong choice for students interested in business, nursing, and engineering, with a well-regarded business school and strong programs in other areas.

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.