Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of Engineering is one of the oldest and most prestigious engineering schools in the United States. Founded in 1824, RPI has been a leader in the field of engineering education for nearly two centuries. The school has trained many of America’s most prominent engineers, including Charles Steinmetz, who developed alternating current electricity, and Elihu Thomson, who invented the electric arc welding process. The School of Engineering also played a key role in the development of computer science and artificial intelligence as well as biomedical engineering. In addition to its traditional programs, RPI is now home to several cutting-edge research centers focusing on nanotechnology and robotics. The university’s Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS) is dedicated to advancing robotic technology for industrial applications. The Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS) focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies that integrate biology with engineering principles. Finally, the Center for Energy Science and Technology (CEST) promotes energy efficiency through research into renewable energy sources such as solar power. As one of the most respected schools of engineering in the nation, RPI continues to advance technological innovation while preparing students to become leaders in their fields.
As one of the best engineering schools in the state of New York, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of Engineering has reported the following admissions statistics, including the acceptance rate, average GPA/GRE scores, and minimum TOEFL scores for iBT and paper test. Also covered is overall rankings and tuition scholarship information for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of Engineering.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is short for RPI. However, it is only one meaning of RPI. Check abbreviationfinder to see what else does RPI stand for.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Jonsson Engineering Center 3004 Troy, NY 12180-3590
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of Engineering has a highly selective admissions process that is designed to identify the most talented students. The acceptance rate for the school is around 18%, which means that only about one in five applicants is accepted. The average GPA for incoming freshmen is 3.75, and the median SAT score is 1420. In addition, the school considers letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and personal essays when making admissions decisions. The admissions process also takes into account a student’s demonstrated interest in RPI, such as attending an open house or submitting an application early. RPI also looks at a student’s ability to contribute to the university’s diverse community and their potential to be successful at RPI. For example, they consider whether a student has participated in advanced coursework or research projects while in high school or college. They also look at how well-rounded an applicant is; if they have shown leadership skills, participated in community service activities, or had internships or co-op positions during their academic career. Finally, students must demonstrate their ability to succeed academically by providing transcripts showing good grades and test scores that meet RPI’s standards for admission.
Fall 2022 Admissions Statistics
Total applicants (master’s and Ph.D.)
2,406
Total acceptances (master’s and Ph.D.)
800
Overall acceptance rate
33.3%
Fall 2022 Admissions Information
Application deadline for U.S. residents
rolling
Application fee for U.S. residents
$75
Application deadline for international students
N/A
Application fee for international students
$75
Director of admissions
James Nondorf
2022 Entering Class GPA and GRE Scores
GRE required?
The GRE is required by some, but not all departments.
Average GPA of new entrants in master’s program
3.40
Number reporting GPA for master’s programs
98
Average verbal GRE score of new entrants in master’s program
522
Number reporting verbal GRE score for master’s programs
63
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in master’s program
732
Number reporting quantitative GRE score for master’s programs
63
Average writing GRE score of new entrants in master’s program
4.30
Number reporting writing GRE score for master’s programs
63
Average GPA of new entrants in doctoral program
3.50
Number reporting GPA for doctoral programs
72
Average verbal GRE score of new entrants in doctoral program
527
Number reporting verbal GRE score for doctoral programs
151
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in doctoral program
769
Number reporting quantitative GRE score for doctoral programs
151
Average writing GRE score of new entrants in doctoral program
4.10
Number reporting writing GRE score for doctoral programs
150
Average GPA of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
3.40
Number reporting GPA for both master’s and doctoral programs
170
Average verbal GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
526
Number reporting verbal GRE score for both master’s and doctoral programs
214
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
758
Number reporting quantitative GRE scores for master’s and doctoral programs
214
Average writing GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
4.10
Number reporting writing GRE score for both master’s and doctoral programs
213
TOEFL
TOEFL required for international students?
Yes
Minimum TOEFL score required for computer test
230
Minimum TOEFL score required for paper test
570
Ranking: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of Engineering is one of the top-ranked engineering schools in the country. According to US News, RPI’s School of Engineering is ranked as the 34th best engineering school in the nation. Additionally, RPI’s graduate program in engineering is ranked at number 28 out of more than 200 programs nationwide. This ranking places RPI among some of the most prestigious engineering schools in the country. Furthermore, The Princeton Review ranks RPI as one of the top 50 best value colleges for engineering and technology, making it an affordable choice for students seeking a quality education.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of Engineering has also been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s Best Value Colleges and by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance as one of America’s Best Values in Private Colleges. These accolades demonstrate that RPI offers an outstanding education at a reasonable cost, making it an attractive option for students looking to pursue a degree in engineering or technology. Furthermore, RPI is consistently recognized by employers across multiple industries for its successful graduates who have gone on to have rewarding careers and make significant contributions to their respective fields.
Top Engineering Schools
Score
55
Peer assessment score (5.0 highest)
3.5
Recruiter assessment score (5.0 highest)
3.9
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
758
Overall acceptance rate
33.3%
2020 Ph.D. student/faculty ratio
3.1
Faculty membership in National Academy of Engineering
2.5%
2020 Engineering school research expenditures (in millions)
$71.2
Research expenditures per faculty member (in thousands)
$434.1
2020 Ph.D.’s granted
96
Total graduate engineering enrollment
1,064
Tuition & Financial Aid: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Financial Aid Contact Information
Financial aid director
Lynnette Koch
Financial aid phone
(518) 276-6813
2022-2023 Expenses
Tuition
Full-time: $36,950 per year, part-time: $1,540 per credit
