Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is a private institution located in Troy, New York. RPI is known for delivering scientific education that can be applied to everyday life. The university’s engineering and science programs are highly regarded across the nation. Notable alumni include Ferris wheel inventor George W. G. Ferris, game designer Erin Hoffman, and president of Marvel Entertainment Dan Buckley.

Ranked 51 nation, RPI’s acceptance rate is 57%, and its graduation rate is 83%. Undergraduate tuition is $58,600 per year, plus fees, and its graduate tuition is $58,325 per year, plus fees. The university offers over 50 undergraduate programs and 50 graduate programs. A total of 7,501 students are enrolled. RPI follows a semester-based academic calendar.

Life at RPI makes scientific discovery fun. Numerous activities and events promote scientific exploration and innovation. GameFest is an annual event highlighting student-created computer games. Students can participate in more than 200 organizations and clubs. Twenty-five percent of students engage in sororities and fraternities, and more than 80% play varsity, club, or intramural sports. Varsity teams are known as the Engineers, and they compete in the Eastern College Athletic Conference and the Liberty League. Off campus, students can explore Troy, which has beautiful natural surroundings. Close to the Hudson River, the campus gives easy access to the area’s many waterfront activities. It is also near Grafton Lakes State Park, Lake George, and the Adirondack Mountains. Downtown, students can explore the Empire State Plaza’s reflecting pools, an underground shopping area, and a performing arts center known as The Egg.