Kettering University vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is moderately selective with a 58.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Kettering University (79.1%). Both schools produce similar 10-year median earnings around $93,893. For families earning $48k–$75k, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is more affordable at $29,788 net price vs $30,405. Students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduate with less debt ($24,194 vs $28,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a higher yield rate (16.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a higher median SAT (1410 vs 1210).
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is more affordable at $22,878 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $37,590 vs $43,003.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (19%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Kettering University
- 1 Chemical Engineering$83,177
- 2 Mechanical Engineering$80,255
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$78,612
- 4 Computer Science$77,715
- 5 Industrial Engineering$70,009
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science$92,277
- 2 Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians$88,933
- 3 Computer and Information Sciences, General$87,532
- 4 Industrial Engineering$77,213
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$76,460
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Kettering University
- 1 Mechanical Engineering
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- 4 Computer Engineering
- 5 Chemical Engineering
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- 4 Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Kettering University
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$44,380
- Est. total cost/year$52,780
- School typePublic
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$55,600
- Est. total cost/year$72,966
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Kettering University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is more selective with a 58.5% acceptance rate, compared to 79.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Kettering University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Kettering University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $93,893 compared to $93,416. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Kettering University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a lower net price at $29,788 per year vs $30,405. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Kettering University vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 86.9%, compared to 67.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Kettering University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a larger international student population at 14% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Kettering University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
At Kettering University, Chemical Engineering graduates earn a median of $83,177 within two years. At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $92,277. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.