Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute vs West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies
Both schools produce similar 10-year median earnings around $102,672. Students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduate with less debt ($23,750 vs $32,946).
Admissions & Outcomes
Troy, NY
Los Angeles, CA
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- 4 Mathematics
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies
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.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$55,600
- Est. total cost/year$72,966
- School typePublic
West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)N/A
- 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
Which school has higher earnings: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies?
West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $102,672 compared to $102,051. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which school has more international students: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies?
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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies?
At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $92,277 within two years. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.