Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is moderately selective with a 58.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Worcester Polytechnic Institute (58.5%). Graduates of Worcester Polytechnic Institute earn $1,419 more per year at the 10-year mark ($103,470 vs $102,051). For families earning $48k–$75k, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is more affordable at $25,624 net price vs $32,350. Students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduate with less debt ($23,750 vs $27,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has a higher yield rate (19.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Troy, NY
Worcester, MA
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 $21,009 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $39,583 vs $49,716.
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.
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
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science$95,207
- 2 Engineering, Other$79,688
- 3 Management Information Systems and Services$79,284
- 4 Industrial Engineering$76,460
- 5 Mathematics and Statistics, Other$74,576
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
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- 4 Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation 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.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$55,600
- Est. total cost/year$72,966
- School typePublic
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- International students15%
- Tuition (international)$53,100
- Est. total cost/year$70,096
- 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.
- With 15% international enrollment, Worcester Polytechnic Institute likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is more selective with a 58.5% acceptance rate, compared to 58.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $103,470 compared to $102,051. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a lower net price at $25,624 per year vs $32,350. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 89.1%, compared to 83.2%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has a larger international student population at 15% 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $92,277 within two years. At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $95,207. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.