OVERVIEW

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private research university. It is the oldest technological university in the English-speaking world. With an undergraduate enrollment of 5,431, its acceptance rate dropped between 2005–2011 to 36.1% and in 2012, it rose to 42.72%.

Founded in 1824, the university is located in Troy, New York, United States. Its campus sits upon a hill surrounded by historic Troy, New York and the Hudson River.

The University offers degrees in bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate’s programs. The average freshman retention rate of the university is 92% and high graduation rates mainly concentrate on 4-year and 6-year graduation.

The mission of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is:

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute educates the leaders of tomorrow for technologically based careers. We celebrate discovery, and the responsible application of technology, to create knowledge and global prosperity.

ACCREDITATION

Rensselaer is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and by a number of professional and academic societies.

ACADEMICS

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute comprises five schools:

• The School of Architecture
• The School of Engineering
• The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
• The School of Science
• Lally School of Management & Technology.

The most popular majors and course of study for students are as follows:

1. Engineering
2. Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
3. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
4. Architecture and Related Services
5. Biological and Biomedical Sciences

According to the U.S. News and World Reportin 2012, it is the 50th in national universities.

With 42.9 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, the university has a high rate in full-time faculty with Ph.D or terminal degree which accounts for 96%.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants for the university are required to have taken either SAT or ACT tests, and ACT with writing test is required as well. Moreover, High school diploma is necessary and GED is accepted. Among nonacademic factors considered extracurricular activities and character/personal qualities are attached great importance to.

COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID

The tuitions and fees for year 2011-2012 is USD 42,704. Students spend USD 2,500 for books and USD 11,975 for room and board on average.

With the average need-based scholarship or grant award of $22,831, 65.8 percent of full-time undergraduates in the university receive some kind of need-based financial aid. It also provides many kinds of need-based scholarships from state, individuals and the university, at the same time students can choose to apply for loans.