Head-to-Head Comparison
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology vs Syracuse University
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 15
- Syracuse Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Syracuse University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $38,793 vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513, Syracuse University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Syracuse University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $79,164 at ten years.
51 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Rose-Hulman Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, 28% more than Syracuse University
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,000, the lower of the two
Syracuse
- Lower cost: Average net price of $38,793, roughly $3,720 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 82% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 46% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Rose-Hulman Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (73% of degrees); Syracuse in Social Sciences (13%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Syracuse University. Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment vs $79,164.
Pick Syracuse University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Net price $38,793 vs $42,513.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Syracuse University are close on paper, but Syracuse University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Syracuse University is the harder admit. It takes 46% of applicants, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,427 to 1,375.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Syracuse University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Syracuse University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $38,793, about $3,720 a year below Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513. Graduates of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology also borrow less: median debt of $25,000, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $14,880 before any change in aid. Choosing Syracuse University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $101,253, compared with $79,164 at Syracuse University. That is a 28% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 28% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Syracuse University to keep costs and debt down; pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Syracuse University saves about $3,720 a year, yet Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $22,089 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while Syracuse University leans toward Social Sciences, Communications, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Rose-Hulman Technology competes well across the dimensions measured.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Syracuse University's enrollment, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Syracuse University's enrollment of 15,477 far exceeds Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Syracuse offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Rose-Hulman Technology does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 3 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
Rankings They Appear On
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Indiana ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Rose-Hulman Technology's top program is Mechanical Engineering (73% of enrollment), while Syracuse leads with Sociology (13%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rose-Hulman Technology) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences, while Syracuse University concentrates in Social Sciences, Communications, Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University is harder to get into, admitting 46% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University is more affordable, with an average net price of $38,793 after aid versus $42,513 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Do Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Syracuse University graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, versus $79,164 at Syracuse University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University has the higher graduation rate, 82% versus 80%.
Should you choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Syracuse University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Syracuse University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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