Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Introduction
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, also known as RPI, is a private research university located in Troy, New York. Established in 1824, RPI is the oldest continuously operating technological institute in the United States. It is well-known for its engineering and computer science programs, in addition to its strong emphasis on research and innovation.
American University Introduction
American University, located in Washington D.C., is a private research university that was founded in 1893. Known for its strong programs in international relations, politics, and communications, American University offers a diverse range of academic opportunities and extracurricular activities. Its location in the nation’s capital provides excellent opportunities for internships and networking.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Overview
RPI is a relatively small university, with a total enrollment of around 7,000 students. The institute offers over 145 degree programs across five main schools, including the School of Engineering, School of Science, School of Architecture, School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and the Lally School of Management. RPI is well-known for its student-faculty collaboration in research, with the emphasis on hands-on experience and real-world problem-solving.
RPI Costs & Tuition
The tuition cost for attending RPI is approximately $54,000 per year, with additional costs for room and board, books, and personal expenses. The total cost of attendance is estimated to be around $75,000 per year. Financial aid is available for students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
RPI Admissions
Admission to RPI is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 43%. Apart from a strong academic record and standardized test scores, RPI also considers extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. Early decision, regular decision, and transfer applications are all accepted.
RPI Degrees Offered
RPI offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its five schools, with a particular emphasis on engineering, computer science, and technology-related disciplines. Some popular majors include Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Aeronautical Engineering.
RPI Academics
RPI has a strong focus on research and innovation, with state-of-the-art facilities and a faculty dedicated to hands-on learning and problem-solving. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, with about 67% of classes having fewer than 20 students. This allows for personalized attention and strong faculty-student collaboration.
RPI Diversity
RPI has a diverse student body, with students from over 65 countries and 45 U.S. states. The gender distribution is 67% male and 33% female, with efforts in place to increase the representation of women and minorities in STEM fields.
RPI Students
RPI students are known for their passion for innovation, technology, and research. The campus offers various resources and clubs to support student interests in these areas, including the Center for Computational Innovations and the Rensselaer Center for Open Source Software. RPI’s students also engage in numerous extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, Greek life, and community service.
RPI Campus
The RPI campus is located in Troy, New York, and covers 275 acres. The campus features a blend of historic and modern buildings, with state-of-the-art research facilities and labs. On-campus housing options are available for undergraduate and graduate students, with a variety of residence halls, apartments, and Greek houses.
RPI Alumni
Notable RPI alumni include George M. Whitesides, a chemist and Harvard professor, and Steven J. Sasson, the inventor of the digital camera. Several RPI graduates have gone on to found successful companies, such as NVIDIA, Texas Instruments, and Vicarious Visions.
RPI Rankings
RPI is consistently ranked among the top engineering and technology schools in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, RPI was ranked 49th among National Universities and 28th among Best Engineering Schools.
RPI Outcomes
RPI boasts a strong record of success in post-graduate employment and further education. In a recent survey, 84% of RPI graduates reported being employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for RPI graduates is around $68,000.
American University Overview
American University is a medium-sized university, with a total enrollment of around 14,000 students. It offers over 160 degree programs across eight schools and colleges, including the School of International Service, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Kogod School of Business. AU is renowned for its focus on experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, study abroad programs, and hands-on research.
American University Costs & Tuition
The tuition cost for attending American University is approximately $49,000 per year, with additional costs for room and board, books, and personal expenses. The total cost of attendance is estimated to be around $70,000 per year. Financial aid is available for students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
American University Admissions
Admission to American University is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 32%. Prospective students should demonstrate a strong academic record, as well as achievements in extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. Early decision, regular decision, and transfer applications are all accepted.
American University Degrees Offered
AU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its eight schools and colleges, with a particular emphasis on international relations, politics, and communications. Some popular majors include International Relations, Political Science, and Business Administration.
American University Academics
AU is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, with an emphasis on experiential learning and real-world experiences. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, with around 60% of classes having fewer than 20 students. This allows for personalized attention and strong faculty-student collaboration.
American University Diversity
AU boasts a diverse student body, with students from over 130 countries and all 50 U.S. states. The gender distribution is 62% female and 38% male. AU has a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus, with various programs and initiatives in place.
American University Students
AU students are known for their engagement in political and social issues, with many participating in internships and volunteering opportunities in Washington D.C. The campus offers a wide range of clubs and organizations to cater to various interests, including Model United Nations, the Public Relations Student Society of America, and the AU College Democrats and Republicans.
American University Campus
The AU campus is located in Washington D.C., covering 84 acres. It offers a suburban setting, with easy access to the city’s numerous cultural, political, and career-related opportunities. On-campus housing options are available for undergraduate and graduate students, with a variety of residence halls and apartment-style accommodations.
American University Alumni
Notable AU alumni include journalist and television host Katie Couric, former U.S. Representative John Lewis, and CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer. Many AU graduates go on to successful careers in politics, journalism, and international affairs.
American University Rankings
American University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, AU was ranked 76th among National Universities and 9th for Most Innovative Schools.
American University Outcomes
AU has a strong record of success in post-graduate employment and further education. A recent survey found that 90% of AU graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for AU graduates is around $53,000.
RPI vs American University Cost Comparison
RPI has a higher tuition cost than American University, with an annual tuition of $54,000 compared to $49,000 at AU. However, the total cost of attendance for both universities is quite similar, at around $75,000 for RPI and $70,000 for AU. Both institutions offer financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
RPI vs American University Admissions Difficulty
Both RPI and American University have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 43% and 32%, respectively. Prospective students for both institutions should demonstrate strong academic records, standardized test scores, extracurricular achievements, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.
RPI vs American University Academic Difficulty
RPI is known for its rigorous engineering and technology-focused programs, while American University has a strong focus on international relations, politics, and communications. Both institutions prioritize experiential learning and hands-on research, with small class sizes and strong faculty-student collaboration.
RPI vs American University Outcome Comparison
Both RPI and American University have strong post-graduation outcomes, with RPI reporting an 84% employment or graduate school enrollment rate within six months of graduation, and AU reporting a 90% rate. The median starting salary for RPI graduates is higher, at $68,000, compared to $53,000 for AU graduates.
