Choosing the right college or university is a significant decision for any aspiring student. In this comparison, we will be taking an in-depth look at two prominent institutions: the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Syracuse University. Both schools offer a wide variety of programs and opportunities, but each has its unique strengths and aspects. We will examine the costs, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus environment, alumni, rankings, and outcomes of each institution to help you make an informed decision about which school is the best fit for you.
RIT Overview
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private university located in Rochester, New York. It was founded in 1829 and has since gained a reputation for its strong emphasis on career-oriented and technical programs. RIT offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is particularly known for its engineering, art, and design programs.
RIT Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at RIT for the 2021-2022 academic year is $55,778, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and meal plan. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students to help offset the cost of attendance.
RIT Admissions
RIT has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 66%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score of admitted students is 1270, while the average ACT score is 29.
RIT Degrees Offered
RIT provides a wide range of degree programs across its nine colleges, including engineering, business, art and design, computing and information sciences, and liberal arts. The university offers a total of 86 bachelor’s, 69 master’s, and 11 doctoral programs.
RIT Academics
RIT has a strong focus on career-oriented education, with an emphasis on experiential learning. Students have numerous opportunities for co-op placements, internships, and research experiences. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, ensuring personalized attention and support from faculty members.
RIT Diversity
RIT has a diverse student body, with students representing all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and offers numerous resources, clubs, and organizations to support a wide range of racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
RIT Students
Approximately 13,500 undergraduate students and 3,000 graduate students are enrolled at RIT. The university has a vibrant student life, with over 300 clubs and organizations, numerous campus events, and a strong emphasis on community involvement.
RIT Campus
The RIT campus spans 1,300 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research centers, and recreational amenities. The university provides on-campus housing options and a variety of dining choices.
RIT Alumni
RIT has a strong alumni network, with over 135,000 members worldwide. Notable alumni include John Resig, the creator of jQuery, and Robert Fabbio, a successful serial entrepreneur.
RIT Rankings
In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, RIT is ranked #112 among National Universities. The university is also ranked #36 in Best Colleges for Veterans and #75 in Best Value Schools.
RIT Outcomes
RIT has a strong track record of successful outcomes for its graduates, with a 95% overall placement rate in employment or graduate studies within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for RIT graduates is $60,000.
Syracuse University Overview
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York. Founded in 1870, it offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning numerous disciplines. Syracuse University is particularly known for its programs in communications, public affairs, and architecture.
Syracuse University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year at Syracuse University is $76,614, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and meal plan. Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students to help offset the cost of attendance.
Syracuse University Admissions
Syracuse University has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 50%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score of admitted students is 1270, while the average ACT score is 29.
Syracuse University Degrees Offered
Syracuse University offers a wide range of degree programs across its 13 schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Information Studies, and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. The university provides a total of 200 undergraduate majors and 100 minors, as well as over 200 graduate programs.
Syracuse University Academics
Syracuse University emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to explore various disciplines and collaborate across fields. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, ensuring personalized attention and support from faculty members.
Syracuse University Diversity
Syracuse University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, with students from all 50 states and over 120 countries. The university offers numerous resources, clubs, and organizations to support students from various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
Syracuse University Students
Approximately 15,000 undergraduate students and 7,000 graduate students are enrolled at Syracuse University. The university has an active student life, with over 300 student clubs and organizations, a robust Greek life system, and numerous campus events.
Syracuse University Campus
The Syracuse University campus spans 700 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with state-of-the-art facilities and resources. The university provides on-campus housing options and a variety of dining choices.
Syracuse University Alumni
Syracuse University has an extensive alumni network, with over 250,000 members worldwide. Notable alumni include Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin.
Syracuse University Rankings
In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Syracuse University is ranked #58 among National Universities. The university is also ranked #42 in Best Colleges for Veterans and #97 in Best Value Schools.
Syracuse University Outcome
Syracuse University has an 84% overall placement rate in employment or graduate studies within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Syracuse University graduates is $55,300.
RIT vs Syracuse University Cost Comparison
Both RIT and Syracuse University have high costs of attendance, with Syracuse University being more expensive at $76,614 compared to RIT’s $55,778 for the 2021-2022 academic year. However, both institutions offer financial aid and scholarships to help offset these costs for eligible students. Ultimately, students should consider their individual financial situations and the potential return on investment when deciding between the two schools.
RIT vs Syracuse University Admissions Difficulty
RIT and Syracuse University both have competitive admissions processes, with Syracuse University being slightly more selective with a 50% acceptance rate compared to RIT’s 66%. Both schools require similar application materials, including high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and personal statements. Prospective students should carefully consider their academic qualifications and the competitiveness of their chosen programs when applying to either institution.
RIT vs Syracuse University Academic Difficulty
The academic rigor of RIT and Syracuse University is comparable, with both institutions offering a wide range of degree programs and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and experiential learning. Both schools have similar student-faculty ratios, ensuring personalized attention and support from faculty members. However, RIT’s focus on technical and career-oriented programs may be more challenging for some students, while Syracuse University’s diverse array of disciplines may provide more flexibility in terms of academic difficulty.
RIT vs Syracuse University Outcome Comparison
Both RIT and Syracuse University have strong track records of successful outcomes for their graduates. RIT has a higher overall placement rate in employment or graduate studies within six months of graduation at 95%, compared to Syracuse University’s 84%. Additionally, the median starting salary for RIT graduates is $60,000, while Syracuse University graduates have a median starting salary of $55,300. Students should consider their individual career goals and the specific programs offered at each institution when deciding which school will provide the best outcomes for their future success.
