RPI Rensselaer vs Fordham University Introduction
In this article, we will be comparing two well-known institutions: RPI Rensselaer and Fordham University. We will provide overviews of both schools and compare their costs, admissions, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This information can help prospective students make an informed decision about which school may be the best fit for them.
RPI Rensselaer Overview
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is a private research university located in Troy, New York. RPI has a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and is well-regarded for its rigorous academic programs and research opportunities. The campus is situated on 275 acres and offers a scenic view of the Hudson River.
RPI Rensselaer Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at RPI for the 2021-2022 academic year is $76,340, including tuition, fees, room, and board. RPI offers both need-based and merit-based financial aid to eligible students. Approximately 84% of RPI students receive some form of financial aid, with an average need-based scholarship or grant award of $37,715.
RPI Rensselaer Admissions
RPI has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 47%. The middle 50% of accepted students have an SAT score ranging from 1330 to 1500 and an ACT score ranging from 29 to 34. RPI offers an Early Decision application process for students who are committed to attending if accepted. The deadline for Early Decision 1 is November 1, while Early Decision 2 has a deadline of January 15.
RPI Rensselaer Degrees Offered
RPI offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields, with a strong emphasis on STEM disciplines. Some popular majors include Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, Physical Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Management.
RPI Rensselaer Academics
Students at RPI benefit from a strong academic foundation, as the school has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 68% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. This allows for personalized attention and a focus on experiential learning. RPI also offers numerous research opportunities for students in fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, and aerospace engineering.
RPI Rensselaer Diversity
RPI strives to create a diverse and inclusive campus community. The student body is composed of 65% male and 35% female students, and 26% of students identify as an underrepresented minority. The school also has over 150 student clubs and organizations, providing opportunities for students to connect with others who share their interests and backgrounds.
RPI Rensselaer Students
RPI has a total enrollment of approximately 7,600 students, with around 6,000 undergraduate students and 1,600 graduate students. The campus offers a variety of housing options, including traditional residence halls, apartment-style living, and themed housing communities. RPI also has a vibrant Greek life, with 25 fraternities and sororities on campus.
RPI Rensselaer Campus
The RPI campus is a mix of historic and modern buildings, with state-of-the-art facilities for research and learning. The campus boasts green spaces, athletic facilities, and a wide range of student resources, including the Folsom Library, the Center for Career and Professional Development, and the Mueller Center for health and wellness.
RPI Rensselaer Alumni
RPI has a strong network of over 100,000 alumni across the globe. Notable alumni include George Low, former NASA administrator; Ted Hoff, inventor of the microprocessor; and Amar Bose, founder of Bose Corporation.
RPI Rensselaer Rankings
RPI is ranked #56 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report in their 2021 rankings. The school is also ranked #27 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs and #38 in Best Value Schools.
RPI Rensselaer Outcomes
According to the school’s most recent data, 96% of graduates are either employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for RPI graduates is $72,000.
Fordham University Overview
Fordham University is a private Jesuit university located in New York City. Founded in 1841, the school has three campuses: Rose Hill in the Bronx, Lincoln Center in Manhattan, and Westchester in Harrison. Fordham offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, with strong offerings in liberal arts, business, and social sciences.
Fordham University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at Fordham University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $77,265, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Fordham offers both need-based and merit-based financial aid to eligible students. Approximately 90% of Fordham students receive some form of financial aid, with an average need-based scholarship or grant award of $35,639.
Fordham University Admissions
Fordham University has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 46%. The middle 50% of accepted students have an SAT score ranging from 1270 to 1440 and an ACT score ranging from 28 to 32. Fordham offers both Early Action and Early Decision application options. The Early Action deadline is November 1, while Early Decision 1 and 2 have deadlines of November 1 and January 1, respectively.
Fordham University Degrees Offered
Fordham offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of fields, including liberal arts, business, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some popular majors include Business Administration and Management, Psychology, Communications, and Political Science and Government.
Fordham University Academics
Fordham University has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 61% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. This allows for personalized attention and an emphasis on experiential learning. The school also encourages undergraduate research and internships, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in their fields.
Fordham University Diversity
Fordham is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The student body is composed of 45% male and 55% female students, and 33% of students identify as an underrepresented minority. There are over 200 student clubs and organizations on campus, offering numerous opportunities for students to engage with others who share their interests and backgrounds.
Fordham University Students
Fordham has a total enrollment of approximately 16,000 students, with around 9,200 undergraduate students and 6,800 graduate students. The university offers a variety of housing options, from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living, and students can also choose to live off-campus.
Fordham University Campus
Fordham’s three campuses offer students unique experiences, from the historic charm of Rose Hill to the modern urban setting of Lincoln Center. The campuses feature state-of-the-art facilities, including the William D. Walsh Family Library, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and the Gabelli School of Business.
Fordham University Alumni
Fordham has a robust network of over 185,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Denzel Washington, Academy Award-winning actor; John Brennan, former CIA Director; and John Tognino, former president of the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Fordham University Rankings
Fordham University is ranked #66 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report in their 2021 rankings. The school is also ranked #56 in Best Undergraduate Business Programs and #54 in Best Value Schools.
Fordham University Outcomes
Fordham University reports that 95% of graduates are either employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Fordham graduates is $61,000.
RPI Rensselaer vs Fordham University Cost Comparison
Both RPI Rensselaer and Fordham University have similar costs, with estimated annual costs of attendance at $76,340 and $77,265, respectively. Both schools offer need-based and merit-based financial aid to help offset these costs. However, RPI students receive slightly higher average need-based scholarship or grant awards at $37,715 compared to $35,639 at Fordham.
RPI Rensselaer vs Fordham University Admissions Difficulty
RPI Rensselaer and Fordham University have similar acceptance rates, with RPI at 47% and Fordham at 46%. Both schools have competitive admissions processes and comparable SAT and ACT score ranges for accepted students. They also offer Early Decision and Early Action application options for students who are committed to attending if accepted.
RPI Rensselaer vs Fordham University Academic Difficulty
Both RPI Rensselaer and Fordham University are known for their rigorous academic programs and commitment to student success. While RPI has a stronger focus on STEM fields and research, Fordham offers a broader range of programs in liberal arts, business, and social sciences. Both schools have low student-to-faculty ratios and a majority of classes with fewer than 20 students, allowing for personalized attention and experiential learning opportunities.
RPI Rensselaer vs Fordham University Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both RPI Rensselaer and Fordham University have strong outcomes, with 96% and 95% of graduates employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation, respectively. However, RPI graduates tend to have higher average starting salaries at $72,000 compared to $61,000 for Fordham graduates.
