Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
RPI’s 63% acceptance rate can make it look broadly accessible, but the enrolled class is academically strong: the middle SAT range is 1390–1500 and the average GPA is 3.80. Even with test-optional admissions, 49% submit SAT scores, so aim near the upper end if testing is one of your strengths.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute facts and stats
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute enrolls about 5,743 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. RPI has a 91% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 84%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.
Troy, NY
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Key Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
December 15
Financial Aid Priority
December 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you plan to submit scores to RPI, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes. For the November 1 Early Decision deadline, the October SAT or September ACT is typically the last retake that will arrive in time, so earlier fall dates give you more cushion.
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What you'll actually pay
RPI is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $64,081. The average merit award is $36,413 for eligible students. Submit the FAFSA by the December 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s estimated cost of attendance is $82,201, including $64,081 in tuition and fees and $18,120 for room and board. Merit aid can significantly reduce that price, with an average merit award of $36,413. For students who borrow, the average debt at graduation is $37,839.
Student life at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
57% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 18% of men join fraternities, and 11% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
Flushing, NYAcceptance rate: 85%
SAT: 909–1293
ACT: 16–25
Adelphi University
Garden City, NYAcceptance rate: 65.9%
SAT: 1120–1330
ACT: 24–30
Acceptance rate: 77.5%
Acceptance rate: 100%
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