Fordham University vs RPI: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Fordham University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Fordham University vs RPI at a glance
Fordham University admits 59.3% of applicants and RPI 63.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $42,760 at Fordham University and $32,758 at RPI. Six-year graduation rates are 80.9% and 80.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Fordham University admits 59.3% of applicants and RPI 63.5%, so Fordham University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $42,760 a year at Fordham University and $32,758 at RPI; RPI costs $10,002 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $32,069 at Fordham University and $25,140 at RPI.
- 80.9% of students graduate within six years at Fordham University, against 80.3% at RPI.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $92,809 for Fordham University and $113,011 for RPI; RPI is $20,202 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $25,000 at Fordham University and $24,250 at RPI.
- Fordham University enrolls 10,512 students (large city) and RPI 5,714 (small city).
Side by side
Fordham University and RPI in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Fordham University | RPI |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 59.3% | 63.5% |
| Applicants | 46,275 | 17,498 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1320–1480 | 1375–1510 |
| ACT middle 50% | 30–33 | 30–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $42,760 | $32,758 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,897 | $66,032 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,897 | $66,032 |
| Cost of attendance | $85,904 | $85,291 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $32,069 | $25,140 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $30,300 | $25,313 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $35,706 | $31,222 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $40,101 | $33,659 |
| Over $110,000 | $51,995 | $35,346 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.9% | 80.3% |
| First-year retention | 88.5% | 90.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $92,809 | $113,011 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $25,000 | $24,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $284 | $276 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 10,512 | 5,714 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Small |
| Location | Bronx, NY | Troy, NY |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Fordham University reports 52 bachelor's programs and RPI 45; 18 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Fordham University vs RPI
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Fordham University or RPI?
Fordham University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Fordham University admits 59.3% of applicants and RPI admits 63.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Fordham University 1320–1480; RPI 1375–1510.
Which is cheaper, Fordham University or RPI?
RPI has the lower average net price after grants: $42,760 a year at Fordham University against $32,758 at RPI. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $32,069 and $25,140. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Fordham University or RPI graduates earn more?
RPI graduates earn more at the median: $92,809 ten years after entry for Fordham University and $113,011 for RPI. Median federal debt at graduation is $25,000 and $24,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Fordham University or RPI?
Fordham University does: 80.9% of Fordham University students graduate within six years, against 80.3% at RPI.
How big are Fordham University and RPI?
Fordham University has 10,512 students in Bronx, NY and RPI has 5,714 students in Troy, NY.