RPI vs Adelphi University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Adelphi University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
RPI vs Adelphi University at a glance
RPI admits 63.5% of applicants and Adelphi University 65.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $32,758 at RPI and $26,646 at Adelphi University. Six-year graduation rates are 80.3% and 70.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- RPI admits 63.5% of applicants and Adelphi University 65.9%, so RPI is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $32,758 a year at RPI and $26,646 at Adelphi University; Adelphi University costs $6,112 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $25,140 at RPI and $22,263 at Adelphi University.
- 80.3% of students graduate within six years at RPI, against 70.9% at Adelphi University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $113,011 for RPI and $80,969 for Adelphi University; RPI is $32,042 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $24,250 at RPI and $24,944 at Adelphi University.
- RPI enrolls 5,714 students (small city) and Adelphi University 5,276 (large suburb).
Side by side
RPI and Adelphi University 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 | RPI | Adelphi University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 63.5% | 65.9% |
| Applicants | 17,498 | 16,084 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1375–1510 | 1120–1340 |
| ACT middle 50% | 30–34 | 24–30 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $32,758 | $26,646 |
| Tuition, in state | $66,032 | $52,050 |
| Tuition, out of state | $66,032 | $52,050 |
| Cost of attendance | $85,291 | $61,893 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $25,140 | $22,263 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $25,313 | $21,710 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $31,222 | $23,891 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $33,659 | $27,224 |
| Over $110,000 | $35,346 | $32,262 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.3% | 70.9% |
| First-year retention | 90.7% | 82.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $113,011 | $80,969 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $24,250 | $24,944 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $276 | $283 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,714 | 5,276 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Troy, NY | Garden City, 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
RPI reports 45 bachelor's programs and Adelphi University 47; 18 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about RPI vs Adelphi University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into RPI or Adelphi University?
RPI is harder to get into by acceptance rate: RPI admits 63.5% of applicants and Adelphi University admits 65.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: RPI 1375–1510; Adelphi University 1120–1340.
Which is cheaper, RPI or Adelphi University?
Adelphi University has the lower average net price after grants: $32,758 a year at RPI against $26,646 at Adelphi University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $25,140 and $22,263. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do RPI or Adelphi University graduates earn more?
RPI graduates earn more at the median: $113,011 ten years after entry for RPI and $80,969 for Adelphi University. Median federal debt at graduation is $24,250 and $24,944.
Which has a higher graduation rate, RPI or Adelphi University?
RPI does: 80.3% of RPI students graduate within six years, against 70.9% at Adelphi University.
How big are RPI and Adelphi University?
RPI has 5,714 students in Troy, NY and Adelphi University has 5,276 students in Garden City, NY.