RPI vs Hofstra University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Hofstra University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
RPI vs Hofstra University at a glance
RPI admits 63.5% of applicants and Hofstra University 68.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $32,758 at RPI and $30,647 at Hofstra University. Six-year graduation rates are 80.3% and 65.7%, 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 Hofstra University 68.1%, so RPI is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $32,758 a year at RPI and $30,647 at Hofstra University; Hofstra University costs $2,111 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $25,140 at RPI and $23,816 at Hofstra University.
- 80.3% of students graduate within six years at RPI, against 65.7% at Hofstra University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $113,011 for RPI and $76,540 for Hofstra University; RPI is $36,471 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $24,250 at RPI and $23,000 at Hofstra University.
- RPI enrolls 5,714 students (small city) and Hofstra University 6,488 (large suburb).
Side by side
RPI and Hofstra 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 | Hofstra University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 63.5% | 68.1% |
| Applicants | 17,498 | 24,886 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1375–1510 | 1230–1400 |
| ACT middle 50% | 30–34 | 28–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $32,758 | $30,647 |
| Tuition, in state | $66,032 | $59,960 |
| Tuition, out of state | $66,032 | $59,960 |
| Cost of attendance | $85,291 | $71,077 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $25,140 | $23,816 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $25,313 | $26,489 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $31,222 | $30,441 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $33,659 | $34,218 |
| Over $110,000 | $35,346 | $34,880 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.3% | 65.7% |
| First-year retention | 90.7% | 83.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $113,011 | $76,540 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $24,250 | $23,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $276 | $261 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,714 | 6,488 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Troy, NY | Hempstead, 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 Hofstra University 80; 28 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about RPI vs Hofstra University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into RPI or Hofstra University?
RPI is harder to get into by acceptance rate: RPI admits 63.5% of applicants and Hofstra University admits 68.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: RPI 1375–1510; Hofstra University 1230–1400.
Which is cheaper, RPI or Hofstra University?
Hofstra University has the lower average net price after grants: $32,758 a year at RPI against $30,647 at Hofstra University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $25,140 and $23,816. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do RPI or Hofstra University graduates earn more?
RPI graduates earn more at the median: $113,011 ten years after entry for RPI and $76,540 for Hofstra University. Median federal debt at graduation is $24,250 and $23,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, RPI or Hofstra University?
RPI does: 80.3% of RPI students graduate within six years, against 65.7% at Hofstra University.
How big are RPI and Hofstra University?
RPI has 5,714 students in Troy, NY and Hofstra University has 6,488 students in Hempstead, NY.