RPI vs Ithaca College: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Ithaca College, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
RPI vs Ithaca College at a glance
RPI admits 63.5% of applicants and Ithaca College 69% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $32,758 at RPI and $33,233 at Ithaca College. Six-year graduation rates are 80.3% and 71.7%, 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 Ithaca College 69%, so RPI is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $32,758 a year at RPI and $33,233 at Ithaca College; RPI costs $475 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $25,140 at RPI and $23,013 at Ithaca College.
- 80.3% of students graduate within six years at RPI, against 71.7% at Ithaca College.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $113,011 for RPI and $70,258 for Ithaca College; RPI is $42,753 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $24,250 at RPI and $22,750 at Ithaca College.
- RPI enrolls 5,714 students (small city) and Ithaca College 4,242 (small suburb).
Side by side
RPI and Ithaca College 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 | Ithaca College |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 63.5% | 69% |
| Applicants | 17,498 | 13,445 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1375–1510 | 1230–1390 |
| ACT middle 50% | 30–34 | 27–30 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $32,758 | $33,233 |
| Tuition, in state | $66,032 | $56,752 |
| Tuition, out of state | $66,032 | $56,752 |
| Cost of attendance | $85,291 | $71,876 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $25,140 | $23,013 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $25,313 | $26,039 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $31,222 | $28,598 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $33,659 | $31,411 |
| Over $110,000 | $35,346 | $38,284 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.3% | 71.7% |
| First-year retention | 90.7% | 84.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $113,011 | $70,258 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $24,250 | $22,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $276 | $259 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,714 | 4,242 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Small |
| Location | Troy, NY | Ithaca, 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 Ithaca College 53; 17 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about RPI vs Ithaca College
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into RPI or Ithaca College?
RPI is harder to get into by acceptance rate: RPI admits 63.5% of applicants and Ithaca College admits 69%. Middle 50% SAT scores: RPI 1375–1510; Ithaca College 1230–1390.
Which is cheaper, RPI or Ithaca College?
RPI has the lower average net price after grants: $32,758 a year at RPI against $33,233 at Ithaca College. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $25,140 and $23,013. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do RPI or Ithaca College graduates earn more?
RPI graduates earn more at the median: $113,011 ten years after entry for RPI and $70,258 for Ithaca College. Median federal debt at graduation is $24,250 and $22,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, RPI or Ithaca College?
RPI does: 80.3% of RPI students graduate within six years, against 71.7% at Ithaca College.
How big are RPI and Ithaca College?
RPI has 5,714 students in Troy, NY and Ithaca College has 4,242 students in Ithaca, NY.