College Comparison
Penn State vs RPI: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
School
RPI
Troy, NY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | RPI |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2%wins | 58.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400 | 1330–1500wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | 30–34wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188wins | $61,884 |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598wins | $33,139 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $102,051wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7%wins | 83.2% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 88.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 14:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 5,909 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Penn State edges out RPI on 6 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 54.2%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Avg Net Price: $32,598
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.7%
RPI Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1330–1500
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 30–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $102,051
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.