College Comparison
RPI vs UC San Diego: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
RPI
Troy, NY
School
UC San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | RPI | UC San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 58.5% | 24.5%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1330–1500wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 30–34 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $61,884 | $46,042wins |
| Avg Net Price | $33,139 | $11,750wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $102,051wins | $84,943 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.2% | 87.6%wins |
| Retention Rate | 88.7% | 93.9%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,909 | 33,787wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC San Diego edges out RPI on 6 of 9 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.
RPI Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1330–1500
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $102,051
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 14:1
UC San Diego Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 24.5%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $46,042
- ✓Avg Net Price: $11,750
- ✓Graduation Rate: 87.6%
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