Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given RPI's 58.5% acceptance rate and strong test score requirements, even academically qualified students should consider backup options. The schools below offer comparable engineering outcomes with different admission profiles.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with better admission odds, consider Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana, which admits 72.8% of applicants while producing graduates earning $101,253—virtually identical to RPI's $102,051. SUNY Maritime College offers 78.5% acceptance rates with graduates earning $95,951, representing strong maritime and engineering programs just 133 miles away in New York. Both institutions provide rigorous STEM education with more accessible admission standards.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students wanting to stay in the Northeast should consider Union College, located just 14 miles away in New York, though graduates earn $88,604 compared to RPI's outcomes. Dartmouth College in New Hampshire (97 miles away) produces graduates earning $97,434 with similar technical program strength, though admission is significantly more competitive at 6.2%. These options maintain regional proximity while offering different selectivity and outcome profiles.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Other moderately selective options include University of Massachusetts-Amherst, which admits 57.8% of applicants—nearly identical to RPI's rate—though graduates earn $71,631 compared to RPI's $102,051. This reflects UMass-Amherst's broader program mix versus RPI's STEM specialization. Students should consider whether they prefer RPI's focused technical environment or UMass-Amherst's comprehensive university experience at similar admission selectivity levels.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
