Rose-Hulman combines specialized engineering focus with exceptional career outcomes. Graduates earn $38,187 more than peer institution medians while maintaining debt levels near national averages, creating outstanding return on investment for technical careers.
With performance among the highest we track, driven by outstanding post-graduation earnings and controlled debt levels
Higher net costs despite strong earnings potential
With performance modestly below average, reflecting the institution's lower enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students relative to peers
Balancing limited access with strong outcomes for enrolled students
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTop 2% nationally for graduate earnings
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology ranks #20 nationally in Computer Science and demonstrates exceptional return on investment, ranking at the 98.5th percentile. This medium-sized private engineering school in Terre Haute, Indiana maintains moderately selective admission with a 72.8% acceptance rate while delivering outstanding post-graduation outcomes.
The institution enrolls 11.7% Pell-eligible students and 14.4% first-generation students, reflecting a student body with fewer low-income students relative to peers. Graduates earn $10,180 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 85.9th percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $101,253 ten years after enrollment, placing Rose-Hulman in the 98th percentile for long-term earnings. This combination of selective admissions standards, specialized STEM focus, and exceptional earnings outcomes positions Rose-Hulman as a Selective Achiever institution, where strong outcomes accompany limited access for low-income students.
Rose-Hulman delivers exceptional earnings outcomes through its concentrated focus on high-demand STEM disciplines. Graduates earn a median of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 98th percentile nationally and $38,187 above the peer median of $63,066.
The institution generates $10,180 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 85.9th percentile for earnings uplift relative to student demographics. Earnings range from $80,529 at the 25th percentile to $124,107 at the 75th percentile, reflecting consistent strong outcomes across programs.
Engineering-focused students seeking exceptional post-graduation earnings in STEM fields, particularly Computer Science and specialized engineering disciplines. Best fit for students who prioritize strong ROI and career outcomes over diversity of academic programs, with the financial means to invest in premium private education.
Rose-Hulman admits 72.8% of applicants, making it moderately selective with roughly 3 in 4 applicants receiving admission offers. This acceptance rate is slightly higher than the peer median of 70.6%, indicating somewhat more accessible admission than similar private engineering institutions.
The relatively high acceptance rate reflects both the institution's specialized engineering focus, which naturally attracts pre-qualified applicants, and the smaller applicant pool typical of technical colleges. However, admitted students demonstrate exceptionally strong academic credentials, with SAT scores ranking at the 98th percentile nationally and ACT scores at the 99th percentile.
This suggests that while Rose-Hulman admits a substantial portion of its applicant pool, those who apply are already highly qualified for rigorous engineering study. Students should recognize that the moderate selectivity masks the academic intensity of the programs—success requires strong preparation in mathematics and sciences regardless of admission probability.
The combination of accessible admission rates with demanding academic standards makes Rose-Hulman an attractive option for well-prepared students seeking exceptional engineering education without the uncertainty of highly competitive admission processes.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Rose-Hulman's published cost of attendance reaches $74,226 per year, including $56,674 in tuition, $17,718 for room and board, and $1,500 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $40,665 after financial aid, representing savings of $33,561 from the sticker price.
This net price significantly exceeds the peer median of $27,143 by $13,522, reflecting Rose-Hulman's positioning as a premium private engineering institution. The substantial gap between published and actual costs indicates meaningful financial aid distribution, though the final net price remains elevated relative to public alternatives and even many private competitors.
Families should expect Rose-Hulman to represent a premium investment in specialized engineering education, with costs justified by exceptional post-graduation earnings potential. The institution's net price varies considerably by family income, ranging from $33,862 for the lowest-income families to $45,616 for those earning above $110,000 annually.
This progressive structure provides some relief for lower-income families while maintaining the fundamental cost premium that characterizes private technical education. Compared to peer institutions offering similar programs, Rose-Hulman's pricing reflects its specialized focus and strong industry connections that support premium career outcomes.
Rose-Hulman graduates demonstrate strong and consistent earnings growth throughout their careers. Median earnings rise from $85,935 six years after enrollment to $93,607 at eight years and $101,253 at ten years, representing 17.8% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 548 graduates, providing solid confidence in the reported figures across the institution's engineering-focused programs. Graduates earn $10,180 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Rose-Hulman in the 85.9th percentile for earnings uplift.
The institution ranks among the top 5% nationally for median earnings, reflecting the premium that employers place on Rose-Hulman's specialized engineering training. Low-income graduates earn $80,900, ranking among the top 5% nationally and demonstrating strong outcomes regardless of family background.
The earnings distribution from $80,529 to $124,107 shows relatively tight clustering around high values, indicating consistent preparation for well-compensated technical careers. Approximately 23.9% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, though this estimate carries low confidence due to the program mix methodology used.
Computer Science.
85 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
70 graduates
Algebra and Number Theory.
28 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
46 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
46 graduates
Rose-Hulman offers 8 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data, all focused on engineering and mathematical sciences. Computer Science ranks #20 nationally and #1 in Indiana, producing 85 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $157,625 and a value score of 89.6.
Computer Engineering ranks #17 nationally and #1 in Indiana, graduating 70 students with median earnings of $110,766. Algebra and Number Theory ranks #28 nationally and #1 in Indiana, with 28 graduates earning $96,973.
Mechanical Engineering represents the largest program at 30.6% of graduates, with 154 students earning $86,634. Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering ranks #43 nationally and #1 in Indiana, graduating 42 students with earnings of $83,476.
The institution holds multiple #1 state rankings across engineering disciplines, reflecting its dominant position in Indiana's technical education landscape.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kettering University Similar quality tier in Midwest (#481 ranked) | MI | 79% | $94,823 | #481 | Compare |
Concordia University-Saint Paul Similar quality tier in Midwest (#480 ranked) | MN | 75% | $59,871 | #480 | Compare |
Trinity College Similar quality tier (#478 ranked) | CT | 34% | $90,779 | #478 | Compare |
Colby College Similar quality tier (#477 ranked) | ME | 7% | $80,490 | #477 | Compare |
Houston Christian University Similar quality tier (#495 ranked) | TX | 85% | $55,933 | #495 | Compare |
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