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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Rose-Hulman demonstrate exceptional academic preparation, particularly in quantitative disciplines essential for engineering success. The middle 50% of enrolled students score between 1280-1470 on the SAT, with a median of 1389. SAT Math scores range from 660-760, while SAT Verbal scores span 620-710, reflecting the strong mathematical foundation required for engineering study. ACT scores range from 29-34 with a median of 31, placing Rose-Hulman 133 points above the peer median SAT and 4 points above the peer median ACT. These scores rank at the 98th percentile for SAT and 99th percentile for ACT nationally, indicating admitted students consistently perform at the highest levels on standardized assessments. The strength in both mathematical and verbal reasoning suggests Rose-Hulman attracts students capable of handling complex technical communication alongside advanced mathematical concepts. Students scoring below the 25th percentile ranges should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded, particularly if they demonstrate exceptional strength in mathematics and sciences through coursework and grades. Prospective applicants should ensure their academic preparation, especially in calculus and physics, aligns with the rigorous expectations of Rose-Hulman's engineering curriculum. The consistently high academic credentials of admitted students create a peer environment that supports collaborative learning in challenging technical disciplines.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Rose-Hulman enrolls a student body with strong academic preparation but limited economic diversity relative to national averages. The institution serves 11.7% Pell-eligible students, indicating fewer students from lower-income families compared to typical four-year institutions. First-generation students represent 14.4% of enrollment, also below national averages for college access. Transfer students comprise just 2.5% of the student body, reflecting the specialized nature of Rose-Hulman's engineering curriculum and the difficulty of transferring into upper-level technical coursework. This composition suggests the institution primarily attracts students from middle- to upper-income families who have been academically tracked toward engineering careers throughout high school. The lower representation of students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds may reflect both the cost of private education and the pipeline challenges in preparing underserved students for advanced STEM study. However, the students who do enroll from diverse economic backgrounds succeed at high rates, with Pell-eligible students graduating at 85.2% compared to the overall rate of 81.7%. First-generation students should recognize that while they represent a smaller share of the campus community, the institution demonstrates commitment to supporting diverse students through completion. The specialized engineering focus creates a cohort effect where students share similar academic interests and career goals, fostering strong peer support networks despite limited economic diversity.
With a 72.8% acceptance rate, Rose-Hulman is moderately selective rather than highly competitive, making it accessible for well-prepared students. However, strong alternatives exist for different priorities and circumstances.
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Students who enroll at Rose-Hulman demonstrate exceptional persistence and completion rates, indicating strong institutional support for academic success. The institution maintains a 90.6% retention rate, significantly above the peer median of 83.1%, showing that students adapt well to the academic rigor and campus environment. Six-year graduation rates reach 81.7%, also exceeding typical completion rates for similar institutions. Notably, Pell-eligible students graduate at 85.2%, creating a positive 3.5 percentage point gap where lower-income students outperform the overall average—an unusual and noteworthy outcome that suggests effective support systems for students from diverse economic backgrounds. This positive Pell gap indicates that Rose-Hulman provides particularly strong academic and social support for first-generation and lower-income students once they enroll, helping them navigate the challenges of intensive engineering study. The high retention and completion rates reflect both the institution's effective student support services and the self-selecting nature of students committed to engineering careers. Prospective students should view these metrics as indicators of a supportive academic environment where persistence leads to degree completion, though the intensive technical curriculum requires sustained effort and strong mathematical preparation. Students who gain admission can expect comprehensive support systems designed to help them succeed in demanding engineering coursework and transition successfully to technical careers.
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