Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
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.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar engineering outcomes with higher acceptance rates, California State University Maritime Academy admits 98.7% of applicants while producing graduates earning $94,784—just 6.4% below Rose-Hulman's median. Saint Joseph's University accepts 86.4% of applicants with graduates earning $86,881, offering broader program diversity beyond engineering while maintaining strong career outcomes with more accessible admission.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students preferring the Midwest should consider University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, just 64 miles away, offering world-class engineering programs with graduates earning $81,054 at significantly lower net cost. Kettering University in Michigan provides similar specialized engineering focus with comparable outcomes and 79.1% acceptance rates. Milwaukee School of Engineering offers another regional option with strong technical programs and more affordable pricing.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Other institutions with comparable admission rates include Indiana University-Bloomington (80.4% acceptance) and Franklin College (70.6% acceptance), both located within 70 miles. While these offer different academic environments and career outcomes, they provide similar admission probability for students building balanced college lists in the region.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
