Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Overview
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Overview & Background
Founded in 1884, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private research university. It is one of the oldest technological universities in The United States and offers over 100 programs and 1,000 courses. The University has been ranked among the top 60 colleges in the country since the last decade. U.S. News & World Report ranked the University 55nd in 2022 among national Universities while its Graduate Engineering program was ranked 39th.
The University offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees through schools of :
- Architecture
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Management and Technology
- Science and information technology (IT)
The University’s School of Engineering contributes over $40 million annually towards research.
|
Former Name |
Rensselaer School(1824–1834), Rensselaer Institute(1834–1861) |
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Established |
1824 |
|
Founder |
Amos Eaton & Stephen Van Rensselaer |
| Also Known As |
RPI |
|
University Motto |
Knowledge and Thoroughness |
|
University Type |
Private Research University |
|
University City |
Troy, New York |
|
Student to Faculty Ratio |
14:1 |
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Main Campus |
Troy |
|
Campus Size |
265 acres |
|
Endowment |
$1.06 billion (2021) |
|
Acceptance Rate |
57.3% |
|
Graduation Rate |
86% |
|
Employment Rate |
95% |
|
Total Enrollment |
7,616 |
|
Official Website Link |
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, United States |
|
Contact Detail |
+1 518-276-6000 |
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Virtual Tour
Infrastructure
The University is located in Troy, New York. The campus is spread across 275 acres. The campus buildings are the perfect blend of traditional and modern architecture. The campus has state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and lecture halls. It also has the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center, multiple libraries, cafes, and clubhouses. Students also have access to a fitness center, basketball court, swimming pool, weightlifting court, and other facilities.
Residing Options
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers on-campus accommodation to its students and has various residence halls for this purpose. Among all residence halls, Barton Hall is the finest one and students need to pay $7000 annually for staying in it. Most graduate students prefer to live off-campus and end up paying between $600 and $1100 every month. The rent depends on the location, size of the room and also the number of roommates a student has.
Faculty and pedagogy
Most faculty members of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have completed their Ph.D. and many have multiple degrees too. Most professors are well versed with their subject and expect the students to regularly attend their classes. Though most professors are engaged in their research work or thesis, they are still approachable if the student takes the initiative.
Financial aid
Being a private University, getting a scholarship here is quite difficult. Only those who have an exceptional profile can expect to get one of the few ones that are available. Students can apply for Research Assistantship and Teaching Assistantship, provided they are regular with their work and maintain their grades.
Jobs and placements
The top recruiters employing students from this university include :
- General Electric Co (GE)
- Pratt and Whitney
- United Technologies Corporation
- The Boeing Company
- Lockheed Martin Corp
The job profiles which are the most popular amongst the university alumni include :
- Mechanical Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Senior Software Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Senior Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Process Engineer
Senior Software Engineers rope in the highest median salary, that is, $109K, while Senior Mechanical Engineers earn $89K.
Students can also get in touch with the university’s Center for Career and Professional Development to enhance their employability prospects. Right from resume writing and honing interview skills to helping one research about potential employers and land great internships, the center leaves no stone unturned in providing students with the best of services aiding them in their career development
Notable Alumni
Some famous alumni from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute include :
- Marshall Brain, Founder of HowStuffWorks.com
- Gary Burrell, Founder of Garmin
- William Gurley and Lewis E. Gurley, Brothers and founders of Gurley Precision Instruments.
- Joseph Gerber, Founder of Gerber Scientific
- J. Erik Jonsson, Co-founder and former president of Texas Instruments Incorporated, and mayor of Dallas
- John Rigas, Co-founder of Adelphia Communications
- Edward Zander, Former CEO of Motorola
- Felix Bernard, Composer of a Christmas song, Winter Wonderland
- Ned Herrmann, Creator of the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument
Some notable alumni from the University include names such as Father of the microprocessor Marcian Hoff and father of modern T.V Allen B. Dumont.
Verdict
This is a moderately average University. Apply here only if you have an average profile. Students with a good profile can apply at better Universities
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Location
The University is located in Troy, New York, with other campuses in Hartford and Gordon. The main campus of the university is located on a 20-minute drive from Albany Country Airport (ALB), where a number of airlines operate. The students can take 20-25 dollar taxi services for commuting between the airport and the campus.
There is also an Amtrak station across the Hudson River. Taxi service from the campus to the station can cost $20.
Many taxi services are present in the location including :
- Yellow Cab
- Troy Capitaland Taxi
- Dufffy’s Taxi Inc
- Black & White Cab System
Moreover, parents of Rensselaer students get a special discount on the car rented from Hertz. At the same time, the campus has CDTA bus routes, except STAR and NX services, which can be availed for free by swiping the university identification card. Free transportation to the airport, bus station and train station is provided during Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring breaks. The campus offers gated parking too. Here, transponder has been programmed for open close parking lots and campus gates.
There is also an in campus shuttle service that can be used free of charge on designated routes across campus by using the university identification card. Transportation facilities to students of late-night and evening classes are provided for free to specific areas. The detailed information regarding these facilities can be availed from the university website.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Map Location
Address: 110 8th St, Troy, NY 12180, United States
Frequently Asked Questions about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
What is RPI famous for?
The Institute is particularly well-known for its accomplishments in transferring technology from the lab to the market in a way that improves human life. The oldest technological research university in the country was established in 1824 and is named Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Is RPI liberal or conservative?
RPI has a highly stereotypically liberal culture with no evidence of opposition. Aside from a few infrequent "here is a safe space of perspectives" bubbles, the university does little to nothing to encourage students to listen to alternative viewpoints.
Is RPI a hard school?
RPI is a demanding institution. As a top high school student, you now have to compete with other top high school students. However, it is feasible to succeed if you put in a lot of effort.
What kind of students go to RPI?
Greek L.I.F.E., the school's fraternity and sorority scene, which emphasises Leadership, Innovation, Fortitude, and Evolution, has about a quarter of the student body active. More than 80% participate in varsity, club, or intramural sports.
