Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — Troy, NY

Materials Engineering

at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · Troy, NY

Exceptional Value

Go for it

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $67,716/yr starting out — that's 126% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 3.7 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $33,139/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $141,211 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$79,934/yr

Starting Salary

$67,716

Finish Rate

83.2%

$79,934/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $33,139/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $46,795/yr)

4 Years Total

$319,736

Typical Debt

$23,750

Interest You'd Owe

+$8,655

What You'd Really Pay

$141,211

That's about $270/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$677,160

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$141,211

Pays for Itself In

3.7 yrs

Salary Boost

+126%

Ahead After 10 Years

$535,949

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed22.6/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost16.8/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate12.5/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.