Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — Troy, NY

Mechanical Engineering

at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · Troy, NY

Exceptional Value

Go for it

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $65,319/yr starting out — that's 118% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 4.3 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $36,228/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $153,567 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$82,404/yr

Starting Salary

$65,319

Finish Rate

83.6%

Household Income

$82,404/yr

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

Students on financial aid pay $36,228/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $46,176/yr)

4 Years Total

$329,616

Typical Debt

$23,750

Interest You'd Owe

+$8,655

What You'd Really Pay

$153,567

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

You'd earn (with degree)$653,190

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$153,567

Pays for Itself In

4.3 yrs

Salary Boost

+118%

Ahead After 10 Years

$499,623

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost34.7/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed21.7/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost15.7/20

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.