RPI vs. Villanova

Comparable Facts

Compare Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY with Villanova University in Villanova, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Villanova University is larger than RPI based on total student enrollment (10,041 students vs. 7,040 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is located in Troy, NY (Small City setting); Villanova University is in Villanova, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Villanova University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1; Villanova University 10:1.

RPI vs. Villanova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, RPI or Villanova? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Villanova University than RPI ($37,201 vs. $38,887).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Villanova University are 2.4% lower than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ($17,694 vs. $18,120).
• Villanova University is 5.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than RPI (about $3,695 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $64,081.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at Villanova than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (about $3,695 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $64,081.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute than at Villanova University (95% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Villanova University students is 9.4% larger than aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students ($47,609 vs. $43,517).

RPI vs. Villanova Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, RPI or Villanova? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Villanova and RPI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Villanova University (1450) is 10 points higher than at RPI (1440).
• Incoming Villanova students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at RPI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1375/1510; Villanova University 1395/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 30/34; Villanova University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: RPI - Test optional; Villanova - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RPI Jan 15, 2027; Villanova Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RPI students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at Villanova (3.87).
• RPI has a higher acceptance rate (63.5%) than Villanova (27%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at RPI vs. 27.7% at Villanova.

RPI vs. Villanova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for RPI and Villanova? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Villanova University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's (84%).
• Graduates from Villanova University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than RPI graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,100 vs. $82,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Villanova University graduates have a $1,003 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($26,497 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Villanova graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($273 vs. $284).
• More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Villanova students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 90%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.