Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY
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Class of 2029
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Key Facts

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    Faculty & Research

    201 faculty · 234 courses · data as of 2026-07-02

    Mechanical Engineering41 faculty · 41 courses avg h-index 20.8 #41 of 70 in Mechanical Engineering
    Jie Lian, William Weightman Walker Professor of Engineering h-index 69
    Notable: “Nuclear waste disposal—pyrochlore (A2B2O7): Nuclear waste form for the immobilization of plutonium and “minor” actinides” (2004) · 1,119 citations
    Fudong Han, Associate Professor h-index 62
    Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage Research Centers Center for Materials, Devices, and Integrated Systems (CMDIS) Center for Future Energy Systems (CFES) Teaching Current Courses ENGR 1100 Introduction to Engineeri
    Notable: “Highly reversible zinc metal anode for aqueous batteries” (2018) · 3,227 citations
    Michael Amitay, James L. Decker '45 Endowed Professor in Aerospace Engineering h-index 37
    In developing active flow control techniques with applications in aeronautical/mechanical systems. He conducts state-of-the-art experiments to understand the flow physics of 3-D flow fields and the interaction of flow control actuators
    Notable: “SYNTHETIC JETS” (2002) · 1,075 citations
    Shankar Narayan, Associate Professor h-index 32
    Es on interfacial science, thermal transport, phase-change phenomena, and the design of nanoengineered surfaces and materials for solar-thermal energy conversion, thermal energy storage, and electronics cooling. Dr. Narayan has authored ove
    Notable: “Water harvesting from air with metal-organic frameworks powered by natural sunlight” (2017) · 1,771 citations
    Courses: Essence of Engineering Mechanics · Fundamentals of Flight · Mechatronics-Hardware/Software · Introduction to Nuclear Engineering · Solid Mechanics · Numerical Methods and Programming for Engineers +35 more
    Electrical Engineering38 faculty · 40 courses avg h-index 36.5 #11 of 34 in Electrical & Computer Engineering
    Michael Shur, Patricia W. and C. Sheldon Roberts Professor h-index 106
    Notable: “Shallow water analogy for a ballistic field effect transistor: New mechanism of plasma wave generation by dc current” (1993) · 1,175 citations
    Meng Wang, Professor h-index 105
    Involve machine learning and artificial intelligence, high-dimensional data analytics, power system monitoring, signal processing, and optimization methods. She is a recipient of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Young Inv
    Notable: “LightGCN” (2020) · 4,082 citations
    Boon Ooi, Professor and Constellation Chair in Future Chips h-index 67
    Es on optoelectronic devices and systems for optical communications and sensing applications. He has successfully trained 46 PhDs and successfully placed them in top institutions all over the world. He holds 46 issued U.S. patents and is th
    Notable: “A polydimethylsiloxane-coated metal structure for all-day radiative cooling” (2019) · 659 citations
    Qiang Ji, Professor h-index 65
    Notable: “In the Eye of the Beholder: A Survey of Models for Eyes and Gaze” (2009) · 1,545 citations
    Courses: Introduction to ECSE · Mechatronics-Hardware/Software · Electric Circuits · Introduction to Electronics · Fields and Waves I · Electrical Energy Systems +34 more
    Computer Science37 faculty · 40 courses avg h-index 26.8 #30 of 88 in Computer Science
    Ge Wang, Clark & Crossan Endowed Chair Professor (Joint Appointment) h-index 86
    Notable: “The Mathematics of Computerized Tomography” (2002) · 2,590 citations
    James Hendler, Tetherless World Senior Constellation Professor h-index 79
    Notable: “The Semantic Web” (2001) · 8,462 citations
    Mohammed Zaki, Professor and CS Department Head h-index 67
    Focus on novel data mining and machine learning techniques, particularly for learning from graph structured and textual data, with applications in bioinformatics, personal health and financial analytics. He has around 300 publications (and
    Notable: “SPADE: An Efficient Algorithm for Mining Frequent Sequences” (2001) · 1,827 citations
    Chen Wang, Assistant Professor h-index 59
    Mainly focus on the intersections between Theoretical Computer Science and Machine Learning. Prior to RPI, Chen was a postdoctoral researcher hosted jointly by Vladimir (Vova) Braverman at Rice University and Samson Zhou at Texas A&M Un
    Notable: “Highly sensitive and selective detection of dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid at graphene oxide modified electrode” (2013) · 326 citations
    Courses: Topics in CSCI · Computer Science I · Beginning Programming for Engineering · Data Structures · Early Introduction to RCOS · Computing Languages +34 more
    Business Administration36 faculty · 39 courses avg h-index 13.6 #32 of 59 in Business Administration
    Bill Francis, Warren H. and Pauline U. Bruggeman Distinguished Professor of Finance h-index 46
    Brian Clark, James Donato, Bill B. Francis Journal of Financial Intermediation , 54 , 2023 . The impact of short selling on dividend smoothing Bill B. Francis, Gilna Samuel, Qiang Wu Journal of Financial Stability , 65 , 2023 . View All Sco
    Notable: “Gender Differences in Financial Reporting Decision Making: Evidence from Accounting Conservatism” (2014) · 513 citations
    T. Ravichandran, Irene and Robert Bozzone '55 Distinguished Professor h-index 27
    Focuses on digital strategies of firms and the mechanisms through which digitization is transforming firms, markets, supply networks and industries. His research has been funded by grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Mi
    Notable: “Effect of Information Systems Resources and Capabilities on Firm Performance: A Resource-Based Perspective” (2005) · 1,234 citations
    Dorit Nevo, Professor, Management Information Systems; Vice Provost and Dean, Graduate Education h-index 20
    Es on interactions between computers and their users within the business environment. This work was published in leading academic and business journals including MIS Quarterly, Information Systems Research, Journal of Management Information
    Notable: “Linking dimensions of social media use to job performance: The role of social capital” (2015) · 505 citations
    Saggi Nevo, Professor, Business Analytics and Information Systems h-index 19
    Human-machine interaction, ethics and artificial intelligence, technology-enabled innovation, and entrepreneurship. Outside his academic role, he is the founder of immemoris.com , an app for collaborative reconstruction of shared ep
    Notable: “IT capability and organizational performance: the roles of business process agility and environmental factors” (2013) · 554 citations
    Courses: Management in the Digital Age · The Art of Leadership I · Management Professional Development I · Business Ethics & Law · Statistical Methods · The Wealth Compass +33 more
    Mathematics26 faculty · 42 courses avg h-index 21 #6 of 23 in Mathematics
    Kristin Bennett, Associate Director of the IDEA (Joint with CS) h-index 49
    Such as health equity, ML fairness, and synthetic health data. She has been program chair and area chair, PC member and/or organizer for conferences in machine learning, data mining, and operations research including KDD, AAAI, Intl. Conf.
    Notable: “Semi-Supervised Support Vector Machines” (1998) · 793 citations
    Donald Drew, Professor Emeritus h-index 38
    Notable: “Mathematical Modeling of Two-Phase Flow” (1983) · 1,437 citations
    William Henshaw, Margaret A. Darrin Distinguished Professor in Applied Mathematics h-index 36
    Lie in area of the numerical solution of partial differential equations and in techniques for overlapping grids. He has worked on the development of stable and accurate algorithms and boundary conditions for the solution of PDEs on ov
    Notable: “Composite overlapping meshes for the solution of partial differential equations” (1990) · 537 citations
    John Mitchell, Professor h-index 34
    Notable: “Restoration of Services in Interdependent Infrastructure Systems: A Network Flows Approach” (2007) · 344 citations
    Courses: Topics in Math · Mathematics Elective · Calculus I · Calculus II · Calculus I for Architecture, Management, HASS · Math Methods in Management & Economics +36 more
    Architecture23 faculty · 32 courses avg h-index 8.9
    Alexandros Tsamis, Faculty h-index 3
    Yael Erel, Assistant Professor h-index 1
    Notable: “Constructing Mystery” (2019) · 1 citations
    Anthony Titus, Faculty h-index 1
    Notable: “Hybridized Pedagogies: Architectural Education in Motion” (2013) · 1 citations
    Ryosuke Imaeda, Faculty h-index 1
    Courses: Architecture Elective · Beginners Architecture Career Discovery Program · Advanced Architecture Career Discovery Program · Undergraduate Independent Study · Topics in Architecture & Environmental Design · The Ethos of Architecture +26 more

    Faculty counts are directory headcounts; the named list may be a subset. h-index shown only for ORCID-backed or high-confidence OpenAlex matches. Partial — enrichment ongoing.

    Demographics

    Student Outcomes

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    About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY reports an overall acceptance rate of 63.4%, an early-round acceptance rate of 57.9%, an SAT middle 50% of 1390–1500, a class size of 1,314, and a yield of 18.0% based on the most recent Common Data Set filings. Oldest technological research university in the US (founded 1824). Strong CS, engineering, and game design programs. High ROI for STEM graduates in the Northeast.

    Admissions and cost data as of July 3, 2026 (CDS 2024–25 cycle), from the most recent Common Data Set, IPEDS, and College Scorecard.

    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: key admissions facts

    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's overall acceptance rate is 63.4% (the most recent Common Data Set). Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's early-round acceptance rate is 57.9% (the most recent Common Data Set). Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's SAT middle-50% range is 1390–1500 (the most recent Common Data Set). The average unweighted GPA of admitted students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is about 3.8 (the most recent Common Data Set). Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's yield rate (the share of admitted students who enroll) is 18.0% (the most recent Common Data Set). The average net price at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for families earning under $75,000 is about $26,193 per year (U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard/IPEDS data).

    Sources: Common Data Set (commondataset.org) · Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on College Scorecard · NCES IPEDS · full source table

    How much does Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute cost for a family earning $75,000?

    A family earning under $30,000 pays about $24,078 per year in net price at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, while families earning over $110,000 pay about $42,541 (source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard/IPEDS data). A family earning $75,000 falls in the $48,001–$75,000 bracket and pays about $28,212 per year after grants and scholarships.

    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: average annual net price by household income (most recent College Scorecard/IPEDS data)
    Household incomeAverage net price per year
    Under $30,000$24,078
    $30,001–$48,000$26,289
    $48,001–$75,000$28,212
    $75,001–$110,000$36,230
    Over $110,000$42,541
    Tuition (before aid)$66,300
    Room and board$18,560

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the acceptance rate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's overall acceptance rate is 63.4%, based on the most recent Common Data Set. Its early-round (early decision or early action) acceptance rate is 57.9%.

    What SAT score and GPA do you need for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

    Admitted students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute typically have an SAT middle-50% range of 1390–1500 and an average unweighted GPA of about 3.8, according to the most recent Common Data Set. These are the middle of the range, so scores above them strengthen an application.

    Is it hard to get into Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

    Getting into Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is moderately selective: it admits 63.4% of applicants. Your realistic odds depend on how your GPA and test scores compare to its middle-50% ranges and on your application round — you can estimate them with the free College Monte Carlo chances calculator.

    Does Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offer early decision or early action?

    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers early decision (binding) and early action (non-binding). Applying early can help: its early-round acceptance rate is 57.9%, versus 63.4% overall.

    How much does Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute cost after financial aid?

    The average net price at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — the real cost after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price — is about $26,193 per year for families earning under $75,000, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard/IPEDS data. Higher-income families generally pay more; see the full net-price-by-income breakdown.

    How much does Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute cost for a family earning $75,000?

    A family earning under $30,000 pays about $24,078 per year in net price at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, while families earning over $110,000 pay about $42,541 (source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard/IPEDS data). A family earning $75,000 falls in the $48,001–$75,000 bracket and pays about $28,212 per year after grants and scholarships.

    Not sure how to read these numbers? Start with our guide on how to estimate your admission chances. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers a binding early-decision round, so weigh the trade-offs in our early decision vs. regular decision guide before committing.