Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the oldest technological university in the English-speaking world, in Troy, New York. It is best known for engineering, computer science, architecture and games, with a research focus on AI, semiconductors and biotechnology. Choose it for a rigorous, focused STEM degree with strong graduate salaries.
Troy, United States
Official website: rpi.edu
#601
1824 — the oldest technological university in the English-speaking world
Top 50 graduate engineering school in the US (U.S. News)
Top 10 in the US (Princeton Review)
$58,000 – $66,000
International students, undergraduate and most master's programmes
$16,000 – $22,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on rpi.edu before you apply.
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
MS Electrical Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
MS Mechanical Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
MS Business Analytics (Lally)
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
MS Information Technology
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
Founded in 1824 — alumni include the inventors of the Ferris wheel and email.
Supercomputing — hosts one of the most powerful university computing centres in the US.
EMPAC — a landmark performing arts and research centre on the hillside campus.
Semiconductors — close to GlobalFoundries and New York's chip-making corridor.
Graduates join GlobalFoundries, IBM, GE, Lockheed Martin, Amazon and New York's engineering firms.
Engineering bachelor's graduates report median starting salaries around USD 80,000-90,000.
STEM master's graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Around 90% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months.
Undergrad
15 Jan 2027
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Varies by programme
The 275-acre campus climbs a hill above Troy, with historic brick halls at the top, the engineering and computing buildings in the middle and the EMPAC arts centre facing the Hudson River.
Troy is a small historic city in New York's Capital Region with low rent, a revived downtown and Albany 15 minutes away. New York City and Boston are about three hours by train.
Form I-20 issued by Rensselaer
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
For fall 2027 undergraduate entry, Early Decision I closes 1 November 2026, Early Decision II closes 15 December 2026 and Regular Decision closes 15 January 2027. Graduate deadlines are set by each department, with most engineering and computer science master's closing between 1 January and 1 March.
Undergraduates start in the fall (late August). Most engineering, computer science and IT master's programmes also admit for spring (January), while the Lally business analytics master's is fall only. Check your programme's admissions page to confirm.
You need an F-1 student visa. International Services for Students and Scholars issues your Form I-20 after you accept the offer and submit proof of funding. Then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and book an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, business analytics and information technology attract the most international applicants. Graduate admission needs a bachelor's degree in a related field with a GPA of at least 3.0, TOEFL 88 or IELTS 6.5, and the GRE for some programmes. Undergraduate admission is selective, with an acceptance rate around 60%.
Yes. International undergraduates are considered for merit scholarships when they apply, though need-based aid is limited. Master's applicants may receive partial tuition scholarships, and research-track students can apply for assistantships. Check the financial aid pages for current amounts and eligibility.
