Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Academics

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.24

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Full-Time Student Population 6,572
Part-Time Student Population 223
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 385
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 68
Total FT Faculty 561
Faculty with Terminal Degree 92%
Average Faculty Salary $99,298
Full-Time Retention Rate 91%
Transfer-Out Rate 3%
Graduation Rate 83%
Programs/Majors Offered 59
Average Course Load 4–5 courses
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? Yes
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 53%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 37%
  • 50 or More Students: 10%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Students have mixed opinions about the classes at RPI. Most agree that the professors are, as a whole, very smart. However, their ability to communicate that knowledge to students is variable. Some are excellent in relating to students, while others can barely speak fluent English. Another claim against professors is that they are too concerned with researching and getting published to put the time and effort into doing a good job teaching.

Your best bet is to talk to an upperclassman who has taken classes with professors before, and find out who is good and who to avoid. A student’s interest in the subject also plays a huge role in deciding how much he or she will enjoy and take from a class. Pick a major that you’re going to enjoy, but also pick one that you’ve got a good feeling about—again, talk to other students in the programs, because your major will make a huge difference. RPI is a demanding school, and students here are expected to do a lot of work, both inside and outside the classroom. If you are not truly avid about your field of study, you may find it hard to keep yourself motivated to get all your work done.

See how you stack up against students who were accepted to this school . . .And calculate your chances!Register to get started

RPI Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Xander31415

'15

Physics

4.6
A

RPI

This is a tough college. I would recomend going there only if you are very intrested in your major, because the classes are chalengening. However the college also has some great tutoring and extra help programs available for free.

Jan 08, 2012

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Academics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Magszx33

'14

Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering

3.8
B+

Stressful

RPI is a school that requires a lot of time and dedication to school work. You have to be very willing to commit at your major if you want to be here. Workload is A LOT. But the facilities, career development center, and the experience you get out of the school are all wonderful.

Jul 17, 2011

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Academics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

BriGuy92

'14

Computer Science

4.2
A-

Computers at an Engineering School

Since RPI is primarily an engineering school, Computer Science seems to take a backseat at times. Some of the professors are not very good with computers at all, and frequently make simple mistakes that cause their entire lesson to fail. However, as long as you can keep up with homework assignments, there really is a lot to learn from them.

Jul 05, 2011

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

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Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: No
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit or placement for scores of 4 or 5, or a score of 3 on the BC Calculus exam
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5, 6, or 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Information Technology
  • Lally School of Management & Technology
  • School of Architecture
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • School of Science (Rensselaer at Hartford)
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 4%
  • Computer Science: 3%
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering: 5%
  • Mechanical Engineering: 6%
Special Study Options Study abroad
Best Places to Study
  • Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center Café
  • Folsom Library
  • Java++ Café
  • Student Union
  • Voorhees Computing Center
Did You Know?

With an advisor’s assistance and approval, it is possible to create your own major at RPI.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at RPI

Name: Cara Riverso

Hometown: Holmes, NY

Major: Chemical Engineering

see all student author bios > Become a student author to help update the guide for this school