Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute vs. American University (AU) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to RPI or American University (AU)?“
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
American University (AU)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and American University (AU). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and American University (AU)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and American University (AU). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | American University (AU) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $49,341 | $43,103 |
| Net Price | $34,841 | $36,480 |
| Average Financial Aid | $28,964 | $28,559 |
| Total Undergraduates | 5781 | 7300 |
| Average SAT Scores | 1280 - 1490 | 1150 - 1340 |
| Acceptance Rate | 42 | 35 |
| Location | 110 8th St | 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW |
| City Name | Troy | Washington |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Troy and Washington. RPI is in a Mid-Atlantic and American University (AU) is in a Mid-Atlantic - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or American University (AU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then American University (AU) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that American University (AU) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do RPI Dorms Compare to housing Options at American University (AU)?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. RPI charges for on-campus living, while American University (AU) charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
RPI and American University (AU) student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, % | American University (AU),% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 59.07 | 58.160000000000004 |
| Hispanic | 8.129999999999999 | 11.85 |
| Black | 3.08 | 6.88 |
| Foreign | 10.620000000000001 | 7.049999999999999 |
| Others | 19.1 | 16.1 |
How different is the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute campus compared to American University (AU) campus?
The RPI campus is located in Troy, NY and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000). The American University (AU) campus is located in Washington, DC and is characterized as City: Large (population of 250,000 or more).
Which school gives more financial aid?
RPI provides $28,964 whereas American University (AU) provides an average of $28,559.
How does RPI academics compare to American University (AU)?
When analyzing academics between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and American University (AU) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | RPI | American University (AU) |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | N/A | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | 5 | 17 |
| Architecture and related services | 53 | N/A |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | N/A | 14 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 16 | 163 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 190 | 28 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | 20 |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 800 | N/A |
| Education | N/A | 12 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | 71 | N/A |
Which is better: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or American University (AU)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between RPI and American University (AU). But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
How does RPI social life compare to American University (AU)?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how RPI social life differs from American University (AU).
Check here.
Check here.