Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is one of the oldest technological research institutes in the country, and that gives it an impressive list of historical distinctions: RPI alumni had a hand in designing New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge, building the Panama Canal and developing sunscreen, to name just a few.
While the school is best known for its science, engineering and mathematics programs, it provides many opportunities for study outside of those areas thanks to its more than 140 academic programs.
The private university is also known for its co-op programs, which offer six- to eight-month periods of full-time, paid work experiences related to a student’s major. The real world training helps graduates hit the ground running when they enter the working world: Median early-career salaries top $98,000, which is more than for similar schools, and 90% of alumni earn more than high school graduates, a higher-than-typical percentage.
Despite the emphasis on academics, students at RPI have fun, too. There are more than 200 student-run organizations — including ones for people interested in drones, magic, Pokemon and board games — plus a wide range of club sports, from archery and cricket to Tae Kwon Do and skiing.
