Brigham Young University vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: Brigham Young University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute come out about even on financial return. Brigham Young University scores 94/100 and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute scores 93/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Brigham Young University runs $15,564 a year against $36,228 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - $20,664 more a year, or about $82,656 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn a median $102,051 against $75,790 at Brigham Young University. The cost earns itself back in 5 years at Brigham Young University and 4.2 years at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Brigham Young University owing a median $11,069 versus $23,750 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.24 and 0.36 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Brigham Young University | Rensselaer Polytechnic In... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $6,688 | $64,081 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $6,688 | $64,081 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,564 | $36,228 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $62,256 | $144,912 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $46,600 | $66,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $75,790 | $102,051 |
| Graduation Rate | 81.0% | 83.6% |
| Payback Period | 5 yr | 4.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $11,069 | $23,750 |
| Monthly Payment | $117 | $252 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.24 | 0.36 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 87.0% | 95.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 84.3% | 93.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 67.8% | 63.5% |
| Enrollment | 32,952 | 5,714 |
| SAT Range | 1270-1460 | 1375-1510 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Brigham Young Univer... | Rensselaer Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $10,444 | $24,078 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,112 | $26,289 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,062 | $28,212 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $16,378 | $36,230 |
| $110,001+ | $20,542 | $42,541 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Brigham Young Univer... | Rensselaer Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $142,800 | $141,528 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $113,338 | $115,100 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $105,544 | $99,713 |
| Electrical Engineering | $99,774 | $104,596 |
| Chemical Engineering | $101,726 | $98,679 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $90,634 | $92,952 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $52,929 | $87,358 |
| Civil Engineering | $81,928 | $86,794 |
| Physics | $73,747 | $81,840 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Brigham Young Univer... | Rensselaer Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 94 | 88 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 94 | 97 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 97 | 91 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 90 | 92 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 90 | 100 |
| Overall ROI Score | 94 | 93 |
The Verdict
It's close. Brigham Young University edges out Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute by 1 points (94 vs 93), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Brigham Young University
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.