<p>I just got accepted to RPI as a transfer student and I'm preparing to make my decision. One issue that I'm having is that RPI actually ranks pretty similarly to my current school (Dickinson College) in academics. I have found Dickinson's academics to be pretty weak (decent workload but not challenging at all) and the student body isn't exactly the cream of the crop. RPI, on the other hand, seems to have excellent programs (especially in the sciences) and fantastic research opportunities. I'm just wondering why it ranks lower than other engineering schools, and why that rank seems to be decreasing.</p>
<p>Just an FYI, I am a computer science major. If anyone has any information on the comp sci department (or the ITWS program) that would also be extremely helpful. </p>
<p>Parent here. When I mention to people in the field they almost universally say RPI is a great school, unprompted by me. If you look at payscale.com data, I think RPI ranks pretty highly for earnings after graduation. My son had other choices, including GEorgia Tech, which I think is ranked in top 5, and he’s at RPI. If you looked at placement after graduation, RPI does pretty well. You need to decide what’s important to you, and evaluate from that perspective. Good luck.</p>
<p>RPI is doing particularly well with its IT and Web Science program. The employment numbers (# of offers and salaries) are excellent. I think you’ll find greater technical depth and breadth, but you will also find people who are less interested in economics, psychology, literature and such that Dickinson has stronger programs in. All in all, two years at a more traditional LAC like Dickinson, then a move to a tech school like RPI seems like a decent move if you want to dive deep into a technical area. Don’t fuss over the rankings.</p>
<p>Most of these ratings are basically just opinions from one source or another. Generally you will find that RPI gets mentioned with the top engineering schools in the nation. While it makes you feel good to see a high ranking, once you are in that conversation, I am really not sure if it matters if your 5th, 10th or 25th. They are all excellent schools. </p>
<p>Some numbers that do make sense to pay attention to.
- SAT scores. Shows how selective the school is.
- Graduation rates. Shows how well the school performs in supporting their students.</p>
<p>I also find job placement and earnings number interesting, but you need to keep it in context of being primarily an Engineering School and located in the North East. These numbers should be high.</p>