Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute vs Sarah Lawrence College

Troy, NY · Bronxville, NY · Source: IPEDS federal database

Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteSarah Lawrence College
Acceptance Rate58.4%58.9%
In-State Tuition$61,884$63,678
Out-of-State Tuition$61,884$63,678
Average Net Price$22,338$27,747
Graduation Rate83.0%70.0%

GradFax Analysis

Both are competitive to get into. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute accepts 58.4% of applicants; Sarah Lawrence College accepts 58.9%. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's tuition is $61,884. Sarah Lawrence College's is $63,678. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is cheaper. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates 83% of students in 6 years. Sarah Lawrence College graduates 70%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute profileSarah Lawrence College profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or Sarah Lawrence College?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It accepts 58.4% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or Sarah Lawrence College more affordable?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has lower published tuition: $61,884 versus $63,678. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: 83% of students finish in 6 years. Sarah Lawrence College is at 70%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute vs Sarah Lawrence College: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax