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73.0%Acceptance
$56,674Tuition
2,224Students
82%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$101,253Earnings
#6 in IndianaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Rose-Hulman produces engineers who actually get jobs. This specialized institute enrolls 2,224 students in Terre Haute, a small Indiana city where technical education takes center stage. The school's laser focus on engineering and technology has created one of the country's most effective job placement machines. Notable graduates include Matt Groening, who created The Simpsons, and former MLB star Don Mattingly. With a 73% acceptance rate, Rose-Hulman is selective but not impossibly so for strong STEM students.

The financial math works surprisingly well for an engineering school. Students pay an average net price of $40,665 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $101,253 ten years out. That's a solid return on investment, especially with typical debt loads of just $25,000. The school's 97.2% employment rate means students rarely struggle to find work after graduation.

The student body skews heavily male at 76%, reflecting engineering's persistent gender imbalance. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students personally. The quarter system keeps academics moving at a brisk pace. Rose-Hulman fields 20 varsity sports as the Fightin' Engineers, though academics clearly drive campus culture. This is where serious engineering students go to launch serious engineering careers.

Academics & Faculty

Rose-Hulman built its reputation as one of the nation's top undergraduate engineering schools, consistently ranking first in programs without doctoral degrees. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and work closely with them on projects. With an 81% four-year graduation rate, students typically finish their demanding engineering programs on time. The quarter system keeps coursework intense and fast-paced. Rose-Hulman specializes in mechanical, electrical, chemical, and computer engineering, along with computer science and mathematics. Students get hands-on experience through extensive lab work and industry partnerships. The school's laser focus on undergraduate teaching sets it apart from research universities where graduate students often lead classes.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
94.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
81.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
81.7%
Retention Rate
90.6%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$101,253

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Computer Science. Bachelor $111,992
Computer Engineering. Bachelor $90,049
Engineering-Related Fields. Master $82,440
Chemical Engineering. Bachelor $79,473
Mathematics. Bachelor $76,460
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $74,341
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $72,600
Biomedical/Medical Engineering. Bachelor $68,331
Civil Engineering. Bachelor $67,273

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

Rose-Hulman sits in Terre Haute, a small Indiana city about 70 miles west of Indianapolis. The 200-acre campus houses 58% of its 2,224 students in residence halls and apartments. With three-quarters male enrollment, the engineering-focused student body creates a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually remember your name and research interests.

Winters require heavy coats as temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers bring humid heat. Students blow off steam from intense coursework through 20 varsity sports and numerous intramural leagues. The Fightin' Engineers embrace their nerdy identity with traditions like the concrete canoe competition and robot battles. Weekend activities center on campus since Terre Haute offers limited nightlife options. Greek life provides social outlets, though many students prefer gaming tournaments, movie nights, or working on personal engineering projects. The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly, with 90.64% of students returning each year despite the rigorous pace.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
1,297 beds
Calendar System
Quarter
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–36°F
July Avg
64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
84.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Rose-Hulman draws engineering students from across the country, with nearly three-quarters coming from outside Indiana. The student body is 76% male, reflecting the school's focus on engineering and technology fields that historically attract more men. Only 12% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school primarily serves middle and upper-middle-class families. Students typically score around 1387 on the SAT. The national draw shows Rose-Hulman's reputation extends far beyond the Midwest, attracting motivated STEM students willing to pay premium tuition for the school's well-known engineering programs and job placement success.
Men
75.9%
Women
24.1%
White
69.6%
Black
3.4%
Hispanic
5.1%
Asian
7.5%
In-State Students
27.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
11.7%

Location

Rose-Hulman sits in Terre Haute, Indiana, a small city of about 60,000 people located 70 miles west of Indianapolis. The campus draws students from across the country, with 72% coming from out of state. Terre Haute serves as a regional center for west-central Indiana, surrounded by farmland and small towns typical of the Midwest. The city hosts Indiana State University as well, creating a modest college town atmosphere. The area offers outdoor recreation along the Wabash River and easy access to both Indianapolis and St. Louis for internships and jobs. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Rose-Hulman with similar schools in the region.
Address
Terre Haute, Indiana 47803-3920
Rose Polytechnic
Rose Polytechnic
Moench Hall Rear View
Moench Hall Rear View
The New Academic Building at Rose-Hulman Institute of Techology, as of Early
The New Academic Building at Rose-Hulman Institute of Techology, as of Early

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$101,253
Median Earnings (5 years)
$98,978
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$70,800
Loan Repayment Rate
93.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?

Rose-Hulman accepts 73% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a specialized engineering school. The middle 50% of students score between 1290-1483 on the SAT, reflecting the strong math and science preparation needed for the rigorous curriculum.

How much does Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $40,665, lower than the full tuition of $56,674. However, only 11.71% of students receive need-based financial aid, indicating many families pay close to full price at this private engineering institute.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?

The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, allowing for exceptional personal attention in challenging engineering coursework. This small class environment is a hallmark of Rose-Hulman's teaching-focused approach, where professors prioritize undergraduate education over research.

How much do Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median salary of $101,253 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strong demand for Rose-Hulman engineers. With a 97.2% employment rate and typical student debt of just $25,000, graduates see excellent return on investment in this specialized education.

Where is Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology located and what is campus life like?

The school sits in Terre Haute, Indiana, a small city setting that keeps students focused on academics and tight-knit campus community. With 1,297 housing spots for 2,224 students and 588 student-athletes competing in 20 Division III sports, campus life centers around engineering projects and school spirit as the Fightin' Engineers.

Is Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology diverse in terms of gender and background?

The student body is 76% male and 24% female, typical for engineering-focused institutions. With 70% of students being white and 72% coming from out-of-state, Rose-Hulman draws engineering talent nationally but continues working to diversify its traditionally male-dominated field.