History
The Rensselaer School was established in Troy, New York, in 1824 by Stephen Van Rensselaer, along with educator and scientist Amos Eaton, “for the purpose of instructing persons ... in the application of science to the common purposes of life.”
Education
With 7,900 students and more than 100,000 living alumni, Rensselaer is addressing the global challenges facing the 21st century—to change lives, to advance society, and to change the world.
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
601 -107
2024
494 -33
2023
461
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
-
2024
401 200
2023
601
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
-
2023
401
2022
401
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
822 -124
2023
698
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Housing services
For your convenience, we have listed our recommended lodging accommodations below. Be sure to ask about the discounted rate for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute visitors.
Library services
The Institute Archives and Special Collections are housed in the Fixman Room on the third floor of Folsom Library. Archival collections provide documentation of the development and growth of the Institute. Materials include records of Rensselaer's presidents and senior administrators, Board of Trustees minutes, department records, and campus publications.
Medical services
Student Health Services is offering VIRTUAL VISITS (phone and video) during the period of remote instruction.
Campus life
Located in Troy, New York — a growing area within the state’s Tech Valley.
Student clubs
Rensselaer is home to 212 clubs and organizations, offering students the opportunity to immerse themselves in activities outside the classroom.
Rensselaer is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and by a number of professional and academic societies. Undergraduate degree programs in chemistry are certified by the American Chemical Society; professional programs in architecture are accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board.