You would borrow a median $23,750 — about $270 a month for ten years. Graduates earn a median $102,051 ten years after starting, so the debt clears in roughly 0.4 years of the salary premium.
Yes — on the federal figures this is one of the fastest-paying degrees in the country.
Under roughly 15% of gross pay, repayment is generally considered manageable alongside rent and living costs.
We do not list an award tied specifically to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute yet — but national, country and subject scholarships still apply to students heading there, and each one cuts the $23,750 above.
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The typical graded university clears its debt in 1.3 years on median earnings of $57,146 against $22,500 of debt. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute clears its debt faster than that, and its graduates earn $62,531 a year more than a US worker with only a high-school diploma.
| Nearby university | Grade | Debt | Earnings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY Maritime College New York | A | $23,250 | $95,951 | 0.4 yrs |
| Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art New York | A | $15,000 | $83,847 | 0.3 yrs |
| Colgate University New York | A | $15,000 | $85,139 | 0.3 yrs |
| Hamilton College New York | A | $17,000 | $78,411 | 0.4 yrs |
| Barnard College New York | A | $18,000 | $80,516 | 0.4 yrs |
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard — earnings and debt cover students who received federal financial aid and blend every subject taught at the institution. Figures imported 28 Aug 2026. This page is information, not financial advice.