RIT is a place where brilliant minds assemble and collaborate, where they pool together their individual talents across disciplines in service of creative projects and innovative solutions. It is a vibrant community teeming with students collaborating with experts and specialists; a hub of innovation and creativity. As one of the nation's largest private universities, RIT has an unmatched array of specialized, career-oriented academic programs that attracts designers, artists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers on the one hand, and scientists, engineers, computing scientists, social scientists, and entrepreneurs on the other. It is a launching pad for a brilliant career, and a highly unique state of mind.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Renee Walker
Visit Coordinator
Visit Coordinator
Address
60 Lomb Memorial Dr.
Rochester, NY 14623
Rochester, NY 14623
Phone
585-475-6736
Email
admissions@rit.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Java Wally's (Wallace Library coffee sho
Student Life Center/Field House/Ice Aren
ESPN Zone @ RIT Student Alumni Union
Ben and Jerry's (RIT Student Alumni Uni
The Cafe and Market at Crossroads
Student Life Center/Field House/Ice Aren
ESPN Zone @ RIT Student Alumni Union
Ben and Jerry's (RIT Student Alumni Uni
The Cafe and Market at Crossroads
Most Popular Places Off Campus
International Museum of Photography
Frontier Field (AAA Baseball)
Lake Ontario
Eastman Theatre
Rochester Museum and Science Center
Frontier Field (AAA Baseball)
Lake Ontario
Eastman Theatre
Rochester Museum and Science Center
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday; Saturday
8:30am-4:30pm; 10am-noon
585-475-6736
8:30am-4:30pm; 10am-noon
585-475-6736
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Mon-Fri 10am, noon, and 2pm; Sat at 11am
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: Mon-Fri 10am, noon, and 2pm; Sat at 11am
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
year round
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly
Advance Notice
2 weeks
Contact Email Address for Visit
admissions@rit.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Limitations
1-night stay only. Based on availability
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
The Greater Rochester International Airport is approximately 5 miles from campus. Taxis and rental cars are available for the ride from the airport to campus.
Driving Instructions to Campus
From I-90, take Exit 46 and proceed north on I-390 to Exit 13 (Hylan Dr.). Turn left on Hylan and continue north to Jefferson Rd., then turn left. Proceed west on Jefferson a short distance to the main campus which is on your left.
Local Accommodations
Most campus visitors stay at the RIT Inn and Conference Center(5257 W. Henrietta Rd; 585-359-1800; www.ritinn.com)located 3 mi from campus with free shuttle and special rates for campus visitors. The Radisson Inn (175 Jefferson Rd.; 585-475-1910) is within walking distance of campus. Rates are at the top end of the moderate range. A full range of hotel/motel options and prices are available within a 5 mile radius of campus.
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
RIT seeks a diverse and multicultural student body. Entering students come from a variety of geographic, social, cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. Admission to RIT is competitive, but the admission process is a personal one. The university is interested in learning about students' interests, abilities, and goals in order to provide the best information and guidance as they select the college that is right for them. Factors considered in our admission decisions include, but are not limited to, past high school and/or college performance (particularly in required academic subjects), admission test scores, competitiveness of high school or previous college, and academic program selected.
Students applying for freshman admission for the fall semester (September) may apply through an Early Decision Plan or Regular Decision Plan. The Early Decision Plans is designed for students who consider RIT their first-choice college and wish to make an early commitment regarding admission. Early Decision I requires that candidates file their applications and supporting documents by November 1; the Early Decision II deadline for applications and supporting documents is January 1. Regular Decision applicants should file the required application materials by January 15.
Overview
Applicants: 20,451
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Average HS GPA: 3.60
SAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
590 - 680
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
600 - 700
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
26 - 32
Testing Policies
Yes
Yes
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Requires applicants to submit either the SAT or ACT
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 15
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
At RIT, some of the world's most talented, ambitious, and creative students find a remarkable array of academic programs; diverse, talented and accessible faculty; sophisticated facilities; an unusual emphasis on experiential learning; and a vibrant, connected community that is home to students from more than 100 countries. Excelling in teaching and research, RIT's faculty are passionate about their role in the classroom and in their field. RIT's faculty are diverse, innovative and resourceful, and engage students in the process of personal and professional discovery. RIT's nine colleges offer more than 90 undergraduate programs. To complement their specialized field of study, students select from more than 80 minors available at RIT. Students can also complete a master's degree in five years through one of the university's accelerated BS/MS or 4+1 MBA programs.
Experiential Learning
Since 1912, the hallmark of an RIT has been experiential education. RIT was among the first universities in the world to offer cooperative education, and its co-op program is now one of the largest in the world. Last year more than 4,400 students completed nearly 6,000 co-op work assignments by alternating periods of study on campus with paid employment in more than 2,300 firms across the United States and overseas. Experiential learning also includes internships, study abroad, and undergraduate research.
Majors and Degrees Offered
Art, Design and Visual Communications
3D Digital Design
Advertising and Public Relations
Ceramics
Digital Humanities and Social Sciences
Film and Animation
Furniture Design
Glass
Graphic Design
Illustration
Industrial Design
Interior Design
Media Arts and Technology
Medical Illustration
Metals and Jewelry Design
Motion Picture Science
New Media Design
New Media Interactive Development
New Media Marketing
Photographic and Imaging Arts (options in Advertising Photography, Fine Art Photography, Photojournalism, Visual Media)
Photographic Sciences (options in Biomedical Photographic Communications, Imaging and Photographic Technology)
Studio Arts
Business and Management
Accounting
Applied Technical Leadership
Economics
Finance
Hospitality and Tourism Management
International Business
Management
Marketing
Management Information Systems
New Media Marketing
Supply Chain Management
Computing and Information Sciences
3D Digital Design
Bioinformatics
Computational Mathematics
Computer Science
Computing and Information Technologies
Computing Security
Game Design and Development
Human-Centered Computing
Management Information Systems
New Media Interactive Development
Software Engineering
Web and Mobile Computing
Engineering and Engineering Technology
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Technology
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering Technology
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering Technology
Electrical Mechanical Engineering Technology
Industrial Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Microelectronic Engineering
Packaging Science
Software Engineering
Health Sciences and Technology
Biomedical Sciences
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
Dietetics and Nutrition
Exercise Science
Nutritional Sciences
Physician Assistant BS/MS
Science, Mathematics, and Imaging Science
Applied Mathematics
Applied Statistics and Actuarial Science
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics
Biology
Biomedical Sciences
Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience
Chemistry
Computational Mathematics
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
Environmental Science
Environmental, Health and Safety Management
Imaging Science
Physics
Social Sciences and Humanities
Applied Modern Language and Culture
ASL-English Interpretation
Communication
Criminal Justice
Environmental Science
International and Global Studies
Journalism
Museum Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Public Policy
Sociology and Anthropology
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
13:1
Total Faculty
1,459
with Terminal Degree
725
910
Men
549
Women
228
Minority
48
International
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
28%
Graduate in 5 years
59%
Graduate in 6 years
70%
Majors
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Bioinformatics.
Biology, General.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Other.
Biomedical Sciences, General.
Biotechnology.
Exercise Physiology.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Actuarial Science.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Business/Commerce, General.
Finance and Financial Management Services, Other.
Finance, General.
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.
Hospitality Administration/Management, Other.
Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management.
Hotel/Motel Administration/Management.
International Business.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management.
Management Information Systems, General.
Marketing.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
Resort Management.
Restaurant/Food Services Management.
Tourism and Travel Services Management.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Advertising.
Communication and Media Studies.
Communication, General.
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
Journalism.
Mass Communication/Media Studies.
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, Other
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
Public Relations/Image Management.
-
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES/TECHNICIANS AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects.
Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator, General Production.
Graphic Communications, General.
Graphic Communications, Other.
Photographic and Film/Video Technology/Technician and Assistant.
Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design.
Printing Management.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Artificial Intelligence.
Computer and Information Sciences, Other.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance.
Computer Graphics.
Computer Science.
Computer Software and Media Applications, Other.
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst.
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.
Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other.
Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration.
Informatics.
Information Technology.
Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation.
Network and System Administration/Administrator.
System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager.
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.
Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster.
-
EDUCATION.
Art Teacher Education.
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments Including Deafness.
-
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND ENGINEERING-RELATED FIELDS.
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
Civil Engineering Technology/Technician.
Computer Engineering Technology/Technician.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician.
Electromechanical Technology/Electromechanical Engineering Technology.
Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields, Other.
Environmental Engineering Technology/Environmental Technology.
Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician.
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician.
Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician.
Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician.
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians, Other.
Telecommunications Technology/Technician.
Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician.
-
ENGINEERING.
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
Biomedical/Medical Engineering.
Chemical Engineering.
Computer Engineering, General.
Computer Engineering.
Computer Hardware Engineering.
Computer Software Engineering.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Engineering Science.
Engineering, General.
Engineering, Other.
Industrial Engineering.
Manufacturing Engineering.
Materials Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering.
Systems Engineering.
-
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES/HUMAN SCIENCES.
Foodservice Systems Administration/Management.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
American Sign Language (ASL).
Chinese Language and Literature.
Japanese Language and Literature.
Sign Language Interpretation and Translation.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.
Medical Illustration/Medical Illustrator.
Medical Informatics.
Physician Assistant.
Pre-Dentistry Studies.
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.
Pre-Pharmacy Studies.
Pre-Veterinary Studies.
-
HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other.
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.
Criminal Justice/Police Science.
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician.
-
LEGAL PROFESSIONS AND STUDIES.
Pre-Law Studies.
-
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
General Studies.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Applied Mathematics, General.
Applied Mathematics.
Computational and Applied Mathematics.
Computational Mathematics.
Statistics, General.
-
MILITARY SCIENCE, LEADERSHIP AND OPERATIONAL ART.
Air Force JROTC/ROTC.
Army JROTC/ROTC.
Navy/Marine Corps JROTC/ROTC.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Cultural Resource Management and Policy Analysis.
Human Computer Interaction.
International/Global Studies.
Mathematics and Computer Science.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
-
PERSONAL AND CULINARY SERVICES.
Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
Polymer Chemistry.
-
PRECISION PRODUCTION.
Furniture Design and Manufacturing.
Woodworking, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Public Policy Analysis, General.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Applied Economics.
Economics, General.
International Relations and Affairs.
Sociology.
Urban Studies/Affairs.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Ceramic Arts and Ceramics.
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.
Commercial and Advertising Art.
Commercial Photography.
Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry.
Design and Applied Arts, Other.
Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Game and Interactive Media Design.
Graphic Design.
Illustration.
Industrial and Product Design.
Interior Design.
Intermedia/Multimedia.
Metal and Jewelry Arts.
Painting.
Photography.
Printmaking.
Sculpture.
Students Say
This western New York academic stalwart boasts one of the country’s oldest (and largest) co-op programs and regularly turns out job-ready students from its arts, business, and engineering programs alike. Rochester Institute of Technology is laserfocused on “creating students that are more than prepared to enter the job force,” and faculty “bring the material to life” by keeping lectures work-related and placing emphasis on “how you would use what we are learning on the job site.” “Professors work with the students and see them as equals,” says one mechanical engineering major. “When I’m in the classroom, I feel like I’m learning and that I have a voice.”
The workload is legendarily daunting and “you will have to reach out and form study groups and pull all-nighters,” but professors are “more than happy to help their students” and “truly take pride in helping their students become successful.” While the material may be difficult, faculty “are willing to stay after hours, meet with the student, and hold group study/review sessions to help their students understand the material.” The easy A is “not very common, especially in engineering classes,” but “if you work hard, you will be recognized and grades will reflect that.”
The opportunity for students to dip their toes into real world experience abounds throughout the college, and the paid co-op program (mandatory for most majors) is considered by many to be “the best thing anyone could ever choose to go through if you are a career-driven individual.” Additionally, there are “plenty of materials and machines students can use for free where in other schools you still have to pay.”
The workload is legendarily daunting and “you will have to reach out and form study groups and pull all-nighters,” but professors are “more than happy to help their students” and “truly take pride in helping their students become successful.” While the material may be difficult, faculty “are willing to stay after hours, meet with the student, and hold group study/review sessions to help their students understand the material.” The easy A is “not very common, especially in engineering classes,” but “if you work hard, you will be recognized and grades will reflect that.”
The opportunity for students to dip their toes into real world experience abounds throughout the college, and the paid co-op program (mandatory for most majors) is considered by many to be “the best thing anyone could ever choose to go through if you are a career-driven individual.” Additionally, there are “plenty of materials and machines students can use for free where in other schools you still have to pay.”
Degrees
Associate
Bachelor's
Certificate
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Bachelor's
Certificate
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Eric Avar '90
Vice President, Design Innovation, Nike
William Snyder '81
4-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist
Jim Hasman '01
Production Manager, Walt Disney Pictures
Antoine Shagoury '93
COO, London Stock Exchange
Kim VanGelder '86
CIO and SVP, Eastman Kodak Company
Linda Stutsman '94
Managing Director, International Information Integrity Institute
Jen Stratton '05
Visual effects artist; part of VFX team, Life of Pi
Academic Rating
81/99
Careers
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
28%
Graduate in 5 years
59%
Graduate in 6 years
70%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Information from PayScale:
Starting Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$60,400
Mid-Career Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$102,600
Starting Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$61,500
Mid-Career Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$105,700
Percent High Job Meaning
43%
Percent STEM
50%
Students Say
RIT students are incredibly successful on the job market. After all, the university's “mandatory co-op/internship program almost guarantees graduates a job in an area they love.” Students are also able to easily capitalize on RIT's “amazing connections with companies throughout the world.” And they can no doubt turn to the school's stellar Office of Career Services can Cooperative Education as well. Beyond helping undergrads land their co-ops, the office holds networking events with companies like Apple, Nike, and Bristol Meyers Squibb. They also host career fairs every semester. Best of all, the office maintains drop-in hours Monday–Friday allowing students to get all of their questions answered and their resumes tweaked.
Excerpt from Colleges That Create Futures
RIT is laser-focused on "creating students that are more than prepared to enter the job force." In fact, the RIT Class of 2015 boasts an enviable 95 percent undergraduate outcomes rate—the percentage of graduates who have entered the workforce, enrolled in further study, or are pursuing alternative plans (like military or volunteer service). RIT alumnus Tad Hunt (‘97) explains, "The RIT name is synonymous with folks that just ‘Get Stuff Done.'" That reputation is due, in part, to the fantastic cooperative education program that RIT offers. In 2015, more than 4,400 students completed nearly 6,000 co-op assignments with approximately 2,300 employing organizations. These assignments were located in fifty states and forty different countries. According to Tad Hunt, who majored in computer science, these experiences makes all the difference: "RIT offered the best opportunity to gain both the theoretical and practical ‘feet on the ground' training through classes, co-op, and the self directed projects we did at Computer Science House," one of seven special interest residential houses on campus. While cooperative education schedules vary by department at RIT, most students alternate between academic classwork periods and full-time work periods in their field some time during the last three years of school, for a cumulative year of work experience. One student explains, "[RIT's] cooperative education is highly advantageous and offers students great insight into the field of their choosing in order to get a better feel for the work environment and culture prior to diving in head first without reviewing all options first."
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
For 2018-19, tuition and fees cost $44,130; room and board averaged $13,046; and books, transportation, and other expenses averaged $2,054.
Financial Aid
RIT's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships assists students and their families in identifying sources of financial aid to help meet the cost of a quality education. Currently, more than 12,000 RIT undergraduate and graduate students receive over $320 million dollars in financial assistance from federal, state, and institutional resources, in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time employment.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Notification Date
Mar 1
Required Forms
FAFSA
State Aid
State Aid
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$23,968
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$22,200
Average Need-Based Loan
$6,500
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
76%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$38,927
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$28,450
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$41,046
Required Fees
$584
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,066
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
$5,448
Transportation for Commuters
$304
On-Campus Room and Board
$13,046
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal and Institutional
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
93/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
The backgrounds and interests of RIT students contribute in many ways to the quality of campus life. With students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, RIT is a living-learning environment rich in diversity in classrooms, residence halls, and everywhere else on campus. RIT attracts students from every state and approximately 2,700 international students from more than 100 countries. Embodying our commitment to diversity, nearly 3,200 students of color have elected to study at RIT. Adding a social and educational dynamic not found at any other university are nearly 1,100 deaf and hard-of-hearing students supported by RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf.
Students take their academic pursuits seriously, but they'll be the first to tell you that they are passionate about life outside of the lectures, labs and studios. RIT is alive with energy and excitement-24/7. A number of campus organizations and student services focus on the unique needs and interests of minority, deaf, and international students at RIT. You'll have plenty of opportunity to interact with a mind expanding mix of people. More than 7,100 full-time students live on campus in residence halls or apartments, and our self-contained, suburban location creates a safe and secure atmosphere. Clubs and organizations exist to bring students of similar interest together and provide them with opportunities to become effective leaders. These groups enhance the quality of student life by fostering social interaction, leadership development, school spirit and an affinity to RIT. Clubs and Organizations promote activities, diversity, service and learning outside of the classroom. Currently there are approximately 300 active clubs, 10 Major Student Organizations, and 30 Greek Organizations on campus. Last year, clubs and organizations held nearly 1,300 events on campus.
RIT's intercollegiate teams have a history of excellence, recording many impressive seasons and capturing a number of conference and national championships. The men's and women's hockey teams are Division I. The remainder of the intercollegiate teams competes at Division III. RIT teams are members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), the Atlantic Hockey Association, the College Hockey America, the Liberty League, and the New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
13,515
Foreign Countries Represented
71
Demographics
8.90%
Asian
4.80%
Black
7.41%
Hispanic
66.44%
Caucasian
2.01%
Unknown
6.53%
International
32% female
68% male
48% are out of state
92% are full time
8% are part time
Students Say
RIT is a place “where diversity is highlighted [and] academics are prominent,” and the population is “as unique and diverse as they come.” This environment “allows for a good [facsimile] of the real world.” The school’s internationally recognized National Technical Institute for the Deaf means there are “amazing accommodations for deaf and hard of hearing students that attend the university,” including “notetaking, interpreters, [and C Print® technology],” and a vibrant LGBT+ community also exists on campus. “Video games are a way of life” and students tend to have a nerdy streak (“We are geeky and we love it”). Large groups and clubs for “anime, World of Warcraft, [and] chain mail” happily thrive among students that are all “very accepting of each other’s interests.” “This is where students are able to create what their minds generate. It’s like teenager’s dream,” says one.
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
RIT's 1,300-acre campus is located in the suburbs, about six miles from downtown Rochester, NY. More than 7,100 diverse, creative, ambitious students live on campus in residence halls or apartments, and the self-contained, suburban location gives the campus a safe, residential atmosphere. RIT also maintains locations in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
RIT is comprised of nine colleges and two additional degree-granting units. The campus is filled with the latest equipment, software, laboratories, and conveniences to give students the tools they need to excel. RIT offers academic facilities that are rarely matched on other university campuses.
A selected list of facilities includes:
American Packaging Corporation Center for Packaging Innovation;
Artificial Intelligence Lab
Center for Sustainable Packaging
Center for Accessibility and Inclusion Research
Entertainment Lab for 3D modeling, game, and interactive media development
Mobile Computing and Robotics Lab
William G. McGowan Center for Telecommunications, Innovation, and Collaborative Research
REDCOM Telecommunications Systems Laboratory
Integrated circuit design center,
Computer labs with industry-standard CAD software packages
A Class-1000 clean-room laboratory space for the fabrication of integrated circuits
A machining and manufacturing center equipped with state-of-the-art CNC machinery
3D printing equipment
Center for Applied Psychophysiology and Self-regulation
Center for Bioscience Exploration and Technology
30 fully equipped photographic studios,
20 fully equipped b/w and color darkrooms
Image Permanence Institute
Off-Campus Opportunities
Rochester provides a perfect setting--it's large enough to provide the dining, shopping, and night life opportunities found in a bigger city, yet small and friendly enough to be inviting and accessible. In fact, Rochester was ranked 10th best among large cities in the Northeast in a recent Money magazine Best Places to Live in America survey. The greater Rochester area is home to more than 1 million people, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in New York State. Rochester's reputation as an active and inventive community is supported by extensive cultural and intellectual opportunities.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
52%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
88/99
First-Year Students living on campus
96%
Campus Environment
Small Urban
89/99
Housing Options
Apartment Married
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Frat Sorority
International Student
Other
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
International Student
Other
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Students Say
While schoolwork takes up the majority of students’ time, outside the classroom they “are constantly doing something to keep busy,” whether that’s joining one of the 300plus clubs or chilling at the lab. “RIT has a culture for everybody,” so if you are interested in a broad topic like computing, “there are a dozen different clubs/societies that you can join to learn more about whatever niche topic interests you.”
Students cop to their being “a large gamer population” at RIT, and both electronic and tabletop gaming clubs and tournaments are wildly popular, as is anime. Hockey is a huge part of RIT and “it is very common to see a large number of students at the games.” People also “go to the free on-campus movies, see guest speakers, listen to comedians, and attend events hosted by the College Activities Board.”
The atmosphere and layout of the campus are beautifully balanced in that “it is not very spread out but not very small at the same time.” More than half of the growing population of students live in on-campus, meaning housing “is not always available for everyone who applies” and dorms can be crowded. As one student notes: “The existing infrastructure is okay at best.”
Students cop to their being “a large gamer population” at RIT, and both electronic and tabletop gaming clubs and tournaments are wildly popular, as is anime. Hockey is a huge part of RIT and “it is very common to see a large number of students at the games.” People also “go to the free on-campus movies, see guest speakers, listen to comedians, and attend events hosted by the College Activities Board.”
The atmosphere and layout of the campus are beautifully balanced in that “it is not very spread out but not very small at the same time.” More than half of the growing population of students live in on-campus, meaning housing “is not always available for everyone who applies” and dorms can be crowded. As one student notes: “The existing infrastructure is okay at best.”
Special Needs Admissions
Director
Susan Ackerman
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
300
Number of Honor Societies
9
Number of Social Sororities
10
Number of Religious Organizations
10
4% join a fraternity
2% join a sorority
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
Men's Sports (Tigers)
14 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cheerleading
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Wrestling
Basketball
Cheerleading
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Wrestling
Women's Sports (Tigers)
14 Sports
Basketball
Cheerleading
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Cheerleading
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Day Care
Health
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered on-campus
Navy ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Rochester
Air Force ROTC Offered on-campus
Health
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered on-campus
Navy ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Rochester
Air Force ROTC Offered on-campus
Sustainability
Rochester Institute of Technology is known for being on the cutting edge of innovation. The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute is headquartered at RIT. The institute founded the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, which is committed to advancing education and research in sustainability. RIT’s Committee for Sustainable Practices was established to advise the campus on environmental issues, policies, procedures, and curricular activities, and to partner with public officials and local environmental groups on sustainability initiatives. RIT’s president, William Destler, has signed the ACUPCC, ensuring that the institute will have a formal plan for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions on campus. To further these efforts, RIT has determined that all new construction projects will seek, at minimum, LEED Silver. There are currently two projects seeking LEED Gold, one seeking LEED Silver, and The Golisano Institute for Sustainability is seeking LEED Platinum. These are in addition to the College of Applied Science and Technology LEED Gold building and the University Services Center LEED Platinum building already on campus. RIT has also put together a $38 million heating and cooling plant replacement project that will go a long way toward reducing campus emissions and improving overall energy efficiency. Lastly, RIT has taken sustainability to a new height as solar panels developed in RIT’s labs were launched on the final mission of the space shuttle.
96/99
AASHE STARS® rating
SILVER
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Public GHG inventory plan
Yes
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
Yes
Car Sharing Program
Yes
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Program
Yes
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
Yes
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Yes
Incentives Or Programs To Encourage Employees To Live Close To Campus
Yes
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
Yes
Reduced Parking Fees For Car And Van Poolers
Yes
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
Yes
School Developed Bicycle Plan
Yes
School Offers A Telecommute Program For Employees
Yes
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2023.
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
Yes
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Faculty and student offers on Dell, Gateway, IBM and Mac
