Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | Top Universities
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# 1001-1200QS World University Rankings

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127Undergraduate programs

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106Postgraduate programs

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4QS stars

About Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is one of the largest private universities in the United States. Located in Rochester, New York, RIT’s suburban campus is the home to over 20,000 students. We welcome undergraduates and graduates from across all 50 states and over 100 countries, and are rooted in the international community through global campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo.

Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, we provide exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities. RIT offers over 200 undergraduate, master’s and PhD programs in game design and digital media, biological and health sciences, business, engineering and engineering technology, computing, cybersecurity, and liberal arts. We are also the home to our renowned National Technical Institute of the Deaf and provide pathways for accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degrees with additional programming in performing arts, sustainability, eSports, and more.

RIT has one of the largest and most established cooperative education (co-op) programs in the world, ranked fifth by U.S. News and World Report (2024). Co-ops are full-time, paid work experiences related to your major and can include CPT & OPT opportunities for our international students.

We’re always onto something, so life at RIT is busy. With over 300 student clubs and organizations, intercollegiate athletics, greek life, spiritual centers, and annual festivals steeped in RIT tradition, there’s no shortage of things to do on our safe and inclusive campus.

What sets RIT graduates apart isn’t just their degree: it’s what they accomplish before they even receive it. In short, our students and graduates thrive. Join us, won’t you?

About Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is one of the largest private universities in the United States. Located in Rochester, New York, RIT’s suburban campus is the home to over 20,000 students. We welcome undergraduates and graduates from across all 50 states and over 100 countries, and are rooted in the international community through global campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo.

Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, we provide exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities. RIT offers over 200 undergraduate, master’s and PhD programs in game design and digital media, biological and health sciences, business, engineering and engineering technology, computing, cybersecurity, and liberal arts. We are also the home to our renowned National Technical Institute of the Deaf and provide pathways for accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degrees with additional programming in performing arts, sustainability, eSports, and more.

RIT has one of the largest and most established cooperative education (co-op) programs in the world, ranked fifth by U.S. News and World Report (2024). Co-ops are full-time, paid work experiences related to your major and can include CPT & OPT opportunities for our international students.

We’re always onto something, so life at RIT is busy. With over 300 student clubs and organizations, intercollegiate athletics, greek life, spiritual centers, and annual festivals steeped in RIT tradition, there’s no shortage of things to do on our safe and inclusive campus.

What sets RIT graduates apart isn’t just their degree: it’s what they accomplish before they even receive it. In short, our students and graduates thrive. Join us, won’t you?

Available programs

RIT offers  85 bachelor's degrees  in the following areas:

  • Art and Design
  • Business and Management
  • Communications and Digital Media
  • Computing and Information Sciences
  • Engineering and Engineering Technology
  • Environmental Studies and Sustainability
  • Game Design and Development
  • Health Professions and Medical Sciences
  • Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education
  • Photography, Film, and Animation
  • Science and Math
  • Undeclared and Individualized Study


Students undertaking a bachelor’s degree at RIT have the option of completing a  minor, which can complement their major, helping them develop another area of professional expertise, or enable them to pursue an area of personal interest.

As part of their bachelor's degree requirements, students must complete an  immersion  – a concentration of three courses in a particular area.

Click here for a complete list of available minors and immersions.   

Bachelor’s degree entry requirements:

• Strong performance in a college preparatory program is expected. Generally, this includes 4 years of English, 3-4 years of mathematics, 2-3 years of science, and 3 years of social studies and/or history. Specific math and science requirements can be referenced at  this web page

• Academic documents (transcripts, mark sheets, degree certificates)

• Application fee of $65

• SAT or ACT scores are optional

• Portfolios are required for applicants to the Schools of Art, Design or American Crafts

International applicants  require a TOEFL or IELTS score unless qualified for a waiver through prior English instruction or US residency


International  and domestic students pay the same  tuition and fees. Undergraduate tuition and fees are currently set at $67,304 for the academic year.

There are a number of  scholarships  available at RIT for students.

In addition to the standard application deadline, Early Decision plans allow applicants to hear about admission and financial aid decisions much earlier than other applicants, offering an opportunity for earlier planning in the transition to RIT.  The following are application plans and deadlines:


                                                Early Decision I          Early Decision II          Regular Decision

Application Deadline           November 1st            January 1st                  January 15th

Decision Notification           Mid-December          Mid-January                 Mid-March


Additional information on decision  timelines and instructions  can be found at this  web page

English BS

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History BS

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Illustration BFA

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Philosophy BS

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Studio Arts BFA

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Cybersecurity BS

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RIT  offers  77 master's degrees and eight PhD programs  in the following areas:

Art, Design and Architecture

Business and Management

Communications and Digital Media

Computing and Information Sciences

Engineering and Engineering Technology

Environmental Studies and Sustainability

Game Design and Development

Health Professions and Medical Sciences

Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education

Photography, Film, and Animation

Science and Math

Undeclared and Individualized Study


Click here for a complete list of graduate programs.   

General postgraduate admission requirements:

Prospective RIT graduate students must hold (or be in anticipation of):

•A baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college

•Submission of an online application

•Supporting documents

•$65 application fee

•Personal statement

•Resume

•Undergraduate transcripts

•Letters of recommendation

•Some programs may require a writing sample, portfolio or an entrance exam (GRE or GMAT)


Most  graduate programs  require completion of 30 credit hours which equates to 10 courses, so they can be completed in three semesters. Other programs require completion of more coursework.

While some graduate programs have set application deadlines, most accept applications are accepted on a rolling basis meaning you can apply at any time.  

Most graduate programs award scholarships based on merit, and many also award assistantships. All international students are considered for merit-based scholarships and assistantships (if offered).  Scholarship decisions are made on a first-come, first-served basis, so for rolling deadlines the earlier you apply the better your chances for a scholarship.

International and domestic students pay the same  tuition and fees  for graduate programs. Graduate tuition and fees are calculated based on a credit-hour basis as many programs consider 9 credits (3 courses) full-time and others 12 credits (4 courses)For nine credits/semester, graduate tuition is currently set at $54,046 with no required fees. For 12 or more credits, tuition and fees are currently set at $66,876.

The graduate  study application and instructions  can be found at  this web page .  

Learn more about  student experiences   here .

Cybersecurity MS

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Data Science MS

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Data Science MS

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University information

Admission to RIT is competitive, but our admission process is a personal one. Each application is reviewed holistically for strength of academic preparation, recommendations, and your personal career interests.  RIT is now "Test Optional" for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may choose whether to report test scores to be considered with their application. We seek applicants from a variety of geographic, social, cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. RIT puts students first in the admissions process. We continue to use fair and ethical practices as we recruit, review applications and counsel our prospective students and their families. Our admissions officers support and promote ethical responsibility with our colleagues in the admission profession.

International applicants require a TOEFL or IELTS score to show their English proficiency unless qualified for a waiver through prior English instruction or US residency.  Minimum English test scores for direct admissions are as follows:

TOEFL (Internet-based)   79
TOEFL (paper-based)550
IELTS         6.5
PTE Academic          58

Highly qualified applicants whose English proficiency does not meet our requirements can be offered conditional admission that requires study in our English Language Center. RIT's English language center offers courses at all levels, designed to help students prepare for academic study at an American university. The center offers 5-week and 9-week summer programs, designed to help students prepare for academic study.

All international students are considered for merit-based scholarships.  Each year, RIT awards students more than $180 million in scholarships.

Undergraduate study applicants

For all bachelor's degree programs, a strong performance in a college preparatory program is expected. Generally, this includes 4 years of English, 3-4 years of mathematics, 2-3 years of science, and 3 years of social studies and/or history.  Specific math and science requirements can be referenced at this web page.

Application requirements include academic documents (transcripts, mark sheets, degree certificates) and application fee of $65. SAT or ACT scores are optional. Portfolios are required for applicants to the Schools of Art, Design or American Crafts.  International applicants require a TOEFL or IELTS score unless qualified for a waiver through prior English instruction or US residency.

In addition to the standard application deadline, Early Decision plans allow applicants to hear about admission and financial aid decisions much earlier than other applicants, offering an opportunity for earlier planning in the transition to RIT. The following are application plans and deadlines:

                Early Decision I          Early Decision II          Regular Decision

Application Deadline November 1st      January 1st    January 15th

Decision Notification Mid-December      Mid-January    Mid-March


Graduate study applicants

To be eligible to apply for any RIT graduate program you must hold (or be in anticipation of) a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college. Application for all graduate programs requires submission of an online application and the following supporting documents: $65 application fee, personal statement, resume, and undergraduate transcripts. Most programs require letters of recommendation. Additional requirements vary by program and may include a writing sample, portfolio or an entrance exam (GRE or GMAT).International applicants require a TOEFL or IELTS score unless qualified for a waiver through prior English instruction or US residency.  Specific requirements for each graduate program can be referenced at this web page.  

RIT’s campus community includes more than 24,000 people, including students, faculty, and staff. Situated in the Town of Henrietta—ten minutes from downtown Rochester and the airport—the campus has quick access to city life and surrounding shopping areas with RIT buses and public transportation. The suburban campus is designed with residence halls and housing on three sides and is joined together by a series of bike lanes and walkways. The Quarter Mile serves as the main pedestrian avenue, connecting one side of campus to the other in a fifteen minute walk.

Global Village, MAGIC Spell Studios, and the recently-completed Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED) are just a few of the new buildings keeping RIT at the forefront of forward-facing technology, and student engagement. Further, RIT Libraries connects students with more than just one million resources; its central location to campus shares pathways between the SHED, our Student Alumni Union, and our Campus Center. Construction for a new research building is underway and will open in 2025, adding to the existing 50 research centers and laboratories.

On-campus housing is required for incoming first-year students and optional for transfer and graduate students. The residence halls are connected by tunnels, forming an underground city with free laundry facilities and convenience stores ideal during winter months. Lifestyle and Special Interest housing, which group students interested in a particular interest, range from all male or all female floors to gender-inclusive as well as International House, Engineering House, and more. Graduate and transfer students may pick from single or multiple occupancy housing, residence halls, and apartment and suite-style living options.

The emphasis on safety includes residence halls being locked 24/7 with card access on the exterior doors or elevators leading to student rooms, smoke-free buildings, and RIT's alcohol and drug policy, which prohibits possession, consumption, or evidence of alcohol and drugs in all residence halls. Dining at RIT offers vegan, allergen-friendly, international cuisines. With over twenty venues around campus ranging from a traditional dining hall to retail restaurants and coffee houses, RIT makes it even easier with grab-and-go options and online ordering.

15,224
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1,822
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1,245
96%
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Student life

Life at RIT is busy, bold, and built to help our students discover themselves and their place in the world. With a holistic support of student wellness and a campus steeped in deep traditions and new activities, RIT and the greater Rochester community proudly embrace students from every corner of the globe, enriching our campus with a tapestry of cultures, languages, perspectives, and identities.

RIT offers a wide variety of activities for students at all levels of ability. With over 300 student clubs and organizations at RIT, we annually support over 13,000 on-campus and off-campus events each year. Whether you are into art, gaming, music, politics, science, pop culture, or theater you'll certainly find others at RIT who share your same passion.

RIT values student wellness on a holistic level. Our multiple athletic complexes support 20 intramural sports and 24 collegiate athletic teams. In addition to the wellness courses, students can find resources and assistance through the health center and mental health counseling center.

The Center for Campus Life provides inclusive programs, spiritual and religious support, services, and environments that foster engagement and connection to the RIT community.

Additional student resources include a disability services office, study abroad department, career services, and the English language center. Our International Student Services office works with our 2,000 international students to ensure their time at RIT is both successful and enjoyable.

What sets RIT graduates apart isn’t just their degree: it’s what they accomplish before they even receive it. We’re focused on partnering your studies with hands-on opportunities that are intentional and designed for you to build solid, career-focused experience.

RIT has one of the largest and most established cooperative education (co-op) programs in the world, ranked fifth by U.S. News and World Report (2024). Co-ops are full-time, paid work experiences related to your major and can include CPT & OPT opportunities for our international students. Annually placing more than 4,300 students with nearly 1,800 employers, we support your journey to get professional experience firsthand. It’s no coincidence that 60% of our students receive full-time job offers from their co-op employers after graduation.

With an RIT education and meaningful experiences, our students are more than prepared for life beyond RIT. Our class of 2023 has a 93% positive outcome rate: within six months of graduation, 88% of students were employed, 5% were in graduate school, and 1% were seeking alternative plans such as full-time volunteer work or military service. RIT is driving progress in industries and communities around the world.

To help get you there, RIT holds large career fairs in the Fall and Spring semesters, historically attracting hundreds of employers and recruiting representatives from throughout the U.S. and other countries. 

With an RIT degree, you'll be in good company with more than 145,000 well-connected alumni who value the power of an RIT degree and look to hire our graduates.

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

how_to

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

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A list of available scholarships around the world

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A scholarship application checklist

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Rankings & ratings

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is one of the top private universities in Rochester, United States. It is ranked #1001-1200 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

QS World University Rankings

  • 2022
    #1001-1200
  • 2023
    #1001-1200
  • 2024
    #1001-1200
  • 2025
    #1001-1200
QS Stars is a rating system that helps you select the right university based on your interests. It provides a detailed look at an institution, identifying which universities rate highest in the specific topics that matter to you, like facilities, graduate employability, social responsibility, inclusiveness, and more.

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Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) advanced Private Very High 12 yes 1822 L 2240