Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) vs Florida Tech

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) are two distinct universities with unique offerings. RIT, located in Rochester, New York, boasts a higher acceptance rate (78%) compared to FIT's 58%. RIT's student body is more diverse, with 30% international students compared to FIT's 13%. Both institutions excel in different areas; RIT is renowned for its programs in engineering, computing, and imaging science, while FIT is known for its strengths in aviation, engineering, and marine sciences. While RIT has a higher graduation rate (79%) than FIT's 68%, FIT offers a more affordable option with an average cost of attendance of $46,000 compared to RIT's $53,000. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Florida Institute of Technology	Rochester Institute of Technology
Overview
Location	Melbourne, Florida	Rochester, New York
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	82.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	65.9%	71.4%
Application fees	$50	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1140 - 1340	1270 - 1450
ACT range	24 - 30	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	68.0%	39.0%
Students submitting ACT score	30.0%	12.0%
Total number of applicants	10,650	21,923
Total number of admissions given out	7,016	15,645
Admitted students who chose to enroll	756	3,355
Yield rate	10.8%	21.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$61,442	$69,232
Average net price	$32,314	$35,012
Tuition	$42,346	$52,030
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,416 Meal plan: $5,980	Room/dormitory: $8,392 Meal plan: $7,000
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $25,807	100.0% Average amount $31,960
Students receiving federal student loan	48.0% Average amount $5,481	62.0% Average amount $5,197
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $24,026	16.0% Average amount $19,624

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,491 Men 69.4% Women 30.6%	14,000 Men 66.5% Women 33.5%
Graduate students	4,339 Men 35.7% Women 64.3%	2,790 Men 62.1% Women 37.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	54.8%	53.2%
International students	19.3%	11.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,017	6,543
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida New York New Jersey Maryland Pennsylvania	New York Pennsylvania New Jersey Connecticut Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Psychology Business Transportation and Logistics Computer and Information Science	Computer and Information Science Engineering Visual & Performing Arts Engineering Technologies Business
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	66.3%	69.0%
Dropout rate	32.8%	29.1%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,395 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $85,054 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,500 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $83,998 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,306 Year 2: $75,787 Year 3: $81,479 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,475 Year 2: $67,324 Year 3: $80,057 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,264 Year 2: $65,557 Year 3: $79,253 Air Transportation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $61,064 Year 3: $77,183 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,682 Year 2: $65,486 Year 3: $76,785 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,184 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $74,804 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,992 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $73,267 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,647 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $71,506	Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,382 Year 2: $89,006 Year 3: $104,341 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,806 Year 2: $98,137 Year 3: $98,068 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,771 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $93,116 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,470 Year 2: $79,389 Year 3: $92,303 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,401 Year 2: $72,901 Year 3: $87,280 Industrial Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,111 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $85,564 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,226 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $82,398 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,931 Year 2: $75,623 Year 3: $81,980 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,306 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $79,663 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,256 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $79,347

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech)?

RIT, located in Rochester, New York, is a large technological university known for its career-focused education, particularly in areas like engineering, computing, art, and design. It's also renowned for its co-op program. Florida Tech, situated in Melbourne, Florida, is a smaller, private university with a strong emphasis on STEM fields, especially aerospace engineering, ocean engineering, and related sciences. The climate and campus environment are significantly different, with RIT experiencing cold winters and Florida Tech enjoying a warm, coastal setting.
Which school is better for engineering programs?

Both RIT and Florida Tech have strong engineering programs, but their strengths differ. RIT offers a broader range of engineering disciplines and a larger, more established program with extensive research opportunities and industry connections, particularly in areas like microelectronic engineering and software engineering. Florida Tech excels in aerospace, ocean, and mechanical engineering, offering a more focused and personalized experience due to its smaller size. Your specific engineering interest should guide your choice.
How do the co-op/internship opportunities compare?

RIT is exceptionally well-known for its robust co-op program, requiring or strongly encouraging students in many programs to gain significant real-world work experience. This provides extensive opportunities for professional development and networking. Florida Tech also offers internship opportunities, and its location near Kennedy Space Center and other aerospace companies provides unique advantages for students in related fields. While Florida Tech's internship program is valuable, RIT's co-op program is generally considered more comprehensive and integrated into the curriculum.
What is the campus environment like at each school?

RIT has a large, modern campus with a diverse student body and a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations. The campus is located in a suburban setting near Rochester, New York, offering access to cultural attractions and outdoor recreation. Florida Tech has a smaller, more intimate campus located in a coastal city. The atmosphere is more relaxed and focused on STEM-related activities, with easy access to beaches and water sports. The climate is warm year-round, which is a significant difference from RIT's colder climate.
How do the tuition costs and financial aid options compare?

Tuition costs at both RIT and Florida Tech are relatively high, as they are private institutions. However, both schools offer various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's essential to compare the net cost (tuition minus financial aid) at each school based on your individual financial situation. RIT, being a larger institution, may have a wider range of merit-based scholarships available. Contact the financial aid offices at both institutions for personalized estimates.
Which school is better for computer science programs?

RIT generally has a stronger reputation and larger program for computer science. It offers a wider range of specializations and research opportunities within computer science, including areas like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and game design. Florida Tech also has a computer science program, but it is smaller and may not offer the same breadth of specializations. If computer science is your primary focus, RIT is likely the better choice.
How do the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios compare?

Florida Tech generally has smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio than RIT. This can lead to more personalized attention from professors and a more intimate learning environment. RIT, being a larger university, has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses. However, RIT also offers opportunities for students to work closely with faculty on research projects and in smaller, upper-level courses.
What are the career prospects like after graduation from each school?

Graduates from both RIT and Florida Tech are generally well-regarded by employers, particularly in STEM fields. RIT's strong co-op program gives its graduates a significant advantage in the job market, as they often have substantial work experience. Florida Tech's location near aerospace and technology companies provides excellent career opportunities for its graduates in related fields. The specific career prospects will depend on your major and the skills you develop during your studies.
Which school is better for students interested in art and design?

RIT is significantly stronger in art and design. Its College of Art and Design is highly regarded and offers a wide range of programs, including photography, graphic design, industrial design, and animation. Florida Tech does not have a comparable art and design program. If you are interested in pursuing a career in art or design, RIT is the clear choice.
How does the location of each school impact student life and opportunities?

RIT's location in Rochester, New York, offers a mix of urban and suburban experiences. Students have access to cultural attractions, museums, and a vibrant arts scene. The surrounding area also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and skiing. Florida Tech's location in Melbourne, Florida, offers a coastal lifestyle with easy access to beaches, water sports, and the Kennedy Space Center. The warm climate and proximity to the ocean are major attractions for students who enjoy outdoor activities.

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